A Florida firefighter was arrested on misdemeanor stalking charges after she allegedly dumped over 75 tampons, which she had painted red, in her ex-boyfriend’s yard in what law enforcement sources described as an act of jealous rage.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office says the incident occurred on or around Sept. 29, 2025, when Gabrielle Franze, the man’s ex-girlfriend, drove past her ex’s residence and scattered what appeared to be used and red-stained tampons across the front yard. Security camera footage reportedly captured a dark pickup truck circling the residence. Reports vary, but some estimates say someone threw around 75 tampons, while others report she left behind more than 100.
Franze eventually confessed
License plate reader data tied the vehicle to Franze. But initially, Franze, 28, denied any involvement and even claimed she did not know where the ex lived. But when confronted with the evidence, she admitted doing it, though she insisted that the act “was not her idea,” claiming instead that her mother and aunt had devised the plan because her ex was dating someone new. She also allegedly admitted to purchasing the tampons and painting them red to make them appear used.
Franze is charged with two counts of misdemeanor stalking, based on the allegation that the tampon-throwing act was intended to harass her ex. One of the counts of misdemeanor stalking was also related to the ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office took Franze into custody and later released her on bond.
At the time of her arrest, Franze was employed by Orange County Fire Rescue, where she had served since November 2019. Following her arrest, she has been placed on paid administrative leave pending a departmental review and a so-called “pre-determination hearing” that will determine whether she is fit to retain her position. A spokesperson for Orange County Fire Rescue stated the department is “committed to a thorough review of the matter.”
Published: Oct 6, 2025 04:45 pm