Employee Accused of Stealing Funds From Local Bakery Charged With 51 Felonies

Rosa Harwell, a 47-year-old employee of a local bakery in Tampa, has been arrested and charged with 51 felonies for stealing over $70,000 during her employment. The theft was uncovered through an internal audit that revealed a troubling pattern of more than 500 fraudulent transactions that occurred primarily during her shifts on weekends. Harwell asserted that her actions were motivated by a promise of a pay raise for tutoring the owner's son, which never materialized. Consequently, she felt justified in taking money from the register as a form of self-payment. On March 13, 2025, Harwell turned herself in to law enforcement, facing serious charges that include 50 counts of false entry in the books of a business entity and one count of grand theft in the second degree.

This incident underscores the critical impact of employee theft on local businesses and the necessity for thorough financial audits and oversight. The case has garnered attention not only for its financial implications but also for the ethical questions it raises regarding trust and accountability in the workplace. As investigations continue, it serves as a cautionary tale for employers and employees alike about the consequences of financial misconduct.