LAKELAND, FL – A Walmart employee in Lakeland has been arrested and charged with grand theft after authorities say she stole more than $3,000 in cash during her shifts in April and May 2025.
According to a police affidavit from the City of Lakeland Police Department, Dianna Estelle Brauchle, 52, was observed on security footage removing cash from registers at the Walmart located at 5800 US Highway 98 North. The thefts allegedly occurred between April 10 and May 2, 2025, across at least 20 separate incidents, with amounts ranging from $50 to $500 each time, totaling $3,135.
The theft came to light after an Asset Protection employee noticed register discrepancies tied to Brauchle’s shifts. Surveillance video showed Brauchle concealing money during customer transactions, often using receipt paper or her body to obscure her actions. On one occasion, she was seen placing a $100 bill into her front pocket after covering it with receipt paper.
When questioned, Brauchle admitted to the thefts, telling investigators she had been evicted and was behind on bills. She couldn’t recall the number of incidents or total amount stolen. The affidavit notes she was cooperative and had no prior theft-related history.
Brauchle was charged with one count of Grand Theft (between $750 and $5,000), a third-degree felony under Florida Statute 812.014(2c1). She was issued a notice to appear in court, and the case was filed with the Tenth Judicial Circuit Court in Polk County on May 12, 2025.
Walmart has confirmed it is pursuing criminal charges in the matter.
