BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2026 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — A manager of “The Container Store” at Boca Raton Town Center Mall found herself in a container earlier this week. Jessica Marie Kaess, 32, was arrested Wednesday afternoon at The Container Store on West Glades Road — accused of processing a series of bogus transactions that funneled thousands of dollars back into her personal bank accounts.
According to a police report reviewed by BocaNewsNow.com, the investigation began when loss prevention officers flagged a suspicious pattern of activity occurring between September 2025 and late January 2026. According to the probable cause affidavit, Kaess processed numerous fraudulent merchandise returns. Rather than returning funds to customers, she allegedly refunded the money to 11 different debit cards all held in her own name. While investigators noted that surveillance video captured the transactions, the store manager reported that Kaess was often the only person at the register when these refunds were issued.
When confronted by management and later by Boca Raton Police, Kaess reportedly admitted to the scheme. Officers noted in their report that she provided a written confession, explaining that she was struggling with financial difficulties and needed the extra cash to keep up with her bills. The total loss to the company was calculated at $11,198.60. Authorities collected several receipts and documents from the store as evidence before taking Kaess into custody.
Kaess, who lives in Parkland, was transported to the Palm Beach County Jail, where she was booked on charges of Grand Theft (between $10,000 and $20,000) and Organized Fraud under $20,000. Records show she was processed on Wednesday evening with bond set at $10,000 which was posted. A court date is pending.
