As CMA Fest draws near and hundreds of thousands of visitors prepare to flood downtown Nashville, police are warning residents and tourists to stay alert following the arrest of a woman accused of targeting men in a drugging and theft scheme.
Investigators say 43-year-old Erica Williams was recently extradited back to Nashville after allegedly drugging a man downtown, stealing his phone and wallet, and using his personal information to make fraudulent purchases. According to Metro Police, the victim blacked out during a night out and later discovered his belongings were missing.
Authorities say Williams has also been linked to previous theft-related cases and now faces multiple felony charges, including theft, identity theft, computer fraud, and fraudulent use of a credit card. She remained in custody on a bond exceeding $77,000 as of Thursday.
The arrest has renewed concerns about reports of men being drugged in Nashville’s entertainment district before having their phones, wallets, and financial accounts compromised. Victims and advocates say the incidents appear to follow a similar pattern, with some cases resulting in significant financial losses.
Metro Police are urging people to never leave drinks unattended, avoid accepting drinks from strangers, stay with trusted friends, and seek medical attention immediately if they suspect their drink has been tampered with.