Shelby County, Tennessee – A man has been arrested for running a tree service scam that spread across much of the county, according to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
It all started on December 20, when deputies were called to a theft report on Mudville Road in Millington. A homeowner there told deputies about a man who showed up claiming to work for “Johnson & Son’s Tree Service.” He offered to cut some trees for $3,500. But before any deal was finalized, the man began cutting trees. After getting paid, he left, saying he’d come back the next day to finish the job. He never returned.
Another similar incident occurred on January 6. This time, deputies responded to a theft report on Nutall Oak Cove, near the Mississippi state line. The homeowner there shared that they paid $4,600 on December 31 for tree cutting services. The same man, later identified as Jimmy Kimbrough, started the work but disappeared with his crew and equipment after being paid, leaving the job unfinished.
Investigators dug deeper and found this wasn’t a one-time mistake. Kimbrough had an extensive history dating back to 2016 of taking money for tree services and abandoning the work before it was done. Warrants were issued for him on charges of felony vandalism and theft of property. On top of that, his bond was revoked due to his history of similar scams.
After the warrants were issued, Kimbrough turned himself in at 201 Poplar Avenue in Memphis.
The sheriff’s office is now asking for the public’s help. If you or someone you know has been a victim of this tree service scam, they want to hear from you. You can contact their detectives at 901-379-7625.
