SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. (WWSB) – A Probable Cause Affidavit from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office reveals that 54-year-old Linda Hyman duped a couple out of more than $750k, promising to furnish their home but ultimately pocketing the money.
The scheme began in 2023 when the couple purchased a new residence in Sarasota and enlisted Hyman, an interior designer at Clive Daniel Home, to decorate it.
Hyman persuaded the couple to transfer money to her personal bank account, claiming it would secure them better prices, contrary to company policy.
During nearly a year, they sent Hyman significant sums through 22 wire transfers.
In total, the amount exceeded $750k.
When the couple began to seek clarification and demanded receipts, they grew suspicious. This prompted them to contact Clive Daniel Home to investigate further.
There, they discovered that Hyman had not used their money to furnish their home, but rather for her own personal expenses.
A subpoena was issued for her bank records, revealing that Hyman had used the couple’s funds for her credit card payments, Amazon shopping, and expenses at the Hard Rock Casino.
We reached out to Clive Daniel Home for a statement regarding the arrest of their former employee.
They informed ABC7 that Hyman was terminated as soon as the allegations from the clients came to light.
Their statement reads:
“In the fall of 2024, we became aware of an incident involving a former employee who acted outside of our established business practices, leading to her immediate termination from Clive Daniel Home. We found that this individual directed a client to directly pay her personal bank account, falsely claiming it would save them money. Regrettably, she misappropriated those funds for her own use and failed to deliver products or any refunds to the client.
Upon being informed, we swiftly conducted a comprehensive review of the details provided by our client and promptly notified the relevant authorities. We have confirmed that all client funds and legitimate orders processed through our company were fulfilled and documented accurately.
We wish to stress that our company maintains strict protocols to protect our clients, and any transactions carried out outside of our official processes are unauthorized and unsupported. We are dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of conducting business outside these protocols and will continue taking every necessary action to safeguard our clients’ trust.”
The store asserts they are not at fault and have taken appropriate measures to assist the couple.
We have reached out to the couple and are awaiting their response.
The Probable Cause Affidavit also indicated that after her arrest, Hyman denied stealing any money from them.
Her next court date is set for September 25th, where she faces charges of Grand Theft, a first-degree felony.
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