A former Clearwater Taco Bell employee faces a felony charge for allegedly routing nearly $10,000 in fake refunds to his own debit card.

Steven Devin Knight, 45, was charged with scheme to defraud with an aggregate value of less than $20,000 following an investigation by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, WTSP first reported Friday, Sept. 18. The alleged fraud took place at the Taco Bell at 3550 Ulmerton Road.

The charge is a third-degree felony under Florida Statute 817.034, which carries up to five years in state prison and a $5,000 fine.

Refund Activity Far Exceeded Normal Levels

According to the arrest affidavit, management at the restaurant flagged unusually high refund activity. The location had processed more than $5,000 in refunds during February 2026 alone. The store's typical monthly refund total ran between $50 and $100.

That gap caught management's attention and triggered the sheriff's office investigation.

Surveillance Footage Showed Fictitious Refunds

Investigators reviewed surveillance footage and said they observed Knight entering fictitious refunds into the point-of-sale system. The footage showed refunds being processed when no customers were present and when the restaurant was closed, according to the affidavit.

Knight worked at the Clearwater Taco Bell from Dec. 17, 2025, through May 16, 2026. Over that five-month stretch, the fraudulent refunds totaled approximately $9,709.71, according to records cited in the affidavit. That averages out to roughly $1,940 per month in alleged losses for the restaurant.

Knight Admitted to Scheme, Affidavit Says

According to the affidavit, Knight admitted to processing the fake refunds and routing the money to his personal debit card after management confronted and fired him. It is unclear from the available record whether that admission was made to Taco Bell management, to sheriff's office investigators, or both.

The charge is an allegation. Knight has not been convicted. No bond or custody status has been reported, and no court date has been made public.

Residents with information can contact the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office at 727-582-6200.