A Florida firefighter is facing criminal charges after authorities say she threw dozens of red-stained tampons into her ex-boyfriend’s front yard in what deputies described as an act of harassment.
Gabrielle Franze, a firefighter with Orange County Fire Rescue, has been charged with two misdemeanor counts of stalking, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. The alleged incident occurred around 10 p.m. on September 29 in DeLand.
Deputies were contacted by the homeowner’s current girlfriend, who reported finding approximately 75 tampons in the front yard the next morning. According to an arrest affidavit, the items were “stained red as if possibly used.” Security footage reportedly showed a dark-colored pickup truck driving past the residence, stopping briefly, and a woman exiting the vehicle to toss the items before driving away.
Both the homeowner and his girlfriend told investigators they believed the woman in the video was Franze, saying she had recently expressed anger over her former boyfriend’s new relationship. The affidavit noted that Franze had made social media posts criticizing the couple and had spoken negatively about them to mutual acquaintances.
Investigators said Franze owns a truck matching the one seen on camera, and license plate readers confirmed the vehicle was in the area at the time. When deputies visited her home, Franze allegedly first denied knowing where her ex-boyfriend lived but later admitted involvement, claiming the act was not her idea. She reportedly told investigators her mother and aunt, who were visiting from out of state, helped her plan the incident. The group allegedly bought tampons, painted them red, and disposed of them in the yard.
Deputies concluded Franze’s actions were intended solely to harass and had “no legitimate purpose.” She was arrested and booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail before bonding out. Her attorney has since filed a motion to dismiss the charges, arguing that the evidence does not substantiate a criminal offense.
Orange County Fire Rescue confirmed to WFTV that Franze has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.