Wesley Chapel Woman Accused of Stealing $250,000

An employee at the North Redington Beach DoubleTree Beach Resort was behind bars Monday after Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies say she spent the last few years skimming money from the hotel’s accounts.

Valisa Ann Mathis, 46, is accused of taking more than $250,000 from the 17120 Gulf Blvd. hotel.

Deputies from the county’s economic crimes unit arrested Mathis Monday following an investigation into the charges, an agency press release said. The skimming, which deputies say took place between March 2011 and February 2014, was brought to light when an internal audit was conducted at the hotel.

Mathis, who managed the resort’s accounts used direct deposit to siphon money into her personal accounts, deputies said.

Mathis of 2945 Willowleaf Lane in Wesley Chapel was charged with grand theft. She was being held in the Pinellas County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bond, according to jail records.

Deputies say Mathis used the money for leisure activities and to pay monthly bills.

Photo Credit: Valisa Ann Mathis/Pinellas County Sheriffs Office