In a case that has garnered widespread attention across Central Florida, Vanessa Roman, a Code Enforcement Officer for Osceola County, has been arrested on allegations of stealing a package containing a $600 iPhone. The incident, which came to light through a detailed arrest affidavit, raises serious questions about public trust, misuse of authority, and the strange circumstances surrounding the alleged theft.

According to the affidavit filed by investigating authorities, the incident began when Roman allegedly took possession of a package that did not belong to her. The package, which was delivered to a private property, reportedly contained a brand-new iPhone valued at approximately $600. Roman, who was working in her official capacity as a code enforcement officer at the time, claimed during an interview with a detective that she picked up the package “due to possibly seeing the owner of the land later in the day.”

However, her explanation quickly took a bizarre turn. Roman told investigators that after taking the package, she simply forgot about it — for nearly a week. This claim has raised eyebrows, particularly because the package remained inside her county-issued vehicle throughout that time.

Further adding to the confusion, the affidavit notes that Roman decided to open the package, although she did not specify why. To her apparent surprise, she allegedly found not a smartphone, but a box of Oreos inside. Investigators have not verified whether the contents were tampered with or replaced, and the original shipping documentation suggested the package contained an iPhone.

In a puzzling twist, Roman also admitted to tearing off the shipping label from the box. No explanation was given for this action either, though it could be seen as an attempt to conceal the identity of the intended recipient or the contents. She then placed both the package and the Oreos in her work vehicle, where they remained until the matter was brought to light.

During her interview, Roman denied ever seeing or handling an iPhone. Her story, however, has raised questions among law enforcement officers and the public alike, particularly due to the inconsistencies and lack of clear motive or reasoning behind her actions.

As the investigation continues, Osceola County officials have not commented in detail on Roman’s current employment status, though it is standard procedure in such cases to place the employee on administrative leave pending the outcome of legal proceedings. A spokesperson for the county issued a brief statement affirming that the county is cooperating fully with law enforcement and will take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation.

Legal analysts note that Roman could face charges related to theft and tampering with mail, depending on the outcome of the forensic examination of the package and its original contents. If the iPhone is confirmed to have been in the package when it was delivered, this could elevate the matter to a felony-level offense due to the value of the stolen item.

Public reaction to the case has been a mix of disbelief and frustration, particularly as it involves a public official entrusted with upholding the law and community standards. The case highlights ongoing concerns about accountability and transparency among local government employees.

The coming weeks will likely shed more light on the true nature of Roman’s actions, as investigators continue to gather evidence and potentially seek surveillance footage, delivery records, and witness statements. Meanwhile, the individual who was meant to receive the iPhone has not publicly commented, though it’s understood that they filed a report after noticing the package was missing.

As of now, Vanessa Roman remains at the center of a developing legal case that could have significant personal and professional consequences.