Deputies: Woman forged documents, stole money from State Farm customers

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla — A woman who was supposed to be taking payments from State Farm insurance customers for their premiums is now accused of stealing the money instead.

Karla Silva was arrested for allegedly forging documents. She's also accused of using a friend's name to take out a credit card.

Silva worked at Don Cerenzio's State Farm insurance office on North Goldenrod Road in Orange County.

Silva allegedly applied for a credit card from State Farm and used a friend's name. She racked up more than $3,000 in charges.

During an investigation into the credit card fraud, detectives learned she took the money several State Farm customers had paid for their insurance premiums for two years, according to deputies.

Investigators said she even canceled one man's car insurance policy that caused his license to be suspended and he lost his job because of it.

The man, who did not want to be identified, drove around the streets of Orange County for a month and had no idea his car insurance was canceled.

"Yeah, I'm surprised by that because I know I pay for it," he said. "How she did it, I don't know."

His first $200 payment to State Farm insurance was never applied to his policy.

Luckily for him, he got his money and policy back.

"After that they put it back, you know? I continued insurance with them," he said.

Silva lost her job.

State Farm wouldn't discuss the situation with WFTV.

A spokeswoman said the company is cooperating with sheriff's detectives.

Silva is out of jail. WFTV contacted her, but she said she had no comment.

WFTV