Popeyes Worker Arrested for Stealing Credit Cards to Fund Boyfriend’s Prison Account

A Florida woman has been arrested after allegedly stealing customer credit card information at a Popeyes drive-thru to fund her boyfriend’s prison commissary, authorities say.

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office announced that 42-year-old Shaunta Johnson is facing multiple felony charges for orchestrating the scam. Investigators say Johnson used stolen credit card details from unsuspecting customers to make payments to her incarcerated boyfriend at Apalachee Correctional Institution.

According to the arrest report, Johnson didn’t act alone. She allegedly recruited her coworker, 49-year-old Chaniqua Richberg, to help process the fraudulent transactions during their shifts at the Popeyes restaurant. Together, the pair allegedly carried out numerous charges before the scheme was uncovered.

Authorities also revealed that Richberg has a history of similar crimes. She was arrested in April on unrelated fraud charges and is currently out on bond. Her record also includes a prior conviction in Pennsylvania.

Johnson’s rap sheet is lengthy as well, including prior arrests for fraud, operating an unlicensed childcare facility, and drug offenses. Deputies say this latest scheme reflects a pattern of escalating criminal behavior.

Both women now face serious felony charges, including organized scheme to defraud, fraudulent use of a credit card, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

In a statement, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office condemned their actions, saying, “While they won’t be joining ‘friends’ who are already locked up in a prison cell, they are on a fast track to sleeping in a prison cell.”