24-040 Detectives Arrest Clearwater Woman for Stealing Over $700,000 From Employer
Economic Crimes Arrest
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Economic Crimes Unit
Monika Hladik (Suspect – Arrested)
DOB: 02/08/1983
Address: 2135 Bramblewood Drive South, Clearwater
Charge: Scheme to Defraud
PINELLAS COUNTY - Detectives assigned to the Economic Crimes Unit have arrested a Clearwater woman for Scheme to Defraud, after writing company checks to herself and cashing them.
According to detectives, an investigation began in December of 2022 after a complaint was received from the president of Inspecs USA, an eyewear manufacturing company in Palm Harbor. The president advised that their Managerial Accountant, 41-year-old Monika Hladik, had been writing company checks to herself and forging his signature. Detectives say Hladik had been employed with Inspecs USA for twelve years and was responsible for writing company checks and bringing them to the president for his signature. They also advised Hladik was never authorized to sign checks or write any to herself.
Throughout the course of the investigation, detectives learned Hladik wrote 232 checks to herself between 2016 and 2022 and deposited them into her Wells Fargo bank account. The checks were written for various amounts and totaled approximately $710,531.00. Detectives say Hladik also manipulated QuickBooks accounting entries to cover up the ongoing theft for several years.
On March 14, 2024, Hladik was arrested and charged with one count of Scheme to Defraud.
The investigation continues.
