A 20-year-old Clearwater woman has been arrested following an internal investigation into repeated theft at an Ulta Beauty store in Seminole, Florida. Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies say the case involved months of alleged cash theft, documented incidents captured on surveillance video, and admissions made after the suspect was advised of her rights. Authorities identified the suspect as Rylee Mari Hanson Shanley, a seasonal employee at the Ulta location, and charged her with grand theft and scheme to defraud, both classified as third-degree felonies under Florida law.
The arrest brings attention to the role of retail loss prevention, internal controls, and the legal consequences associated with employee theft. According to the arrest affidavit, deputies responded to the Ulta Beauty store located at 7976 113th Street North on Thursday evening following a request from the company’s loss prevention team.
The investigation concluded that the business sustained a financial loss totaling $3,485.99 over several months. Law enforcement officials said the losses were attributed to repeated incidents in which cash was removed from store registers without authorization. The case progressed after loss prevention personnel compiled video evidence and transaction records that allegedly linked the thefts directly to Shanley.
Details of the Internal Investigation and Arrest
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies were called to the Seminole Ulta Beauty store at approximately 7:14 p.m. after loss prevention staff completed an internal review of suspicious cash shortages. According to investigators, the review identified a pattern of missing funds tied to specific shifts and register activity. Loss prevention personnel stated that they had obtained video footage documenting 12 separate incidents in which Shanley allegedly removed cash from a register while working as an employee.
Investigators said the footage showed Rylee Mari Hanson Shanley opening the cash drawer and taking money without conducting a legitimate transaction. The incidents reportedly occurred over several months, with the cumulative total reaching nearly $3,500. On the day deputies responded to the store, Shanley was allegedly observed removing an additional $60 from the register, an incident that contributed to the final reported loss amount.
After deputies arrived at the store, Shanley was identified and questioned in connection with the investigation. According to the affidavit, she was advised of her Miranda rights before being interviewed. During the conversation, deputies reported that Shanley admitted to stealing cash from the register on 12 occasions. She also acknowledged taking a facial cream valued at $40.99 on an unspecified date, in addition to removing $60 from the register on the day of her arrest.
Law enforcement officials stated that Shanley provided bank records during the interview, which she said reflected deposits made using stolen cash. The affidavit lists several deposits, including $880 on December 30, 2025, $1,400 on December 31, 2025, and $1,105 on January 13, 2026. Investigators indicated that these deposits aligned with the timeline of the alleged thefts identified by loss prevention staff.
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Based on the evidence presented, deputies placed Shanley under arrest at the scene. She was transported to the Pinellas County Jail, where she was booked on charges of grand theft and scheme to defraud. Jail records show that her bond was set at $5,000.
Charges Filed and Potential Legal Consequences
Under Florida law, grand theft and scheme to defraud are serious offenses that carry potential prison time, probation, and financial penalties. Authorities charged Shanley with both offenses as third-degree felonies, which can result in a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison for each count if convicted. Additional penalties may include fines of up to $5,000 per charge, restitution to the victim, and court-ordered supervision.
Grand theft charges in Florida are typically based on the value of the property or money taken. In this case, investigators reported that the total loss exceeded $3,000, meeting the statutory threshold for felony-level prosecution. The scheme to defraud charge reflects allegations that the thefts were not isolated incidents but part of an ongoing plan carried out over time. Prosecutors often use this charge when evidence suggests repeated actions intended to unlawfully obtain property or financial benefit.
Legal experts note that cases involving employee theft often rely heavily on internal documentation, surveillance footage, transaction logs, and admissions made during questioning. In retail settings, loss prevention teams play a critical role in identifying patterns that may indicate fraud or theft. When such investigations are referred to law enforcement, the evidence collected by the employer frequently becomes central to the criminal case.
If convicted, Shanley could also face long-term consequences beyond criminal penalties. A felony conviction may affect future employment opportunities, housing applications, and financial stability. Retail theft cases involving internal employees can also lead to civil liability, with companies seeking restitution for losses incurred as a result of the alleged misconduct.
Retail Loss Prevention and Broader Implications
The arrest highlights the ongoing challenges retailers face in preventing and detecting internal theft. While shoplifting by customers often receives public attention, industry data consistently shows that employee theft accounts for a significant portion of retail losses. Businesses frequently invest in surveillance systems, point-of-sale monitoring, and specialized loss prevention teams to mitigate these risks.
In this case, Ulta Beauty’s loss prevention staff reportedly identified discrepancies through a combination of video surveillance and transaction analysis. By narrowing the incidents to specific registers and shifts, investigators were able to determine a pattern that led to the identification of a suspect. Law enforcement officials indicated that the documentation provided by the company was sufficient to support criminal charges.
Retail analysts note that seasonal employees, who may receive less training or oversight due to the temporary nature of their positions, can sometimes be involved in internal theft cases. However, companies emphasize that theft prevention policies apply equally to all employees, regardless of role or tenure. Many retailers also stress the importance of internal reporting mechanisms that allow staff to report suspicious behavior anonymously.
From a legal standpoint, the case underscores the importance of proper investigative procedures. Advising suspects of their rights, documenting admissions, and preserving evidence are essential steps in ensuring that charges can withstand scrutiny in court. The inclusion of bank records and surveillance footage in the affidavit suggests that investigators aimed to build a comprehensive case linking the alleged thefts to financial transactions.
As the case moves through the legal system, Shanley is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Court proceedings will determine whether the evidence presented by prosecutors meets the burden required for conviction. The outcome may also influence how similar cases are handled in the future, particularly in terms of collaboration between private loss prevention teams and law enforcement agencies.
The arrest serves as a reminder of the legal risks associated with employee theft and the measures retailers take to protect their assets. It also reflects broader efforts by law enforcement to address financial crimes at the local level, emphasizing accountability and the enforcement of state theft and fraud statutes.