Memphis, Tennessee, December 11, 2025
A 23-year-old convicted rapist, Cameron Brooks, was mistakenly released from Shelby County Jail in Memphis due to a clerical error in his paperwork. Brooks had been in custody since February 2022 after pleading guilty to aggravated rape. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the release was due to the absence of a legal hold in his records. Authorities have issued a warrant for his arrest and are actively searching for him. This incident has raised concerns about the accuracy of record-keeping in the criminal justice system.
Memphis, Tennessee โ Convicted Rapist Released from Jail Due to Clerical Error
Memphis, Tennessee โ A convicted rapist, Cameron Brooks, 23, was mistakenly released from the Shelby County Jail on December 10, 2025, due to a clerical error in his paperwork. Brooks had been in custody since February 2022 after pleading guilty to an aggravated rape charge. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office reported that the omission of a legal hold in his paperwork led to his unintended release. A warrant has been issued for his arrest, and authorities are actively searching for him to return him to custody. The incident is currently under review by the Sheriff’s Office.
Details of the Incident
On December 9, 2025, during a court appearance, Brooks pleaded guilty to an aggravated rape charge from 2022. During the same appearance, a separate aggravated rape charge was dismissed. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office stated that there was no legal hold for the charge Brooks pleaded guilty to, which is the responsibility of Shelby County Information Technologies, a separate government agency. Due to this error, Brooks was released from custody on the morning of December 10, 2025. Jail records indicate he had been in custody since February 2022. A spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office mentioned that the incident is under review, and deputies are currently attempting to locate Brooks and bring him back into custody.
Background Context
Clerical errors leading to the unintended release of inmates have occurred in other jurisdictions as well. For instance, in November 2025, a convicted sex offender was mistakenly released from Wandsworth prison in London due to a clerical error. The individual was later re-arrested in north London. Such incidents highlight the importance of accurate record-keeping and communication between different agencies involved in the criminal justice system to prevent the unintended release of individuals who pose a risk to public safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What led to Cameron Brooks’ mistaken release from Shelby County Jail?
Cameron Brooks was mistakenly released from Shelby County Jail due to a clerical error in his paperwork. The omission of a legal hold in his paperwork led to his unintended release. A warrant has been issued for his arrest, and authorities are actively searching for him to return him to custody. The incident is currently under review by the Sheriff’s Office.
What charges was Cameron Brooks facing?
Cameron Brooks had been in custody since February 2022 after pleading guilty to an aggravated rape charge. During a court appearance on December 9, 2025, he pleaded guilty to this charge, and a separate aggravated rape charge was dismissed. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office stated that there was no legal hold for the charge Brooks pleaded guilty to, which is the responsibility of Shelby County Information Technologies, a separate government agency.
Has this type of clerical error occurred elsewhere?
Yes, clerical errors leading to the unintended release of inmates have occurred in other jurisdictions. For example, in November 2025, a convicted sex offender was mistakenly released from Wandsworth prison in London due to a clerical error. The individual was later re-arrested in north London. Such incidents highlight the importance of accurate record-keeping and communication between different agencies involved in the criminal justice system to prevent the unintended release of individuals who pose a risk to public safety.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Memphis, Tennessee |
| Individual Involved | Cameron Brooks, 23 |
| Charge | Aggravated rape |
| Custody Duration | Since February 2022 |
| Release Date | December 10, 2025 |
| Cause of Release | Clerical error in paperwork |
| Current Status | Warrant issued for arrest; authorities searching for re-arrest |
| Review Status | Incident under review by Shelby County Sheriff’s Office |
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Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
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