A longtime controller for a Pinellas County air-conditioning firm has been accused of embezzling more than $100,000 from the business, according to an arrest warrant and sworn complaint filed on December 4, 2025, in the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court. The warrant identifies Lisa Marie Warner, 55, of St. Petersburg, who served as controller for MC Mechanical Air Conditioning Services Inc. Investigators allege Warner diverted company funds for personal use between January 2021 and July 2024.
Company owners Douglas and Denise McHenry told investigators they hired Warner, a family friend, in 2014 to oversee payroll, accounting, and human-resources operations, and that she had exclusive access to the firm’s bank accounts and credit card systems.
An internal audit in July 2024 reportedly uncovered $134,088.96 in overtime payments Warner issued to herself despite being a salaried employee, and investigators allege she also used company funds to pay about $523,392.07 toward her personal Capital One credit card, with $376,889.78 recorded in company books as business expenses tied to an owner’s card.
Subpoenaed credit-card records and company bank records were reviewed by Corporal Jamie Rayman of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, who reported that the owners had not authorized any such transactions. After the findings, the company restricted Warner’s access to financial systems, and investigators stated there was probable cause to believe she embezzled more than $100,000.
The charge reflects the statutory threshold, not the total amount alleged. Under Florida law, first-degree grand theft applies when the value exceeds $100,000. Once investigators document that the suspected theft exceeds that threshold, the charge is classified at the highest theft level. Although the complaint outlines significantly higher dollar amounts, the statute does not create additional degrees above that level. Therefore, the warrant states “over $100,000” because that is the legal requirement for a first-degree felony, even if the alleged losses are much higher.
A judge issued a warrant for her arrest on a charge of first-degree grand theft under Florida Statute 812.014(2)(a)1.
Warner was booked into the Pinellas County Jail on December 5, 2025, at approximately 12:43 p.m. She posted $250,000 bail and was released shortly after 4 p.m. the same day.
As with all criminal cases, the allegations in the warrant have not been proven, and Warner is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.