JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville woman is facing a second-degree felony charge after authorities say she used her position at a local company to steal more than $25,000 through a series of fraudulent purchase orders.
Shardae Bautista, 40, was arrested July 17, and booked into the Duval County jail on one count of organized fraud — engaging in a scheme to obtain property valued between $20,000 and $50,000.
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Alleged scheme
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office arrest report, Bautista worked as a buyer for SAFT America Inc., a battery manufacturing company located on Waterworks St. in Jacksonville, from May 2023 to May 2024. Investigators say she used that access to create three fraudulent purchase orders, funneling the payments to her own business, KAS Solutions.
The alleged scheme unfolded over several months in early 2024. Investigators say the fraudulent transactions broke down as follows:
- Jan. 11, 2024 — $9,589.56
- Feb. 21, 2024 — $9,669.67
- May 9, 2024 — $6,391.17
The total amount submitted for payment through the company’s disbursement vendor, was $25,659.40. According to the report, KAS Solutions received $25,554.53 of that amount.
How it was discovered
According to Bautista’s arrest report, the investigation began Oct. 7, 2025, when JSO patrol officers responded to SAFT America’s offices after the company reported an embezzlement concern. A complainant told investigators that Bautista had been “padding” business expenses and routing additional funds to KAS Solutions.
A financial audit conducted by the company determined that between January and May 2024, Bautista had allegedly stolen $25,659.40. Investigators noted that all items purchased through the fraudulent orders were described as “non-inventory items,” which did not require oversight from her division — a detail that may have helped conceal the alleged scheme.
Investigation, warrant, extradition
After subpoenaing financial records from VyStar Credit Union, investigators say bank records confirmed Bautista’s account received the three payments in question.
An arrest warrant was issued April 2, 2026. Bautista was located in York County, South Carolina, where she waived extradition on July 4. She was transported from the York County Detention Center to Jacksonville, where she was booked July 17.
Bond was set at $25,003.
Bautista’s first court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 6.