A Lakeland man found himself on the wrong side of the law this week after being accused of using his company-issued credit card for personal expenses. According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, 37-year-old Steven Douglas Carter was apprehended at his home on charges of scheming to defraud and grand theft. His arrest came after a months-long investigation into illicit spending.
Florida Utility Trailer of Polk City, where Carter was employed, reported suspicious activity on a company card earlier in 2025, prompting the sheriff’s office to investigate. Authorities found that Carter allegedly made multiple unauthorized charges totaling $2,179.61. The incident serves as a reminder for both employees and employers to closely monitor corporate financial accounts.
The investigation into Carter's alleged misuse of funds led to an arrest warrant being issued. PCSO deputies visited his Kinsman Way residence on Tuesday evening and were able to arrest him without any reported difficulties. Carter was subsequently booked-in at the Sheriff's Processing Center, with the specific charges of scheming to defraud, a second-degree felony, and grand theft, a third-degree felony, hanging over his head.
