A longtime controller for a Pinellas County air-conditioning firm has been accused of embezzling more than $100,000 from the business, according to an arrest warrant and sworn complaint filed on December 4, 2025, in the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court. The warrant identifies Lisa Marie Warner, 55, of St. Petersburg, who served as controller for MC Mechanical Air Conditioning Services Inc. Investigators allege Warner diverted company funds for personal use between January 2021 and July 2024.
Company owners Douglas and Denise McHenry told investigators they hired Warner, a family friend, in 2014 to oversee payroll, accounting, and human-resources operations, and that she had exclusive access to the firm’s bank accounts and credit card systems.
An internal audit in July 2024 reportedly uncovered $134,088.96 in overtime payments Warner issued to herself despite being a salaried employee, and investigators allege she also used company funds to pay about $523,392.07 toward her personal Capital One credit card, with $376,889.78 recorded in company books as business expenses tied to an owner’s card…