The Columbus Police Department has announced that a former WTVM employee has been arrested for theft by deception. In October 2023, WTVM reported fraudulent activities by one of its former employees. Kimberly Johnson served as a marketing and advertising representative.

According to CPD, the investigation determined that several advertisements were created by Johnson for various businesses in the area. For each of these advertisements, she received a commission. WTVM spent additional funds on third-party platforms such as Facebook, Google, and other advertising companies based on the deceptive advertisements.

CPD said WTVM incurred a loss of $29,295.78 due to the fraudulent activities. On January 5, 2024, warrants were issued for Kimberly Johnson’s arrest. On January 11, 2024, she turned herself in to police. Johnson is being charged with Theft by Deception.