FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — Brian Anthony Thornton, 45, a man known for his ties to various business schemes and social media controversies, was booked into the Allen County Jail this week on grand theft charges. Thornton is currently being held on a $500,000 bond and is awaiting extradition to Jacksonville, Florida, where he faces allegations of “fraudulent behavior.”
Thornton’s arrest stems from an investigation led by the CSX Police Department, which revealed key findings regarding his time working at the railroad company. According to CSX’s media relations director, Thornton failed to attend required meetings, claimed computer issues, and was caught using a “Mouse Mover” program, which simulates computer activity. As a result, Thornton did not perform actual work during his employment, though he was still paid $13,413.
Investigators also noted that no state income tax was withheld from Thornton’s salary because he allegedly used a Jacksonville address instead of his Indiana residence. Additionally, police claim Thornton provided false information, including his social security number and date of birth. The investigation revealed that Thornton also stole a CSX-issued computer valued at approximately $3,000.
Further investigation uncovered that Thornton falsely claimed employment at both Salesforce and the National Association of Heavy Equipment Training, but neither organization could verify his employment.
Thornton’s criminal history and notoriety around Fort Wayne include various legal disputes. He has been banned from local bars and involved in multiple lawsuits, many stemming from online conflicts. Court records show that he allegedly created fake social media accounts and filed numerous complaints that were dismissed.
Thornton’s legal issues date back to 2013 when the then-state attorney general, Greg Zoeller, filed a lawsuit against Thornton and a snow removal business he operated. The lawsuit accused Thornton of charging customers over $3,000 without providing the promised services.
Additionally, Thornton has sued several individuals in state court for defamation, typically due to online accusations. In one notable case, he filed a lawsuit against Meta in federal court, claiming that the platform published content harmful to him. The case, like many others, was dismissed due to Thornton’s failure to appear in court, often leading to him incurring the legal costs.
Thornton’s arrest marks a significant development in a long history of alleged fraudulent activities and legal disputes.
