She has been suspended from her job in the Hillsborough sheriff’s department’s Child Protective Investigations Division without pay pending the outcome of the investigation.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – A veteran employee in the sheriff’s child protection division has been arrested in connection with the theft and fraudulent use of gift cards destined for needy children and families, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said.

Kristine L. Brois, 50, was charged with one count each of Third Degree Grand Theft ($5,000 to $10,000) and Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card over $100. Brois is an administrative specialist I in the sheriff’s department Child Protective Investigations division. A 21-year department veteran, Brois has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the investigation.

Deputies said that, as part of her job, Brois was entrusted with maintaining and reconciling activated gift cards used to aid children and families in need. She admitted to personally using or selling eleven $500 gift cards totaling $5,500 without HCSO’s knowledge or consent.

“I am disappointed to find out that one of our own employees would take advantage of the very children she was charged with helping,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “I ashamed of this behavior which does not reflect our culture here at the sheriff’s office.”

Hillsborough Sheriff | Crime | Arrests | Tampabay News

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