Rap artist British Mitchell, better known by his stage name Brisco, was arrested on December 7 for his alleged involvement in a South Florida fraud ring that sold counterfeit money and committed identity theft. Mitchell, 34, has performed and recorded singles with prominent rappers like Rick Ross, DJ Khaled, and Lil Wayne, and is signed to the latter’s record label, Cash Money Records.
Investigators say Mitchell is purportedly linked to at least $200,000 worth of illegal activity. He faces eight federal charges that include identity theft, selling counterfeit money, and fraud. He was ordered held without bond by U.S. Magistrate Judge Lurana Snow because he has allegedly attempted to flee from authorities on more than one occasion in the past.
According to the arrest report, Mitchell has been wanted by the U.S. Secret Service for the past five months. Different law enforcement agencies tried to arrest him on two separate occasions on August 23, but both times he allegedly led agents on high-speed chases that reached speeds of 100 mph, forcing his pursuers to abandon the chase to avoid endangering the public.
Mitchell reportedly attempted to evade capture by turning off his cellphone to avoid being tracked. He also stopped using social media websites to hide his whereabouts. He was officially declared a fugitive three months ago. He was arrested on December 7 when he made a guest appearance at The Playhouse Gentleman’s Club in Broward with another musician. He did not resist arrest.
The prosecution claims that Mitchell was part of a fraud ring that operated in Miami-Dade and Broward counties from late last year to August of this year. The group reportedly used deception to buy materials from home-improvement stores, which they later sold at discounted prices to contractors.
There is also audio and video evidence that allegedly shows Mitchell attempting to sell forged currency to an undercover agent. If convicted for the charges, Mitchell faces at least three years in federal prison.