Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/132206
CRIME BLOTTER Joanne Bell/Contributed photo WOMAN ARRESTED IN FRAUD CASE INVOLVING MORE THAN $56,000 The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has ar- records indicated Joanne Bell, 37, of 525 Hand rested a woman for allegedly defrauding her Ave., Sarasota, was involved, the report notes. Tampa employer of more than $56,000 over a The investigation revealed that Bell, who period of 13 months. worked as a claims examiner, issued four The manager of Broadspire, a division of checks in the client's name but mailed them Crawford & Co. that handles workers' com- to her post office box in Sarasota, the report pensation claims, reported a grand theft of says. "Ultimately, 35 checks totaling $56,195.66 tens of thousands of dollars, according to were sent to Bell and deposited into her Chase a Sheriff's Office report. Firm employees Bank account between November 2011 and learned of the impropriety from a client who January 2013," the report continues. received a 1099 tax form from Broadspire that reflected more than the amount received in Bell was arrested May 20 and charged with benefits, the report says. The Tampa Police Scheme to Defraud. She was released from Department contacted Sarasota County detec- the Sarasota County Jail after posting $20,000 tives, because an internal audit of Broadspire bond, the report notes.