Two people have been arrested in Memphis after authorities said they scammed victims by offering fake legal services and charging thousands of dollars without delivering any work.
According to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, deputies began investigating after receiving a complaint about the scheme on March 9. Victims reported paying for legal assistance for relatives in jail, only to later discover they were being defrauded by individuals impersonating lawyers.
Investigators identified 41-year-old Candice Eddins as a primary suspect, who was reportedly working in coordination with someone inside the jail, later identified as Derrick Thomas. Both allegedly targeted families trying to secure the release of their loved ones.
Eddins was arrested on Thursday, March 12, and charged with impersonating a licensed professional and theft of property valued between $2,500 and $10,000. She posted a $75,000 bond and was released from custody.
Thomas, who has been in Shelby County Jail since June 2025 on 20 outstanding warrants from Arkansas, faces the same charges and is being held on a $750,000 bond.
Deputies warned that scammers like this often prey on vulnerable families, taking money intended for essentials like rent and food. Both Eddins and Thomas are scheduled to appear in court on Monday morning.
