TAMPA — A former Tampa Police employee is facing federal charges after authorities say she stole identities from law enforcement databases and conspired to use information to commit tax refund fraud.

A grand jury indictment against Tonia Bright, 53, was unsealed Monday. Bright worked for Tampa police for more than three decades.

She was accused in a recent search warrant affidavit of providing names, birth dates and Social Security numbers to Rita Girven, who pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft and conspiracy to commit wire fraud six months ago.

Girven was a former Tampa police informer. Her record includes theft and fraud convictions.

Associated Press