Child Protection Employee Accused Of Stealing Gift Cards

TAMPA, FL -- An employee of a division of the sheriff's office charged with protecting children has been accused of stealing gift cards intended to aid children.

Kristine Brois, an employee of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Child Protective Investigations Division, was arrested at 1:45 p.m. Friday at the sheriff's office at 1501 N. Falkenburg Road.

According to the sheriff's office, Brois, an administrative specialist for more than 21 years, was charged with safeguarding activated gift cards used to aid children and families in need. She admitted to personally using or selling 11 $500 gift cards totaling $5,500 without the sheriff's office's knowledge.

She has been charged with third-degree grand theft ($5,000 to $10,000) and fraudulent use of a credit card over $100. She was suspended without pay pending the outcome of the investigation.

"I am disappointed to find out that one of our own employees would take advantage of the very children she was charged with helping," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "I am ashamed of this behavior which does not reflect our culture here at the sheriff's office."