(Newsnations) – A man has been apprehended for allegedly accessing the financial account of a missing woman and redirecting her funds, authorities report.
Russell Anthony Carroll was taken into custody on Tuesday, facing charges of grand theft and the unlawful use of personal identification after repeatedly accessing Tonya Whipp’s accounts and transferring money to himself.
Carroll, identified as Whipp’s boyfriend, disclosed they began their relationship shortly after his release from prison, where he served time for attempted murder.
Tonya Whipp: Sisters say she wouldn’t just walk away
- Whipp’s family last communicated with her on May 26, and she made an online post on June 1.
- Whipp’s boyfriend mentioned that when he came home from work, she was no longer there.
- Her sisters insist that Whipp would never abandon her cherished dog.
Despite extensive search efforts, two months have passed without any word from Tonya Whipp, leaving her family desperate for answers.
Robin Klotzbier last spoke with her youngest sister on May 26.
“I miss her terribly and just wish she would walk through my door,” she said.
“I miss her. I love her. It’s tough dealing with this situation. She’s been gone for a while, and it’s weighing on everyone,” Carroll stated to reporters in October.
Although Carroll is a suspect in Whipp’s disappearance, he claimed he last saw her when he left for work in May but did not report her missing. No charges have been filed against him regarding her disappearance.
Tonya Whipp has been missing from Auburndale since last May. By December, her family expressed dwindling hopes of her safe return to WFLA.
“We’re struggling to find the right words. Our hope is fading, and we fear she may no longer be alive. We’re praying and trying to maintain our faith for the community’s sake,” said Tonya’s sister, Donna Martin.
The investigation into Whipp’s disappearance remains active.
Anyone with information about her location is urged to contact Detective Chris Wall of the Auburndale Police Department at 863-965-5555.
Anonymous tips can be submitted to Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-888-400-8477 or online at www.P3tips.com. A $4,000 cash reward is available for information leading to Tonya Whipp’s whereabouts.