Firefighters in Florida are facing backlash after an incident involving 75 red-dyed tampons, which were allegedly tossed into the garden of a house where her ex-boyfriend lives with his new girlfriend.
Gabriel Franze, a 28-year-old smoke jumper with the Orange County Fire Service, reportedly visited her former home late on September 29, leaving behind the seemingly used tampons in the garden of her ex’s residence in Deland. This house is now occupied by him and his current partner.
Franze was arrested on two misdemeanor charges related to this act of vandalism. After the incident, while the investigation unfolded, she was placed on paid leave by her employer.
The new girlfriend of Franze’s ex-boyfriend reported the tampons to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office after she and her partner discovered them the following day. Officers noted that the feminine hygiene products were dyed red, just as if they had been used.
Surveillance footage from the couple’s home allegedly captured a pickup truck matching Franze’s slowly approaching the house. The footage showed a woman, believed to be Franze, throwing a tampon onto the grass. The pair recognized her vehicle, which had a dog kennel prominently displayed in it, and her license plate was also recorded nearby.
The couple speculated that this stunt was Franze’s way of expressing unhappiness about her ex moving on.
According to the affidavit, Franze had taken to social media to voice her discontent regarding her ex’s new relationship to mutual friends. When confronted by officers at her residence, she initially claimed she did not know where her ex lived. However, once presented with evidence, she admitted her involvement, although she insisted the idea wasn’t hers.
Franze revealed that her mother and aunt had come to visit and, as part of a prank, they had painted the tampons red to make them appear used.
Authorities characterized Franze’s actions as having been intended for harassment, lacking any legitimate purpose.
After appearing in court, Franze posted bond, and her legal team plans to file a complaint, claiming insufficient evidence connects her to the alleged offense.
Meanwhile, Morgan Rhodes, identified as the new girlfriend of Franze’s ex, took to Facebook stating that over 100 tampons had been thrown into their yard and driveway, referencing their suspicious red coloring.
Rhodes criticized Franze, emphasizing that firefighters are meant to embody honor and integrity, and expressed disappointment over Franze’s choices and the consequences for her badge and reputation.
