Sex offender caught with stolen Coca-Cola and sandwiches from Circle K

A sex offender from Eustis was arrested for theft after stealing drinks and sandwiches from a Circle K in Leesburg. 

Police responded to Circle K, located at 900 South 14th Street, regarding a retail theft around 3:33 a.m. Monday, according to an arrest report from the Leesburg Police Department. The caller advised that a male, later identified as 38-year-old Brandon Logan Ellison, entered the gas station, stole food and was standing next to the dumpsters behind the building. 

Upon arrival, the officer spotted Ellison standing next to the dumpster eating food. He was then detained and placed in handcuffs, the report said. 

The officer proceeded to speak with the female witness, the gas station manager. She advised that Ellison came into the store, selected food and drink, passed all points of sale and left. Surveillance footage clearly corroborated this statement, confirming that he stole $11.47 worth of merchandise, the report said.

The witness also confirmed that a Nesquik drink, Coca-Cola and packaged sandwiches were stolen. These exact items were found in Ellison’s possession when he was detained, the report said.

A criminal history check later revealed Ellison had five prior convictions for theft dating back to 2004. These included petit and grand theft charges from Worth and Tifton Counties in Georgia and Lake County, the report said.

Additionally, Ellison was arrested in August 2022 for stealing a Snickers bar. He was caught stealing again in September 2022 after taking a bottle of Jim Bean from a store and then a final time in June 2023 for leaving a Denny’s without paying for his meal.

Ellison was ultimately charged with retail theft (two or more prior theft). He was transported to the Lake County Jail with bond set at $2,000.

He also was convicted for having sex with a minor between 12 to 16 years of age in 2006 for which he was sentenced to eight years in prison.