Busch Gardens ticket taker accused of pocketing thousands of dollars

TAMPA — When Busch Gardens heard that one of its cashiers was voiding sales and pocketing ticket money, the company set up a sting with Tampa police.

An undercover officer tried to get the employee to void a sale Sunday, but it didn't work. Later in the day, as police watched, the guest services worker voided another transaction and kept $50 in cash, authorities said.

Police arrested Stephanie Jones Jolly, 44, of Temple Terrace, charging her with third-degree grand theft, petty theft and organized fraud.

In the past 30 days, police said, she stole $610 by making fraudulent transactions.

In custody, police said, she admitted committing the same scheme since she began working at Busch Gardens in 2008.

She told investigators she stole about $25,000 in all.

Adult admission to the park ranges from $69.95 for annual Florida resident passes to $74.95 for Florida visitors.

Busch Gardens declined to comment on Jolly or its own investigation.

"We have zero tolerance for criminal acts committed on Busch Gardens' property," Greg Smith, a spokesman for Busch Gardens' owner, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, said in a statement. "We are cooperating fully with law enforcement on this matter. As a matter of policy, we do not comment on our security measures."

Jolly was released from the Hillsborough County jail after she posted $9,750 bail.

State records show Jolly was arrested on a worthless check charge in 1991 and received three months' probation.

No one answered her door or phone Monday and she did not return messages.

News researcher John Martin contributed to this report. Justin George can be reached at (813) 226-3368 or jgeorge@sptimes.com.