Florida Teen Arrested After Identifying Herself in Police Facebook Post About Credit Card Theft
PALM COAST, FLORIDA — A 19-year-old Florida woman was arrested after she identified herself in a police Facebook post that sought help locating a suspect in a credit card theft at a nail salon, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies say Brynn Gifford faces multiple felony charges, including fraudulent use of personal identification of a person 60 or older, fraudulent use of a credit card, and petit theft.
Sheriff Rick Staly called it “a case of social media helping solve crime — and a suspect’s bad decision helping us even faster.”
Victim’s Credit Card Used 10 Times After Salon Visit
The investigation began after a Palm Coast woman reported her credit card missing following an August 6 appointment at Palm Nails, a local nail salon.
When she checked her account days later, she discovered 10 fraudulent transactions between August 6 and August 9, totaling over $500 in purchases at local stores and restaurants.
Detectives reviewed surveillance footage from several businesses, spotting a woman with long dark hair wearing a white camouflage jacket using the stolen card — but her identity remained unknown.
Suspect Called Police After Seeing Herself Online
On September 23, investigators shared a Facebook post asking for the public’s help to identify the woman in the low-resolution photo.
Within hours, Gifford herself reportedly called the sheriff’s office to say she was the person in the picture and asked to speak with detectives.
“Less than a day after we posted the suspect’s photo, she came forward to speak to our detectives,” Sheriff Staly said. “Of course, her bad decision landed her in jail.”
During questioning, Gifford initially denied wrongdoing. However, when detectives showed her photos from Walmart surveillance footage showing her making purchases with the stolen card, she admitted it was her.
She also showed officers her backpack, which contained notebooks and pens identical to those seen in the footage.
Gifford Worked at the Salon Where the Theft Happened
Investigators later learned that Gifford was employed as a receptionist at Palm Nails when the victim’s credit card went missing. A warrant for her arrest was issued on October 15, and she was taken into custody the following day.
She was booked into the Volusia County Correctional Facility in Daytona Beach and later released on a $4,000 bond.
“This case shows both the power of social media and the importance of integrity,” Sheriff Staly said. “If you commit a crime in Flagler County, we will find you — one way or another.”
Gifford is scheduled to appear in court later this fall. For updates on Florida crime, court cases, and breaking local news, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.