Gabrielle Franze (Volusia County Jail).
A Florida firefighter finds herself under fire after she allegedly dumped 75 red-stained tampons in her ex-boyfriend”s front yard.
Gabrielle Franze, a firefighter with Orange County Fire Rescue, faces two misdemeanor stalking charges. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report from the new girlfriend, who alerted them about the incident. The event reportedly took place around 10 p.m. on September 29 at their DeLand residence. The girlfriend had begun living with the homeowner after he and Franze ended their relationship, as noted in the affidavit.
On September 30, they discovered tampons in their yard, “stained red as if they were possibly used,” according to police statements. Surveillance footage from the previous night revealed a dark-colored pickup truck driving slowly by the house. The video showed a woman alighting from the truck’s back and tossing the tampons onto the property, as stated in the affidavit.
When asked who might do something like this, the couple suspected it was Franze, who seemed upset over her ex-boyfriend’s new relationship, according to the report. Social media comments from Franze reportedly expressed her dissatisfaction, and she allegedly spoke negatively about the new couple to mutual acquaintances, the affidavit mentioned.
Franze owns a pickup matching the one seen in the footage and is known to transport covered dog kennels, which were possibly used in the incident. License plate data indicated the truck was in the vicinity at that time, police noted.
Authorities visited Franze’s home to question her. Initially, she allegedly denied knowing her ex-boyfriend’s current address. However, when confronted with evidence, she reportedly changed her story, saying, “it was not her idea.” She claimed her mother and aunt, who were visiting from out of state, devised the scheme, as per the complaint.
Franze allegedly admitted that they purchased tampons and painted them red to look used, before driving to her ex’s residence to dispose of them. Police determined that Franze’s purported actions indicated a pattern of behavior aimed at harassing the victims for no valid reason.
Deputies arrested her and transported her to the Volusia County Branch Jail where she has since bonded out. Her lawyer filed a motion to dismiss, claiming there is not enough evidence in the charging affidavit that a crime was committed.
Orlando ABC affiliate WFTV reports Franze has been placed on paid leave from Orange County Fire Rescue as officials investigate.
