CHICAGO — Brandon Kelly, 27, from Jacksonville, Florida, has been arrested in connection with a series of retail thefts across Chicago, including allegations of theft and threats made to a store clerk.
In December 2024, investigators received a tip that Kelly was involved in selling stolen merchandise in the West Englewood neighborhood of Chicago. On January 9, 2025, Kelly was observed stealing goods from various stores in the area. After the thefts, he returned to the West Englewood area to resell the stolen items, according to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office.
As the investigation continued, authorities reported that Kelly threatened a store clerk by pulling a gun from his waistband. Kelly was located in the 6200 block of South Ashland Avenue and arrested. Upon his arrest, a loaded handgun and nearly $10,000 worth of stolen merchandise were recovered.
Further investigation revealed that Kelly had an active arrest warrant for shoplifting in Cook County, and his criminal history includes numerous arrests for retail theft, burglary, domestic violence, and violations of orders of protection across Illinois, Florida, and California.
Kelly has been charged with multiple felonies, including aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, retail theft, and aggravated assault with a firearm. He appeared in court on Saturday, January 11, where a judge ordered him detained at Cook County Jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, January 14.
