NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – A Kissimmee man accused of carrying out a large-scale retail fraud scheme targeting Walmart stores across Florida and Georgia has been arrested following a months-long investigation by the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office.
Branden Nikita Brown, 31, was taken into custody last Friday and charged with six counts of retail theft. Investigators allege Brown used fraudulent digital receipts to obtain refunds for merchandise he never purchased, stealing nearly $10,000 in the process.
The investigation began in December 2024 at the Walmart in Yulee, where a loss prevention employee reported suspicious return activity. Detectives learned Brown entered the store without merchandise, selected two mattresses from the sales floor, and then presented customer service with a fake receipt displayed on his phone to complete a return and receive a refund. Deputies were later alerted to a similar incident at the Walmart in Fernandina Beach.
With assistance from Walmart’s corporate investigative team, detectives determined Brown used the same method at dozens of locations. Authorities said Brown attempted fraudulent returns at 41 Walmart stores between January 2024 and February 2025, spanning multiple counties in Florida and extending into Georgia.
“This case shows that criminals don’t recognize county lines,” said Bill Leeper. “This suspect allegedly targeted businesses across 15 separate judicial circuits. Our investigators don’t stop at county lines either, and I’m proud of their diligent work to hold this suspect accountable.”
Brown was booked into the Nassau County Jail and Detention Center. His bond was set at more than $120,000. The investigation remains ongoing.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.