AUBURNDALE, Fla. — The boyfriend of Tonya Whipp, who disappeared a year ago, was arrested for using her financial accounts and redirecting her money to himself multiple times.
Russell Anthony Carroll was arrested Tuesday on charges of grand theft and unlawful use of personal identification information on Tuesday by the Auburndale Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, according to a news release.
Whipp was last seen by her family in May 2023 and reported missing a month later.
Law enforcement said no charges have been filed directly related to Whipp's disappearance. Police said detectives learned, over a certain period, that Carroll accessed Whipp's accounts and took her money.
At the time she vanished, Whipp was living with Carroll who was released from prison for a first-degree attempted murder of a previous girlfriend when he stabbed her.
Police searched Carroll's home in October, and the Auburndale police chief confirmed Whipp was not found at the home. In an October interview, Carroll told 10 Tampa Bay he was innocent. He said she would usually go away for weeks at a time.
"I don't know why she's doing this. I don't know where she went. It's just out of character and out of the blue for her," he said.
Carroll said they took his cell phone and computers. His brother said the backyard was dug up.
Police didn't disclose what was taken and there have been no developments in the case since.
Investigators are still seeking tips into Tonya’s disappearance. She's officially listed as "missing and endangered." Heartland Crimestoppers in Polk County is offering a $4,000 reward for information that finds her. Tips can be submitted by calling 1-888-400-TIPS.