Social media erupted after a video surfaced showing Imarah Aaliyah Bryan, a 26-year-old woman with special needs, who was jailed for 50 days over a petty theft charge involving $145 worth of merchandise from a Target store in Orlando, Florida.
The video, posted on September 20 on X, depicts Bryan facing a judge as she accepts a no-contest plea. According to arrest records, Bryan allegedly stole items valued at $145.17 but reportedly never left the store with them.
Users on social media expressed disbelief and anger over Bryan’s lengthy jail time for such a minor offense. “They really locked up a special needs woman for 50 DAYS over $49 at Target… make it make sense,” one user wrote.
Another user shared court documents and added, “She served 50 days, owes the court for appointing her defender, owes the police $339.70 for ‘investigation,’ and more — all over $145.17 worth of stuff.”
In court, Bryan was informed she would have to pay a $339 investigation fee to the Orlando Police Department, a $500 bond, and accept a ban from the Target location where the incident occurred. Despite her pleas and her public defender’s request to reduce court costs to a civil debt, Bryan was sentenced to credit for time served—50 days—and adjudicated guilty of petty theft.
The judge confirmed that Bryan was mentally alert and represented by counsel before accepting her plea. Bryan softly confirmed she understood the consequences, including waiving her right to trial.
Social media users condemned the justice system for incarcerating a vulnerable woman for such a lengthy period over a minor theft. One user wrote, “Our system is sick as hell,” while another commented, “They know damn well that lady don’t know what’s going on, let alone what she’s signing.”
Bryan appeared relieved to finally leave jail after nearly two months, highlighting concerns about how the justice system handles cases involving individuals with special needs.
