News Summary
Katie Navarrete, a 26-year-old waitress at La Nopalera in Jacksonville, was arrested for embezzling over $40,000. She allegedly altered her paychecks over 33 instances, leading to significant financial loss. Charged with organized fraud, Navarrete’s actions were uncovered after her employer alerted authorities. As investigations continue into her activities at multiple locations, concerns over workplace fraud are highlighted, stressing the importance of vigilant financial practices. She is scheduled for arraignment on September 17.
Jacksonville Waitress Arrested for Embezzling Over $40,000 from Employer
Jacksonville police have arrested a 26-year-old woman named Katie Navarrete in connection with embezzlement charges stemming from her employment at the local restaurant chain La Nopalera. The arrest took place on August 27, 2025, after an investigation revealed that Navarrete illegally altered her paychecks while working as a waitress.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Navarrete is accused of modifying 33 of her paychecks, which resulted in a total embezzlement of $42,917.17. She had been employed at two locations of La Nopalera, including Bartram Park and Fleming Island, from September 2023 until June 2025. These alterations allowed her to receive funds beyond her legitimate earnings.
Navarrete has been charged with organized fraud, a second-degree felony under Florida law. This serious charge reflects the magnitude of the alleged wrongdoing, defined as engaging in a scheme to defraud or commit theft that involves multiple instances of deception. She is scheduled for a court arraignment on September 17, 2025.
Investigative Background
The investigation into Navarrete’s actions was initiated after her employer, La Nopalera, reported potential fraudulent activity to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Management at the restaurant chain became suspicious of irregularities in payroll and subsequently led to the discovery of Navarrete’s paycheck manipulation.
Authorities determined that while working at the Bartram Park location, Navarrete was compensated with physical checks. Investigators uncovered that the alterations she made to her checks were responsible for the significant financial loss to her employer.
In addition to her arrest for the fraud in Jacksonville, Navarrete is also being investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office concerning her employment at La Nopalera’s Fleming Island location. This additional investigation suggests that her activities may have extended beyond the Jacksonville area, raising further questions about the extent of her alleged fraudulent actions.
Legal Proceedings Ahead
The charges against Navarrete underscore the legal ramifications that come with embezzlement and fraud in the workplace. If convicted, she faces potential prison time and significant penalties which vary according to the laws in the state of Florida concerning organized fraud.
This case serves as a reminder of the vigilance required in business practices to prevent fraud. Employers are encouraged to implement thorough checks and systems to monitor financial transactions to deter and detect any fraudulent behavior.
The situation is still developing as authorities continue to gather information and prepare for the upcoming court proceedings. Following her arraignment on September 17, a clearer picture of the legal steps that will take place will emerge.
For now, the employees and management of the La Nopalera chain are reassessing their payroll procedures while the case remains a high-profile discussion within the local community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Duval DOGE Committee Uncovers $18.5 Million in Unused Funds
Office Manager Charged with Embezzlement in Jacksonville
Captain Sandy Yawn Launches Luxury Boat Service in Jacksonville
Additional Resources
- News4Jax: Jacksonville Waitress Arrested for Embezzling Over $40,000
- ESPN: Ex-Jaguars Employee Faces Grand Theft Charges
- WITN: Jacksonville Woman Arrested for Card Fraud
- Jax Daily Record: Jacksonville Resident Charged with Fraud
- JD News: Woman Pleads Guilty to Embezzling from Businesses
- Wikipedia: Embezzlement
- Google Search: Florida Embezzlement Laws
- Google Scholar: Embezzlement Laws
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Embezzlement
- Google News: Embezzlement Cases
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
