Navigation Florida Business Accused of False Imprisonment and Discrimination Against Transgender Customer
In a dramatic legal confrontation, a Florida resident has filed a lawsuit against a local business and its owner, alleging false imprisonment, defamation, negligence, and discrimination. The complaint was filed by Jaaliyah McCoy in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County on April 15, 2025. The defendants named in the suit are Kid to Kid of South Florida, LLC, and Francesca Brown.
The case revolves around an incident that occurred on July 31, 2024. According to the complaint, McCoy visited the Kid to Kid store in Palm Beach Gardens but left without making any purchases. An employee mistakenly suspected her of shoplifting and reported this suspicion to Francesca Brown. Without verifying these claims or conducting an investigation, Brown allegedly contacted law enforcement and falsely accused McCoy of theft. This led to McCoy being forcibly removed from a vehicle by police officers while she was traveling with a friend. She was handcuffed and made to sit on the ground in public view under the sweltering Florida sun.
McCoy’s lawsuit outlines several counts against the defendants. In Count I for false imprisonment, she asserts that her detention was unlawful and caused by Brown’s false report to law enforcement. She claims this resulted in emotional distress and physical harm requiring medical attention. Count II accuses Francesca Brown of defamation per se for making false statements about McCoy’s alleged criminal activity to third parties including law enforcement officers.
