Merry Maids accused of stealing from Ocala home they were cleaning

Women used victim's credit card to go on shopping spree, police say

OCALA, Fla. – Pull up Merry Maids online and you'll see they pride themselves on reliable service and certified employees.

But now, two of their former employees are facing charges after police said they stole a homeowner's credit card and passport while cleaning her Ocala home in early May.

"She hired Merry Maids to come into her home. She's done it in the past but the girls who showed up this time were new," said Capt. Louis Biondi with the Ocala Police Department.

The two women who showed up were Nichole Blanchard, 24, and Brittany Moore, 24.

The two were new to the company, a representative with Merry Maids told News 6. Collectively, they had worked there less than two months.

Police said the women used the stolen credit card at five different locations around the city.

"In all my years of law enforcement this is the first I have heard of it in Ocala," Biondi said.

According to the incident report, the women used the credit card at places like McDonald's, gas stations, a Golden Corral and an auto repair shop.

They tried using the passport as a form of ID at a specialty store in downtown Ocala but it didn't work.

The company released a statement saying:

"Our customers’ safety and well-being are our highest priorities and we work diligently to provide them with the utmost service and security. We take this matter very seriously, and can assure the community that this behavior does not reflect the values and standards of our company. Our services are bonded and insured, and we will take care of our customer. We have been contacted by the local police department and are cooperating fully with local authorities."

A representative with the company says this is a first for them.

They added they do background and drug checks on their employees.
 


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