Staff report

ALACHUA, Fla. – Kari Lynn Adams, 51, of Micanopy, was arrested yesterday and charged with grand theft and engaging in a scheme to defraud after allegedly using multiple credit cards issued by her employer to purchase products and services totaling over $118,000 over a 16-month period.

Adams was employed by Grosvenor Hotel Group, which owns the Hampton Inn in Alachua, between January 2022 and April 2023, when a representative of Grosvenor reported to Alachua Police Department that Adams had charged over $100,000 in unauthorized personal expenses on several company credit cards.

The employer reported that Adams had also given herself bonuses of over $22,000 over a three-year period without authorization.

The company opened a business credit card account in January 2022 with two cards, one for Adams and one for the owner, although the owner told police that he never possessed his card. However, that card was used extensively during the period between January 2022 and April 2023.

The owner’s card was reportedly used dozens of times a month, starting in March 2022, including large purchases on Adams’ personal Amazon account totaling over $52,000. Adams’ card was rarely used. Another card was later issued in the name “Kari L. Hall,” which is reportedly an alias used by Adams. The employer reported that this card was ordered without authorization. That card was also reportedly used dozens of times a month, starting in November 2022.

Transactions on the various cards include repairs on Adams’ personal vehicle at a repair shop in Micanopy, a purchase of a drone for $2,650, parts for her truck totaling $4,420 that were shipped to the Hampton Inn, a compound hunting bow for $1,100, casting reels for $1,100, bow accessories for $1,060, a rifle scope for $1,200, a hunting bow for $1,400, and another hunting bow for $1,800. She allegedly spent over $12,000 on gas and auto expenses.

According to the arrest report, “Adams treated herself to lavish dining experiences all over the state of Florida, spending over $2,800 just within 2022 alone.” She also allegedly spent over $33,000 at Bass Pro Shops, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sam’s, Lowes, Northern Tool Online, Ace Hardware, Home Depot, and Rural King.

Adams has no local criminal history. The arrest warrant signed by Judge David Kreider set bail at $150,000, but Judge Mark Moseley set bail at $3,000 at her First Appearance hearing.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.