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.
Count III addresses negligence on the part of both defendants for failing to conduct a reasonable investigation before accusing McCoy of shoplifting. This negligence is said to have caused her significant emotional distress and physical symptoms necessitating emergency medical treatment. Count IV further elaborates on negligent infliction of emotional distress due to their actions.
Perhaps most notably, Count V alleges public accommodation discrimination under the Florida Civil Rights Act. McCoy claims she was treated differently because she is an African American transgender woman. The complaint details how Francesca Brown referred to her in derogatory terms indicating bias against her gender identity and expression. This discriminatory treatment allegedly culminated in her public humiliation during the incident with law enforcement.
McCoy seeks damages exceeding $50,000 exclusive of interest and costs as well as attorney’s fees. She demands a jury trial for all issues so triable along with any other relief deemed just by the court.
Representing Jaaliyah McCoy is attorney Evan I. Fetterman from Fetterman Law located at North Palm Beach FL 33408. The case has been assigned Case Number: 502025CA003626XXXAMB.