Deputies: Woman Fraudulently Bought Truck from Pensacola Dealership, Posed for Picture
A 51-year-old Pensacola woman, Brandi Neal, has been arrested and charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle and six counts of fraud. The incident occurred on May 8 at Sandy Sansing Chevrolet on Pensacola Boulevard.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Neal allegedly stole another person’s identity and used it to purchase a red 2018 Chevy pickup truck. She posed for a picture with the vehicle wrapped in a bow on the same day.
The victim reported the incident to deputies on May 12 after receiving a notification from Credit Karma about the purchase made in her name. The sheriff’s office stated that the truck was later found abandoned on private property and was returned to the dealership.
Neal was arrested on Wednesday and is being held in Escambia County Jail without bond. She also has a hold for Santa Rosa County. This marks her third arrest in Escambia County this year, with previous charges including battery and withholding support. Neal has a history of fraud and larceny charges in Santa Rosa County, dating back to 2012, and was sentenced to 1.5 years in state prison in December 2019.
The case highlights the growing concern of identity theft and fraudulent activities in the region. Authorities are urging citizens to remain vigilant and monitor their credit reports regularly.
