MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - A mother looking for justice in her son's murder ended up being the victim of fraud after she was scammed out of nearly $6,000 by a man claiming to be a bail bondsman.
23-year-old Jermichael Bruce approached the woman about her son's murder, claiming to be a licensed bondsman who frequently assisted the Memphis Police Department. Bruce met with the woman in October 2011 while driving a white Chevy Impala, similar to an unmarked police car, with blue lights mounted in the rear window. He presented a contract under the name of Paradigm Professional Services to find 32-year-old Ryan Nelson, wanted for the murder of the woman's son, Dennis Gilliam. The woman paid Bruce $5,987 over a two-month period, according to the police affidavit.
Nelson was captured by U.S. Marshals in Arkansas on November 14, 2011. Upon learning of the contract Gilliam's mother had with Bruce, investigators inquired with the state on Bruce's license. There were no records for Bruce or his company as being licensed as a bail bondsman.
Jermichael Bruce was arrested on February 2, 2012 and charged with Criminal Impersonation, Illegal Use of Blue Lights, Theft of Property $1,000-$10,000 and several traffic-related violations. He is currently being held at the Shelby County Jail without bond.
