Memphis Man Charged with Theft, Identity Fraud in Nashville

Sherman Guy, a 39-year-old Memphis man, was arrested in downtown Nashville on charges of felony theft, attempted felony theft, and identity theft after allegedly stealing cellphones from visitors and using financial apps on the stolen devices to transfer thousands of dollars from victims' accounts. Previously out on bond for similar offenses, Guy's latest arrest followed an investigation that began after a Maryland tourist reported his phone stolen at a downtown bar in December. Authorities say Guy used Venmo and Apple Pay to make illicit purchases, including a $1,700 transaction at a Memphis jewelry store, and attempted to open fraudulent bank accounts. The repeated incidents highlight the ease with which thieves can exploit stolen smartphones to access victims' financial information and underscore the importance of safeguarding personal devices in crowded public spaces.