🚨 Universal Epic Universe Arrest A reported $37 shoplifting incident at Universal Epic Universe turned into multiple charges after deputies said the suspect refused to identify herself, resisted a search, and kicked an Orange County deputy.
A Rhode Island woman accused of taking a $37 shirt from a Universal Orlando store was later charged with battery on a law enforcement officer after deputies said she kicked an Orange County deputy during the arrest process.
According to an Orange County Sheriff’s Office arrest narrative, the incident happened on June 2, 2026, at approximately 3:48 p.m. at 1001 Epic Blvd., the address associated with Universal Epic Universe. Deputies were called to the park’s loss prevention office for a reported retail theft suspect who was allegedly failing to identify herself.
The suspect was identified in the report as Nelly M.
According to the narrative, Universal loss prevention said Nelly was seen inside the 1UP Factory Store selecting a Nintendo-themed shirt valued at $37.00. Loss prevention reported that Mazuelos handed the shirt and an empty Universal Studios merchandise bag to an unidentified male, who then placed the item inside the bag. The two allegedly walked past all points of sale without paying and exited through the entrance near the Mario meet-and-greet area.
Loss prevention officers stopped Nelly, recovered the shirt, and escorted her to the loss prevention office. The report states that Nelly admitted to Universal loss prevention that she had not paid for the item.
When deputies took over the investigation, they said Nelly initially provided the name “Maria Quintene” with a date of birth of March 15, 1980, but that information did not return correctly in law enforcement systems. A deputy wrote that he told Nelly he had the legal authority to identify her and requested her fingerprints to verify her identity.
According to the report, Nelly responded, “then take me to the station,” and said she was not going to comply. Deputies said she was warned she could face a resisting charge and be booked as a Jane Doe if she refused to identify herself.
She was then placed in handcuffs.
The situation escalated when deputies attempted to search her incident to arrest. The arrest narrative states Nelly told deputies not to touch her and repeatedly said she would not allow herself to be searched. The deputy wrote that Nelly began moving along a bench into a corner, tensed her body, pulled away, and became more aggressive in her movements.
During the search, deputies said Nelly kicked a Deputy in the right leg. A Universal loss prevention officer also told deputies he witnessed Nelly kick the deputy.
After the search, deputies moved Nelly to a marked patrol vehicle. The report states she made no effort to get into the prisoner compartment after multiple commands. One deputy wrote that he told her he would pick her up and place her into the vehicle. According to the narrative, Nelly said “hold on,” but still did not get into the vehicle, so the deputy physically placed her inside.
The search reportedly revealed a Rhode Island identification card and a Rhode Island driver’s license. Deputies said the driver’s license belonged to Nelly’s daughter and was returned to Nelly's husband. The identification card belonged to Nelly and allowed deputies to positively identify her.
Based on the incident, deputies listed probable cause for the following charges:
- Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer
- Resisting Officer With Violence
- Resisting Officer Without Violence
- Petit Theft — Shoplifting
The arrest narrative also states that body-worn camera footage was activated during the incident.
As with all arrest reports, the allegations are accusations. Nelly is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
