The Pinellas Park Police Department has arrested 45-year-old Cherie Carter following an investigation that began in March 2024.
Carter, who was employed as the sole executor of payroll for Bay Area Orthopaedic Specialist, is accused of defrauding the company by paying herself additional funds.
The investigation revealed that Carter, who had been with the company for several years, started the fraudulent payments in October 2022. During this period, she paid herself a total of $138,800 more than her rightful salary. Additionally, approximately $70,000 in cash deposits went unaccounted for, reportedly used by Carter for personal expenses and a lavish lifestyle.
Detectives took Carter into custody on Wednesday morning. She was transported to the Pinellas County Jail, where her booking photograph was taken.