JUPITER, Fla. (WPBF 25 News) — A Jupiter-based doctor is facing serious allegations after being accused of stealing more than $1,000 from a local business owner who had employed her.
Virginia C. Phipps, a board-certified internal and functional medicine physician, allegedly used the bank account of Christie Shumate, the owner of Transformations Esthetics & Wellness, to pay her own bills. According to Jupiter Police, the fraudulent charges totaled $1,033 and included payments to Verizon Wireless, Florida Power & Light, and a storage unit company — all linked to Phipps.
Shumate told WPBF that she hired Dr. Phipps last year as a part-time medical director. She discovered the theft while reviewing her bank account after issuing monthly payments to Phipps.
“I thought I should have more money in there, and to my surprise, I noticed five different charges that had her name next to them,” Shumate said. She added that she had written checks in February and March for services rendered, unaware of the additional unauthorized transactions.
Upon noticing a charge to Verizon Wireless — a service she doesn’t use — Shumate began investigating. She found five separate transactions with Phipps’ name and eventually notified the Jupiter Police Department. Authorities later confirmed that Phipps had been using Shumate’s bank information to pay personal bills.
“This actually ended up being identity theft,” Shumate said. “She didn’t wash the check. She used my account and identity.”
After stopping payment on the final check, Phipps allegedly contacted Shumate by phone, text, and even appeared at her office to question the stopped check — despite the ongoing theft allegations.
Shumate said she is grateful to the Jupiter Police Department for their timely response, especially after hearing that Phipps may have planned to move to Alaska.
“I’m so thankful they wrapped this up before that happened,” she added.
Phipps has not responded to media inquiries. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be considered.
