News Summary
Three individuals associated with funeral services in Memphis have been arrested for theft and fraud. Patrick Jacques Keys allegedly stole nearly $14,000 in fuel from his employer, while Brian Anthony Freeman faces charges of credit card fraud against a deceased individual. Mario Anderson is accused of forging checks linked to his previous workplaces, resulting in significant financial losses. These incidents raise serious concerns about ethical practices within the funeral industry, prompting calls for increased oversight.
Memphis – Three individuals associated with local funeral services have been arrested in separate incidents involving theft and fraud, highlighting serious breaches of trust in the industry. The offenses range from the theft of company funds to fraudulent credit card transactions against deceased individuals.
Patrick Jacques Keys, 33, was apprehended by Memphis Police for allegedly stealing nearly $14,000 in fuel from Memphis Burial Vault, where he was employed. He faces serious charges of theft of property ranging from $10,000 to $60,000. An investigation was initiated after a report was filed on May 2, indicating that Keys had been utilizing company credit cards for unauthorized fuel purchases between June 2024 and April 2025. Notably, he purchased unleaded fuel despite the vehicles in use requiring diesel fuel. Each transaction was made using his assigned personal PIN number, further confirming his involvement in the theft. The total amount lost by Memphis Burial Vault due to these unauthorized purchases amounts to $13,990.35. Keys was arrested on a Tuesday, with a court date set for Thursday at 9 a.m.
In a related incident, Brian Anthony Freeman, 34, the owner of 1st Call Mortuary, has been charged with credit card fraud against a deceased individual. Freeman is facing allegations of fraudulent credit card use, identity theft, and theft of property. Following the death of an individual in March, the deceased’s daughter discovered fraudulent charges totaling $6,250 and $7,000 on her fatherโs credit cards, coupled with the mysterious disappearance of his wallet. Investigators traced a charge of approximately $1,700 made for a down payment on a sign for Bluff City Mortuary. Freeman had claimed ownership of the mortuary; however, the actual owner stated that Freeman’s role was limited to delivering bodies for them. Freeman asserts he has evidence to demonstrate his innocence but has chosen not to elaborate. He is scheduled to appear in court early next month.
Additionally, Mario Anderson, 32, a former employee of N.J. Ford and Sons Funeral Home, has been arrested for forging checks linked to his previous workplace and Serenity Funeral Home. Anderson faces charges of theft of property valued between $60,000 to $250,000 and forgery of the same amount. The investigation into Anderson commenced upon the discovery of unusual handwritten checks during an internal audit. The checks, which were not authorized, had been endorsed by Anderson and deposited into his personal bank account. It is reported that Anderson stole a total of $166,000 in forged checks from Serenity Funeral Home, with surveillance footage showing him cashing some of these checks at a liquor store in Southwest Memphis. Anderson was arrested on Halloween and has since been released on a $15,000 bond, with a court appearance scheduled for the following Tuesday.
These incidents underscore the growing concern over ethical practices within the funeral industry, prompting calls for enhanced oversight. As investigations unfold, community members remain vigilant regarding trustworthy practices and accountability among service providers during difficult times. The legal proceedings for all three individuals are set to commence in the coming weeks, and authorities continue to gather evidence in these cases.
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Additional Resources
- MSN News: Man Accused of Stealing Nearly $14,000 in Gas
- Wikipedia: Funeral Director
- The Sun: Family Dollar Theft in Memphis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Theft
- Fox 13 Memphis: Mortuary Owner Accused of Stealing
- Google Search: Funeral Home Fraud
- Action News 5: Former Employee Accused of Forging Checks
- Google News: Fraud in Funeral Services
- Commercial Appeal: Galilee Memorial Gardens Lawsuit
- Google Scholar: Funeral Industry Ethical Practices
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
