A Burlington Tim Hortons employee is accused of defrauding a franchise of more than $200,000 over a 16-month span.

According to Halton Regional Police, the owners of the franchise discovered that a substantial amount of deposits were outstanding while completing their year-end financial statements last month.

The employee responsible for making the deposits was then identified and the owners reported the theft to police.

Mariel Abejero, 42, was arrested on June 30 and charged with theft over $5,000.

Abejero is expected to appear in court on July 29.

Remember for instant breaking news follow @cp24 on Twitter.