MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A 19-year-old Memphis man, Bryun Watkins, is being held on a $500,000 bond after being charged with stealing a RAM TRX truck last month. The high bond amount comes under a new Tennessee law that allows prosecutors to use juvenile criminal records when requesting bail.
Watkins faces charges of theft of property valued between $60,000 and $250,000, and vandalism valued between $1,000 and $2,500. Though the incident was non-violent, prosecutors cited Watkins’ extensive juvenile record and ongoing threat to public safety as justification for the elevated bond.
According to the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office, Watkins also has a pending charge in Nashville related to a separate car theft involving four other suspects.
On May 9, Memphis detectives spotted a stolen white RAM TRX near Hollywood Street and Staten Avenue. The vehicle, which had a broken passenger-side window and no license plate, was parked across from the detectives. When the driver pulled out and blocked the detectives’ vehicle, he waved — identified as Watkins. A juvenile was in the front passenger seat, and two unknown individuals were in the back.
After backup arrived, the driver fled the scene. The stolen truck was later found abandoned in the Lenow Place and Lenow Park area. Investigators discovered the vehicle’s ECM had been reprogrammed, rendering the owner’s keys useless.
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy explained this case is among the first where prosecutors can examine juvenile records up to five years old to argue bond amounts, following a new state law effective June 1.
Mulroy noted the law applies only to bail hearings; juvenile records otherwise remain confidential.
“We argued for an unaffordable bond so he remains in custody until trial,” Mulroy said. “It helps judges understand the defendant’s criminal history when deciding bail.”
Watkins was booked May 30 and is scheduled to appear in court on June 20.
