MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Candace Fuqua, a Memphis woman, was arrested and charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor after her 14-year-old son was involved in a car theft incident. The arrest stems from an event that occurred in September when the boy, along with two accomplices, allegedly stole a car from outside an East Memphis restaurant.
Surveillance footage of the crime led police to identify one of the suspects, prompting Fuqua to send a text to her son after seeing the image, telling him to “get that stuff out of my house.” The affidavit also reveals a prior communication where Fuqua allegedly told her son, “I bought you dinner and gave you weed money,” and later told him, “No, go sell a gun” when he asked for money after the theft.
Jimmy Chambers, an advocate for children and discipline, criticized Fuqua’s actions, suggesting that sending her to jail might send the message that parents must take responsibility for their children’s actions. “They need to teach the child in the way they should go,” said Chambers.
Authorities also mentioned that Fuqua’s son had a history of car thefts, admitting to stealing multiple vehicles, leading to charges against both the child and Fuqua. Under a new Tennessee law, parents can be fined if their child is convicted of two or more crimes. The case is still under investigation.
