Micanopy Woman Ordered to Pay $139K Restitution

ALACHUA – A 51-year-old Micanopy woman has been sentenced to one year and seven days in state prison, followed by 13 years of probation, after pleading guilty to grand theft of over $20,000. Kari Lynn Adams was also ordered to pay more than $139,000 in restitution for funds stolen from her employer, the Hampton Inn in Alachua.

Adams was arrested on March 22, 2024, following an investigation into unauthorized use of multiple company credit cards. Over a 16-month period, she racked up more than $118,000 in personal purchases.

According to the arrest report, Adams used the company cards to fund “lavish dining experiences” across Florida, spending more than $2,800 on meals in 2022 alone. She also made significant purchases at retail and outdoor stores, including over $33,000 spent at Bass Pro Shops, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sam’s Club, Lowe’s, Northern Tool, Ace Hardware, Home Depot, and Rural King.

Adams was initially charged with grand theft and engaging in a scheme to defraud. As part of a plea agreement, she entered an open plea to grand theft over $20,000, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in state prison. In exchange, the fraud charge was dropped.

Judge David Kreider sentenced Adams to just over a year in prison, followed by a 13-year probation period. She was also ordered to pay $100,000 in restitution to the insurance company covering her employer’s losses and $39,436 directly to the Hampton Inn. The repayments must be completed three months prior to the end of the probationary period.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com