SAN ANTONIO – Olmos Park police said it's possible other local people have been victimized by Frances Jones-Lawrence, a 39-year-old woman accused of stealing more than $26,000 from her employer.
A charge of theft was officially filed against her Thursday after a lengthy investigation by the Olmos Park Police Department.
Chief Rene Valenciana said the owner of an Olmos Park plumbing and air conditioning business contacted his department with claims that Jones-Lawrence, his office manager, had been embezzling money during a two-year period beginning in 2012.
"She was taking customers' checks, and she was turning around and cashing the checks herself," the business owner said.
An arrest warrant affidavit stated that Jones-Lawrence also maxed out 13 of the company's credit cards that she had been instructed to destroy, charging more than $21,000 in purchases.
She also is accused of selling several cellphones and electronic tablets that the company bought for its employees.
The affidavit stated that the owner of the business hired the suspect even after she allegedly was caught stealing from him, but told him she "made a mistake."
"He gave her multiple chances," Valenciana said. "He was real forthcoming with her, tried to guide her, mentor her."
The affidavit stated that Jones-Lawrence at first worked for the business through a temporary agency. Later, after she was hired directly by the company, she submitted false information for a background check, the affidavit stated.
The owner fired her in August 2014 after learning about the credit card theft.
In the affidavit, police said Jones-Lawrence is currently on parole after serving time in prison related to a 2008 theft case.
Valenciana said she committed that crime while working in the purchasing department for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Austin.
Records show she was convicted and sentenced to prison, then was granted parole in 2011.
Police said they believe there may be other people who've been taken advantage of by Jones-Lawrence.
They urge any other victims to call the Olmos Park Police Department at 210-824-3281.