In a noteworthy incident unfolding in Alachua, Florida, 33-year-old Essence C. Robinson found herself in custody after an attempt to use a fraudulent check at an Advance Auto Parts store. The alleged scheme involved purchasing over $2,000 in merchandise at the Alachua location, only to be thwarted by vigilant employees.

The incident came to light around 6:38 p.m. on March 26, when officers from the Alachua Police Department were called to the store situated at 15579 NW U.S. Hwy 441. According to store employees, Robinson had selected items worth $2,123.11 and attempted to settle the bill with a check. However, the manager, alert to warning signals from a store in Lake City about similar fraudulent activities, wisely refused the transaction. Robinson then made a hasty exit in a black sedan bearing a Texas license plate.

With suspicions that Robinson might attempt the same ploy at other local Advance Auto Parts stores, the responding officer promptly alerted the High Springs Police Department. Their quick action led to the discovery of the black sedan at the High Springs location at 20201 U.S. Hwy 441. Robinson, accompanied by two unidentified individuals, appeared to be preparing for another attempt.

Upon being read her Miranda rights, Robinson initially denied any wrongdoing, claiming she had neither entered the Alachua store nor attempted a purchase. However, her story shifted, admitting she had been in the store but insisted she was merely checking prices with no intention to buy.

A subsequent search of the sedan revealed around 15 blank checks, as well as receipts from various Advance Auto Parts locations in Lake City, summing up to approximately $1,800. These items matched those found in the vehicle’s trunk. The search also uncovered receipts from stores in Georgia and several Green Dot cards, further complicating Robinson’s legal predicament.

A search of the black sedan reportedly produced about 15 blank checks, along with receipts from multiple Advance Auto Parts stores in Lake City, totaling about $1,800; the items on the receipts were reportedly found in the trunk of the sedan. The search also reportedly produced additional receipts from stores in Georgia and several Green Dot cards.

Robinson has been charged with attempted fraud and attempting to pass a fraudulent check. She has no criminal convictions in Florida, but she has an unspecified criminal history in another state between 2010 and 2026. Judge Meshon Rawls set bail at $30,000.

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.