The now-former general manager of the Leesburg Taco Bell was arrested after being accused of stealing more than $3,000 in nightly deposits over a one-week period last month.
Jasmine Daree Heard, 28, of Ocala, was charged with larceny grand theft of between $300 and $5,000. She was fired from her job.
A loss-prevention manager for the restaurant, located at 27443 U.S. Hwy. 27, told a Leesburg police officer on Aug. 1 that he was notified by Taco Bell’s accounting department about unaccounted for deposits. Truist Bank could find no evidence of reported deposits on July 12, ($1,024.27), July 15 ($830.00), July 18, ($648.86), and July 19 ($630.00). The total amount of the unaccounted for deposits was $3,139, according to the police report.
The loss-prevention manager then spoke with Heard, who was responsible for preparing the deposits and taking them to Truist. Heard denied stealing any of the money and signed a written statement. In the statement, Heard said she was the only person taking deposits to Truist but she did not take the money, the report said.
The loss-prevention manager provided surveillance video of Heard preparing the deposits inside the store and then driving off with the money in her personal vehicle. The bank is right across the street, according to the report.
A warrant was issued Wednesday and Heard was arrested Thursday. She was released on $2,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Lake County Court on Aug. 29.
