Brian Tymone Auplant, 36, has been arrested and charged with engaging in a fraudulent scheme after allegedly visiting multiple businesses at Butler Plaza in Gainesville, Florida, over a period of several months. Between October and December of 2022, Auplant approached employees at these businesses, claiming to be a partial owner of the land or a representative with connections to Butler Enterprises. He allegedly demanded money from the businesses, though he never specified a dollar amount.
According to the Gainesville Police Department, Auplant fabricated several identities during these interactions, sometimes claiming to be a partial owner of the businesses or land, an owner of Butler Plaza, a subcontractor, or a vendor/distributor. Despite his multiple attempts, no businesses were fooled into giving him any money.
The Scheme and Investigation
Auplant’s alleged scheme escalated when, on December 28, 2022, he visited the Butler Enterprises management office. He reportedly told an employee that he had invoices from the 1990s linked to his grandfather and that Butler Enterprises owed him money. He mentioned well-known businesses like Bonefish and Outback and claimed ownership of half of the land, stating that he could not access the trust fund money until he reached a certain age.
A responding officer used the contact information Auplant provided to employees and reached a man who confirmed his identity as Auplant. Upon confronting him about the allegations, Auplant reportedly claimed he “owns them” and suggested the officer “check the parcel numbers” to verify his claims.
Identification and Arrest
The investigation led to a sworn complaint being filed in January 2023, followed by a warrant for Auplant’s arrest in February 2023. He was eventually located and arrested in Collier County in March 2023, and remained in jail until he was transferred to Alachua County Jail.
Auplant has a criminal history, including several juvenile convictions and numerous adult felony and misdemeanor convictions. Court documents also list him as a gang member. He had previously been arrested in Alachua County in January 2023 for resisting an officer, prior to the arrest warrant being issued. He was later released on bail but forfeited the bond after failing to appear for a court hearing in June 2023.
Court Proceedings and Bail
Auplant faces serious charges in connection with the fraud scheme. Judge Susan Miller-Jones set bail at $100,000 for the fraud charge, and an additional $99 for failing to appear in court. His case is ongoing as authorities continue to review the fraudulent activities linked to the Butler Plaza businesses.
