Jacksonville Couple Sues Walmart Over Alleged Racial Profiling Incident
Jacksonville, Florida – A Black couple from Jacksonville has taken legal action against Walmart, alleging they experienced racial profiling, wrongful imprisonment, and humiliation when accused of stealing children’s clothing at a Northside store in October. The lawsuit was filed on Wednesday by Raymond and Nekeeya Brewster, who claim they were unjustly treated during a shopping visit at the Walmart Supercenter located in River City Marketplace.
The Incident
The Brewster family visited the Walmart store on October 13 to purchase clothing for one of their three daughters. After bringing the items home, they realized some were too small. They returned on October 14 to exchange the items after attending church. As they prepared to enter the store, Nekeeya Brewster, who works as a social worker, decided to place the clothing and the receipt inside an original Walmart bag, tying it shut to keep everything organized.
Being Accused
Upon reaching the customer service desk, Nekeeya presented the bag containing the items to be exchanged. Amid her explanation, she was confronted by a Walmart loss prevention employee who claimed to have witnessed her putting merchandise into her bag. Mrs. Brewster vehemently denied the accusation, stating, “No, you didn’t see anything in my bag, what are you talking about?” The employee loudly reiterated their claims, even displaying a maroon pair of children’s pants they alleged Mrs. Brewster had concealed.
Detained by Law Enforcement
Following this confrontation, the Brewsters and their three children were taken to a small back office in the store where they were held for questioning. According to the couple, they felt trapped and helpless in the situation. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) was eventually called to the store based on the Walmart employee’s report of suspected theft. However, upon arriving, officers quickly discovered that there was no evidence to support the allegations against the Brewsters.
Allegations of Discrimination
The Brewsters’ lawsuit accuses Walmart of systemic discrimination, claiming the company has a pattern of profiling Black customers based solely on their race. In their statement, the couple expressed their distress about being accused in front of their children, reinforcing lessons of honesty and integrity they strive to teach.
Legal Action and Responses
The couple’s lawsuit seeks damages for the emotional distress they endured, alongside attorney fees and costs. They are also pushing for the case to be certified as a class action to represent other Black Walmart customers who have faced similar discrimination. A spokesperson for Walmart responded, stating that the company takes these allegations seriously and plans to address them accordingly.
Community Impact
The Brewsters’ case highlights broader issues of racial profiling and discrimination in retail environments, prompting conversations about fairness and equality within the shopping experience. As this story develops, many in the Jacksonville community are watching closely to see the outcome of the trial and any potential ramifications for Walmart’s policies regarding customer interactions.
The Brewsters continue to hope that their experience will help raise awareness about racial profiling, encouraging other individuals facing similar situations to speak out and seek justice.
