Florida Firefighter Accused of Dumping 75 Red-Stained Tampons in Ex-Boyfriend’s Yard After He Started Dating Someone New, Police Say
DELAND, Florida — A Florida firefighter is facing criminal charges after allegedly dumping 75 red-stained tampons in her ex-boyfriend’s front yard because she was angry that he had started dating someone else, according to investigators.
Firefighter Accused of Harassment With “Red-Stained” Tampons
The suspect, identified as Gabrielle Franze, a firefighter with Orange County Fire Rescue, was charged with two counts of misdemeanor stalking, according to an arrest affidavit filed by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said the bizarre act happened shortly after 10 p.m. on September 29 at a home in DeLand, where Franze’s former boyfriend now lives with his new girlfriend.
The next morning, on September 30, the couple reportedly stepped outside to find dozens of tampons scattered across their front yard, many of them “stained red as if they were possibly used,” according to the affidavit.
Surveillance Footage Captures the Act
The girlfriend called deputies after spotting the tampons, and police soon reviewed surveillance video from the night before. Footage showed a dark-colored pickup truck slowly driving past the home, waiting for traffic to clear.
Investigators said a woman sitting on the back of the truck jumped out and began throwing the tampons into the yard before hopping back onto the vehicle.
When deputies asked who they believed was responsible, both victims immediately named Franze, saying she had been “demonstrating she was unhappy” that her former boyfriend had moved on.
According to the report, Franze had recently posted angry messages on social media, spoke poorly about the couple to mutual friends, and made clear she was upset they were dating.
“It Wasn’t My Idea,” Franze Allegedly Told Deputies
When detectives arrived at her home, Franze initially denied knowing where her ex-boyfriend lived. But once confronted with surveillance evidence, she changed her story and said “it was not her idea.”
Franze allegedly told investigators that her mother and aunt — who were visiting from out of state — had helped her plan the stunt. She claimed the three of them bought boxes of tampons and painted them red to make it look like they had been used.
They then drove to her ex-boyfriend’s home and dumped them in the yard, Franze reportedly admitted.
Deputies wrote that the behavior showed “a course of conduct” designed solely to harass and intimidate the victims and that it “serves no legitimate purpose.”
Firefighter Placed on Leave
Following her arrest, Franze was taken to the Volusia County Branch Jail, where she later posted bond. Her attorney has since filed a motion to dismiss, arguing that the charging affidavit lacks sufficient evidence that a crime was committed.
Officials with Orange County Fire Rescue confirmed that Franze has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, according to WFTV Orlando.
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