Tonya Whipp disappeared a year ago and has never been found.
AUBURNDALE, Fla. — The boyfriend of Tonya Whipp, who disappeared a year ago, has been arrested after being accused of using her financial accounts and diverting her money to him multiple times.
Russell Anthony Carroll was arrested Tuesday by the Auburndale Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on charges of grand theft and unlawful use of personal identification information, according to a news release.
Whip was last seen by her family in May 2023, and was reported missing a month later.
Law enforcement said no charges have been filed directly related to Tonya’s disappearance. Police said detectives learned over a period of time that Carroll accessed Whipp’s account and took her money.
At the time of her disappearance, Whipp was living with Carroll, who was released on charges of attempted first-degree murder in the stabbing of his ex-girlfriend.
Police searched Carroll’s home in October, and the Auburndale Police Chief confirmed that Whipp was not found there. In an October interview, Carroll told Tampa Bay 10 that he was innocent. She is typically away from home for weeks at a time, he said.
“I don’t know why she’s doing this. I don’t know where she went. It’s just unconventional and sudden for her,” he said.
Carroll said her cell phone and computer were taken from her. His brother said the backyard had been dug up.
Police have not revealed what was filmed, and no progress has been made in the case since then.
Investigators are still searching for clues in Tonya’s disappearance. She is officially listed as a “missing and endangered species.” Heartland Crimestoppers of Polk County is offering a $4,000 reward for information that leads to her. Tips can be submitted by calling her at 1-888-400-TIPS.
