Boca Raton Container Store Manager Charged with Fraud

Jessica Marie Kaess accused of processing fraudulent merchandise returns to her personal accounts

Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:15am

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A 32-year-old manager at The Container Store in Boca Raton, Florida has been arrested and charged with grand theft and organized fraud. Authorities say Jessica Marie Kaess processed numerous fraudulent merchandise returns, funneling the refunds into 11 of her personal debit cards, resulting in over $11,000 in losses for the company.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges retailers face in preventing internal theft and fraud, especially when perpetrated by trusted managers. It also raises questions about the store's loss prevention protocols and the need for stronger oversight and auditing procedures to catch such schemes earlier.

The details

According to the police report, loss prevention officers at The Container Store flagged suspicious activity by Kaess between September 2025 and January 2026. Surveillance video allegedly showed Kaess as the only person at the register when the fraudulent refunds were issued. When confronted, Kaess reportedly admitted to the scheme, stating she was struggling financially and needed the extra cash.

  • The fraudulent activity occurred between September 2025 and January 2026.
  • Kaess was arrested on Wednesday, January 29, 2026.

The players

Jessica Marie Kaess

A 32-year-old manager at The Container Store in Boca Raton, Florida who has been charged with grand theft and organized fraud.

The Container Store

A national retail chain that sells home organization and storage products, with a location at the Boca Raton Town Center Mall.

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What’s next

Kaess is scheduled to appear in court in the coming weeks to face the charges. The Container Store is likely reviewing its internal controls and loss prevention procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The takeaway

Retail managers hold positions of trust, but this case demonstrates the importance of robust auditing and oversight to detect and deter fraud, even by those in leadership roles. Businesses must remain vigilant to protect against internal theft that can significantly impact their bottom line.