Cleaning Business Owner Re-Arrested After New Victim Reports Stolen Jewelry
By Staff Reporter
iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published March 3rd, 2026
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Cleaning Business Owner Re-Arrested After New Victim Reports Stolen Jewelry
POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Lakeland woman who owns a residential cleaning business has been arrested again after a new victim came forward claiming jewelry was stolen during home cleaning visits, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO).
Detectives say 31-year-old Ashley Hernandez was taken into custody on March 2, 2026, after investigators obtained a warrant related to the theft of a white gold ring valued at approximately $2,500.
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| HERNANDEZ, ASHLEY NICHOLE / PCSO |
The investigation began after a Mulberry woman contacted the Sheriff’s Office on February 24. The woman said she recognized Hernandez after seeing a PCSO Facebook post and news release about her previous arrest.
The victim told deputies she had hired Hernandez to clean her home on January 26, February 13, and February 23. After seeing the report about Hernandez’s arrest, the woman checked her belongings and realized a white gold ring kept in a small jewelry dish next to her bathroom sink was missing.
Detectives later confirmed the ring had been pawned at Quick Cash Liquidators.
Investigators say the victim positively identified the ring as hers. Records from the pawn shop showed Hernandez had signed the receipt for the transaction on January 28, and the documentation included a copy of her identification and her right thumbprint.
Authorities say Hernandez completed 12 separate fraudulent pawn transactions involving stolen jewelry.
Based on the new evidence, detectives obtained an arrest warrant charging Hernandez with:
- Dealing in stolen property (second-degree felony)
- Providing false owner information to a pawnbroker (third-degree felony)
- Scheme to defraud (third-degree felony)
- Grand theft (third-degree felony)
Hernandez was arrested by deputies on March 2.
Third Arrest Since February
This marks Hernandez’s third arrest since February 18, when she was first taken into custody during a separate investigation involving stolen jewelry from an elderly Lakeland victim.
In that case, a 67-year-old woman reported approximately $11,500 worth of jewelry missing after Hernandez cleaned her home several times.
The stolen items included:
- An 8-inch diamond bracelet valued at $2,000
- A pendant valued at $3,000
- An 18-karat gold men’s ring with a Medusa imprint valued at $3,000
- A 7-inch 18-karat gold ID bracelet valued at $3,000
- 18-karat gold panther earrings valued at $500
Detectives recovered some of the jewelry at Quick Cash Liquidators, where Hernandez allegedly pawned the items. Authorities say some of the stolen pieces had already been sold or melted down.
During the investigation, detectives determined Hernandez had pawned stolen jewelry in Polk County that had been taken from victims in neighboring Hillsborough County, prompting additional charges.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office also issued a warrant for Hernandez in a separate grand theft case. She was taken into custody on that warrant by PCSO deputies on February 26, but posted bond and was released the following day. Those charges remain pending.
Sheriff Warns There May Be More Victims
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said investigators believe additional victims may still come forward.
“We would be willing to bet there are more victims out there,” Judd said. “In fact, we arrested her on the 18th of February, she bonded out of jail on the 21st, and cleaned this new victim’s home for a third time on the 23rd.”
Judd added a warning for anyone who may have hired Hernandez for cleaning services.
“If Ashley cleaned your home, she may have cleaned you out,” Judd said. “Please check your valuables and contact us if you suspect she did the same to you.”
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue reviewing potential additional victims.
View Her Mugshot HERE.
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