More charges filed in fake Disney tickets case

Branden Bullerin, 19, facing charges in Volusia, Polk counties

ORLANDO, Fla. – A man accused of selling fake admission tickets to Disney World is facing more charges.

Branden Bullerin, 19, was arrested by Orange County sheriff's investigators in January when someone called them to complain that he had sold them bogus tickets in an ad on Craigslist.

Deputies set up a sting, offering to buy cheap tickets to the theme park in a separate ad. Bullerin responded, offered to sell his fake tickets, and he was arrested.

News 6 found out Bullerin was sentenced to six months in jail and ordered to pay restitution.

This week, deputies transported him to the Volusia County Jail to face new charges.

Patricia Bery said she responded to a similar ad in June 2016. That's when she said she met Bullerin after responding to his ad on Craigslist.

She told News 6 she was planning a Disney vacation for her family, and she made a deal with Bullerin to buy 13 tickets for $1,000.

"It was an hour drive to pick them up," she said.

She said he told her he worked for Disney, and he was able to get discounted tickets.

"They came and told me that my tickets were expired at first, and then they came out and said my tickets were bogus," she told News 6. "I was embarrassed and I was ashamed. I felt like I let my family down."

She turned over photographs she took of the bill of sale and Bullerin's identification to deputies.

Jean Grunewald, Bullerin's grandmother, said she wants him to pay for what he's done.

"I don't know how many families he's probably hurt, how many people that have not even come forward," Grunewald said.

She told News 6 she's concerned the justice system may let him off with a "slap on the hand."

She said he needs help and to be taught a lesson.

"Whether it be prison, whether it be mental help, or whatever takes, he cannot just walk away from this," she said.

News 6 found out Bullerin faces more charges in Polk County when he's released from Volusia County.
His bail is currently set at $10,500 at the Volusia County Jail. 


About the Author:

Erik Sandoval joined the News 6 team as a reporter in May 2013 and became an Investigator in 2020. During his time at News 6, Erik has covered several major stories, including the 2016 Presidential campaign. He was also one of the first reporters live on the air at the Pulse Nightclub shooting.