Western District of Tennessee
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
14 Alleged Traveling Vice Lord Gang Members Indicted on Federal Racketeering ChargesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN –A federal grand jury has indicted fourteen alleged members and associates
of the Traveling Vice Lord /Junk Yard Dogs (TVL/JYD), a criminal organization
whose members and associates engaged in a racketeering conspiracy involving acts of
murder, attempted murder, and drug trafficking.According to the indictment, the TVL/JYD is a violent criminal street gang that operates throughout
the Western District of Tennessee. The TVL is a subset of the Almighty Vice Lord Nation which
originated in Chicago, Illinois, and other parts of the United States. The TVL were organized into
different positions, including Chief of Streets, Deck Holder, Enforcer, Treasurer and Chief of
Security. Participation in violent acts directed at rival gangs or as directed by gang
leadership, increases the respect accorded to that member/associate and can result in
membership, maintenance, and increased position in the gang, and opens the door to promotion of a
leadership position within the gang. Violations of rules and orders may result in the loss of
membership, physical punishment in the form of beatings and in some instances, death.This is the culmination of a two-year investigation into the Traveling Vice Lord subset the Junk
Yard Dogs who operated mostly in Fayette County, TN. Between June 2020 and August 2020, the
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
(ATF) investigated five different shootings.The investigation revealed, between June 17, 2020, and August 2020, Tomarcus
Baskerville ordered Martivus Baskerville, Deonte Walker, Toorrence Fitzpatrick, Deandra Rivers and
Trevin Hullom, to conduct five separate shootings against rival gang members, the Gangster
Disciples and the 4 Corner Hustlers with the intent to kill those gang
members. As a result of these crimes, nine individuals were shot, and one person died.Named in the indictment are:
• Tomarcus BASKERVILLE, 33, a/k/a “TC”, a/k/a “Glove.” Held the rank of “Chief of
Streets”
• Christopher PEELER,30, a/k/a “Lil Chris.” Held the rank of 3UE
• Martivus BASKERVILLE, 28, a/k/a Tavis. Held the rank of “Deck Holder”
• Thomas SMITH, 22, a/k/a “TJ.” Held the rank of 5BE
• Davaius WORRLES, 29, a/k/a, “Mighty”, a/k/a “Mighty Shun.” Held the rank of 5BE
• Curtis BASKERVILLE, 36, a/k/a “CB.” Held the rank of 3BE
• Montaveen TAYLOR,21, a/k/a, "CGE Tay.” Held the rank of
“representative” and functioned as the “first seat.”
• Mardarius McNEAL, 24. Held the rank of “representative” and functioned as the
“enforcer”
• Deandra RIVERS, 26, a/k/a “Dre.” Held the rank of “representative” and functioned
as “chief of security.”
• Deonte WALKER, 27, a/k/a, “Tez.” Held the rank of “representative” and functioned as
the “man of literature.”
• Trevin HULLOM, 29, a/k/a “Scooter.” Held the rank of representative and
functioned as the “assistant man of literature.”
• Torrance FITZPATRICK, 27, a/k/a Phat. Held the rank of
“representative”
• Bianca JACKSON, 20. Held the rank of “representative”
• Courtland SPRINGFIELD, 30, a/k/a, “Hot Box.” Held the rank of
“representative.”The RICO conspiracy charge in this case carries a maximum sentence of life. The Murder in Aid of
Racketeering charge in this case carries a sentence of death or life imprisonment. Each of the
Brandishing and Discharging a Firearm during and in Relation to a Crime of Violence carries a
penalty of not less than 10 years consecutive to its related Attempted Murder (Violent Crime in
Aid in Racketeering).This case is being investigated by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Neal Oldham and Beth Boswell.
The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the
defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Memphis Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Demario Davis, 35, of Memphis has been sentenced to 204 months in federal prison for
distribution of heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., United States Attorney,
announced the sentence today.According to information presented in court, on February 12, 2018, members of the Memphis
Police Department’s - Organized Crime Unit responded to an overdose that occurred at a hotel room
on Madison Avenue. Davis was identified as the source of these narcotics.In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment against Davis, charging
violations including possession with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl.The defendant pled guilty on February 24, 2022, to three counts of the six-count
indictment.On June 23, 2022, United States District Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr. sentenced Davis to 204 months
imprisonment to be followed by three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal
system.This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department Heroin Opioid Response Team.
Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Kimbril-Parks prosecuted this case on behalf of the
government.
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23-Year-Old Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Austin Martin, 23 has been sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for possession
of a firearm. Joseph C. Murphy Jr., United States Attorney, announced the sentence today.According to the information presented in court, on May 4, 2019, a Memphis Police officer saw a
vehicle doing donuts at the intersection of Knight Arnold and South Mendenhall. The driver then
drove towards the officer’s vehicle and crashed into a fire hydrant. Five males bailed out of the
vehicle, Martin got out of the driver’s door wearing a bright yellow vest and pointed a handgun at
the uniformed Memphis Police Officer. The officer drew his weapon but did not fire because there
was a bystander in the background. Martin fled and was apprehended minutes later with the gun still
in his pocket.On May 2, 2019, Martin robbed and shot two men in Midtown. Later that same day, Memphis
Police Investigators later matched Martin's gun to those two shootings. Both victims survived and
identified Martin as their shooter.Martin also pled guilty in state court to especially aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, and
an unrelated aggravated arson. As a result of his prior convictions, Martin is
prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition.On June 17, 2022, United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Martin to 10 years’
incarceration to be followed by three years’ supervised release.This case was investigated by Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force. The (PSN) initiative
is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities
they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was
reinvigorated as part of the Department’s renewed focus on
targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop
effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.Assistant United States Attorney Greg Wagner prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Former West Tennessee Healthcare Director Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Melanie Haste, 62, formerly of Trenton, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 18 months
in federal prison for wire fraud. Joseph C. Murphy Jr., United States Attorney,
announced the sentence today.According to the information presented in court, from 2012 until 2020, Haste served as the
Director of Risk Management at West Tennessee Healthcare and worked at the Jackson-Madison
County Hospital. During her time there, she developed a fraud scheme that allowed her to steal
hundreds of thousands of dollars from the organization.In May 2020, Haste stole and attempted to deposit a check made out to the organization into her
own account. The check was for more than $146,000. After bank personnel became suspicious,
they froze her account and alerted West Tennessee Healthcare of her actions. After the matter
was referred to law enforcement, it was discovered that beginning in 2017, Haste had stolen
and attempted to steal more than $355,000 over a three-year period, using the hospital's money to
pay personal expenses, finance vacations, and give to family members.In January 2022, Haste pled guilty to one count of wire fraud.
On June 15, 2022, United States District Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced Haste to 18 months in
federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. The
Court also ordered Haste to pay $209,181.47 in restitution to the organization. In
imposing the sentence, the Court noted that Haste had abused the trust of her employer, and the
seriousness of her offense warranted a prison sentence. There is no parole in the federal system.The case was investigated by the Jackson Police Department, Financial Crimes Unit, and
the United States Secret Service.Assistant United States Attorney Matt Wilson prosecuted the case on behalf of the
government.
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Carjackers Net a Collective Total of 41 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Justin Huddleston, 21, Terrance Moore, 21, and Angelo Smith, 23, have been sentenced
to a collective total of 492 months in federal prison for carjacking and brandishing a firearm
during and in relation to a crime of violence. Joseph C. Murphy Jr., United States Attorney,
announced the sentence today.According to the information presented in court, on Friday, September 20, 2019, at 1:45 a.m.,
victim R.H. was in her white Ford Fusion at the InTown Suites, when a male suspect pointed a
pistol at her and carjacked her white Fusion. As the suspect drove away, he picked up two
additional suspects.Approximately two hours later, victim T.M. was at the Valero gas station on South
Perkins. While inside the convenience store, a male suspect from a white sedan followed her inside
and then returned to the driver seat of the white sedan. The victim drove away, and the suspect
driver followed her. When the victim reached a stop sign at Cottonwood and Claudette, the white
sedan cut her off. The front passenger got out of the sedan, approached the victim, pointed a
pistol at her, and demanded her car. The victim sped away, and the armed suspect fired a shot.Twenty minutes later, at the same Valero station, victim D.K. was pumping gas into his truck. The
truck had an attached trailer with lawn equipment. Two male suspects from a white sedan approached
him and pointed pistols at him, demanding his truck, phone, and wallet. The two suspects drove away
in the victim's truck, and the driver of the white sedan followed the truck.At 12:20 p.m. the same day, Memphis Police officers found victim R.H.'s Fusion at Big Daddy's Pawn
Shop on Hickory Hill Road. Terrance Moore was in the driver seat. Angelo Smith and Justin
Huddleston were in the pawn shop, pawning lawn equipment that
belonged to victim D.K. Huddleston and Smith tried to run from police but were arrested.Victim R.H. identified Terrance Moore as the armed suspect who carjacked her of her Ford Fusion.
Victim D.K. identified Terrance Moore and Justin Huddleston as the armed suspects who carjacked him
of his truck and trailer. Victim T.M. identified Angelo Smith as the suspect as the suspect who
followed her in the Valero and drove the white sedan.On February 8, 2022, United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced
Huddleston to 180 months to be followed by five years’ supervised release. On February 11, 2022,
Moore received 168 months to be followed by five years’ supervised release. Smith was sentenced
on June 14, 2022, to 144 months in federal prison with five years’ supervised release. There is
no parole in the federal system.This case was investigated by the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Memphis
Police Department.Assistant United States Attorney Dean DeCandia prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Former Memphis Police Officer Indicted for Sexually Assaulting a Female Crime VictimRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN - A former police officer with the Memphis Police Department was charged in an indictment unsealed today in the Western District of Tennessee for sexually assaulting a woman while he was on duty.
According to the indictment, Bridges Randle, 47, who has also used the names Ajamu Abiola Banjoko and Oluwafemi Abiola Banjoko, sexually assaulted the woman after he was dispatched to a vandalism call at the woman's residence on June 24, 2000.
Randle is charged with committing a civil rights offense that included aggravated sexual abuse. If convicted, Randle faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr. for the Western District of Tennessee and Special Agent in Charge Douglas Korneski for the FBI Memphis Field Office made the announcement.
This case is being investigated by the FBI's Memphis Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard for the Western District of Tennessee and Trial Attorneys Maura White and Andrew Manns of the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
###Convicted Felon Sentenced for Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Devin Clark, 34, has been sentenced to 92 months in federal prison for being a
convicted felon in possession of ammunition. Joseph C. Murphy Jr., United States Attorney,
announced the sentence today.According to information presented in court, on April 22, 2021, at 09:40 a.m., officers with
the Memphis Police Department responded to two 911 calls regarding a shooting at the Valero gas
station on Raleigh Millington Road.After receiving several threatening messages on his cell phone, the victim, agreed to meet Clark
and another gentleman at the Valero gas station for a fist fight. After the victim arrived, the
three men began arguing when Clark suddenly pulled out a pistol and began firing shots in the air.
Clark also fired several shots at the victim, hitting him in his right arm. Several shots also
hit the victim's car. The two men fled the scene but were apprehended by officers a
short time later. The victim was treated at a local hospital and released. Detectives recovered
nine .22 caliber shell casings from the scene.Clark, a convicted felon, has a prior felony conviction from 2018 for possession of
methamphetamine with intent to deliver for which he received an eight-year sentence of
incarceration. In 2017, Clark was previously convicted in federal court for being an
unlawful user of methamphetamine in possession of a firearm and received a sentence of 33 months
incarceration. As a result of his felony convictions, Clark is prohibited by federal law
from possessing ammunition and firearms.On June 2, 2022, United States District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman, sentenced Clark to 92 months in
federal prison with three years of supervised release to follow. Because Clark was on supervised
released at the time he committed this offense, Judge Lipman also sentenced him to an additional
15-months incarceration to be served consecutive to the
92 months. There is no parole in the federal system.This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.Assistant United States Attorneys Raney Irwin and Regina Thompson prosecuted this case on behalf
of the government.
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Memphis Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Distribution of Heroin and FentanylRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Jeffrey Luellen a/k/a “Roxy”, 45 has been sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for distribution of heroin and fentanyl. Joseph C. Murphy Jr., United States Attorney, announced the sentence today.
According to the information presented in court, on May 12, 2018, detectives with the Memphis Police Department’s Organized Crime Unit (OCU) responded to a suspected heroin overdose call at a local residence.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered the victim was dead on the scene with the cause of death later being determined as fentanyl overdose. Witnesses identified Jeffrey Luellen a/k/a "Roxy” as the individual who sold the substance ingested by the victim.
Throughout the investigation, detectives obtained surveillance video from a local gas station capturing the transaction. Law enforcement also conducted undercover purchases from Luellen and executed a search warrant at his hotel room.
On June 20, 2018, Luellen admitted to being a heroin distributor.
On June 3, 2022, United States District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Luellen to 188 months in federal prison to be followed by three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Musselwhite and Michelle Kimbril-Parks prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
###Convicted Felon Sentenced on Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Mondraques Newby, 30, has been sentenced to 100 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Joseph C. Murphy Jr., United States Attorney, announced the sentence today.
According to the information presented in court, on March 2, 2020, Memphis Police Officers observed a red Ford Focus being driven by a male suspected to be Mondraques Newby who had outstanding warrants. When officers contacted Newby at a traffic stop, a strong odor of marijuana was emanating from the vehicle. Mondraques Newby was confirmed as the driver along with a female passenger.
Officers observed in plain view, sitting on Newby’s lap, 20.5 grams of marijuana, a black scale with green residue and a clear plastic bag with approximately 30 pills of MDMA. Newby was detained and officers recovered a black and silver 9mm pistol from inside of Newby's waistband. The pistol was loaded with one live round in the chamber and eight live rounds in the magazine. An additional live round was found underneath the driver's seat. Newby claimed ownership of the gun and drugs.
Newby was previously sentenced on March 3, 2010, to seven years’ incarceration for aggravated robbery. In 2015, he also had a prior conviction as a convicted felon in possession of a firearm for which he received a three-year sentence of incarceration. As a result of his felony convictions, Newby is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms.
On June 2, 2022, United States District Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr., sentenced Newby to 100 months in federal prison with three years of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Memphis Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The PSN initiative is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our communities safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement.
Assistant United States Attorney Raney Irwin prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
###Memphis Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Leading Role in Cocaine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN - Percy Woodears, 40, has been sentenced to 135 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. Joseph C. Murphy Jr., United States Attorney, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) began an investigation into Percy Woodears a/k/a Boom in October 2019. Between October 2019 and February 2021, agents determined Woodears was obtaining kilogram amounts of cocaine and through a network of associates, distributed both powder and crack cocaine for profit.
On February 5, 2021, agents seized three individually wrapped kilograms of cocaine, a safe containing approximately $313,898 in cash, and four firearms, from locations connected to Woodears' drug trafficking activities. Woodears and 15 other individuals were indicted for their roles in the cocaine and crack cocaine distribution on February 25, 2021. During the arrest of the co-conspirators, agents seized 6 additional firearms.
On January 13, 2022, Woodears pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of powder cocaine, conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 280 grams of crack cocaine; and aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute 3.4 kilograms of cocaine. Woodears had previously been convicted of a federal firearms offense in the Western District of Tennessee in 2010.
The 15 other defendants have also pled guilty.
"This case highlights the impact multiple agencies can have when they join forces. We will continue to work together and pursue those individuals who threaten our communities by distributing illegal and dangerous drugs as well as illegally possessing firearms," said Mickey French, Special Agent in Charge, ATF.
On June 2, 2022, United States District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Woodears to 135 months incarceration to be followed by five years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Secret Service, Memphis Police Multi-Agency Gang Unit, and the Shelby County Sheriff's Office.
Assistant United States Attorneys Gregory D. Allen and Jennifer Musselwhite prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
###Grand Jury Charges Memphis Woman Who Allegedly Bought Maserati Luxury Automobile and Other Personal Items with Fraudulently Obtained Paycheck Protection LoansRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN - A Memphis woman was charged for her role in a fraudulent scheme to obtain thousands of dollars in federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for herself and others. Joseph C. Murphy Jr., United States Attorney, announced the indictment today.
On May 19, 2022, a federal grand jury charged Kenyatta Danielle Hooper, 34, in a six-count indictment with wire fraud. Hooper was arrested on Friday, May 27, 2022.
According to the indictment, the Coronavirus Aid Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The law authorized up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through the PPP. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.
Hooper engaged in a scheme to illegally obtain thousands of dollars in PPP money for herself and others through numerous misrepresentations to financial institutions. Hooper both personally submitted and directed others to submit fraudulent PPP loan applications. She also submitted fake and false documents in support of these applications. Hooper also took kickbacks from the persons she assisted in filing fraudulent PPP loan applications. She further falsely certified that she would only use PPP loan proceeds for permissible expenses – payroll, rent or mortgage payments, and utilities – and instead spent loan money on a Maserati automobile, personal travel, concerts, and gambling.
“Congress funded the PPP program to provide a financial lifeline to struggling small businesses in West Tennessee and across the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic”, said United States Attorney Joseph C. Murphy. “Bad actors unfortunately have targeted this critical assistance program and fraudulently diverted much needed resources. Our office and our law enforcement partners will investigate all allegations of unlawful use of these funds and are committed to ensuring federal tax dollars are used for their intended purposes.”
“The FBI takes particular interest in cases where individuals scheme for their own personal benefit, lining their pockets at the public’s expense,” said Douglas M. Korneski, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Memphis Field Office. “The honest and law-abiding small business owners in this country should be assured by this indictment that the FBI is committed to working closely with its law enforcement partners to vigorously pursue anyone who would scheme to use critical assistance loans for their own avaricious desires.”
“Scheming to fraudulently use SBA program funds is unacceptable,” said SBA OIG’s Special Agent-in-Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite. “OIG remains committed to rooting out bad actors and protecting the integrity of SBA programs. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and pursuit of justice.”
“The Memphis Field Office of the United States Secret Service assisted the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the arrest of suspect Kenyatta Hooper for COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program Fraud. This investigation and subsequent arrest once again demonstrate the continued collaboration between the FBI and Secret Service to combat financial crime,” said Carl B. Hagins, Special Agent in Charge (Memphis Field Office), United States Secret Service.
Hooper faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each wire fraud count. There is no parole in the federal system.
The charges and allegations contained in indictment are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.
The case was investigated by the FBI, the United States Small Business Administration, and the United States Secret Service.
Assistant United States Attorney Tony Arvin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
###Illegal Possession of Firearm Sends Convicted Felon to Federal Prison for 10 YearsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN- Amiri Johnson, 28, has been sentenced to serve 120 months in federal prison for possession of a stolen firearm. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., United States Attorney, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on March 12, 2019, at approximately 8:00am, detectives with the Multi-Agency Gang Unit and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Apprehension Team executed a search warrant at an address on E. Belle Haven Road for Amiri Johnson. Johnson was wanted for aggravated burglary and robbery. Detectives were allowed into the residence by the homeowner who gave consent to search the home.
During the search, detectives found a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol underneath a mattress in the master bedroom. Johnson was discovered hiding inside a compartment of cabinets and was immediately placed into custody.
The gun recovered was loaded with six live rounds of .40 caliber ammunition and had been reported stolen during a residential burglary. Johnson claimed ownership of the gun. In 2013, Johnson was convicted on two counts of aggravated burglary, and in 2016, he was convicted for robbery. As a result of his felony convictions, Johnson is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition.
On May 18, 2022, United States District Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Johnson to 120 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Memphis Police Department, the Multi-Gang Unit, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The PSN initiative is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our communities safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement.
Assistant United States Attorney Raney Irwin prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
###43 Arrested as Part of a Combined Law Enforcement Operation “River Run” in West TennesseeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN - United States Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., and United States Marshal Tyreece Miller today announced Operation "River Run," a joint federal, state, and local law enforcement initiative that resulted in the arrest of 43 violent fugitives in West Tennessee. These individuals were arrested on a variety of criminal charges, including possession of drugs, homicide, illegal possession of firearms by prohibited persons, violation of federal supervised release, state probation and parole violations, burglary, sex crimes and aggravated assault. This coordinated effort to reduce violence was led by the United States Marshals Service.
In February 2022, the Department of Justice announced that it will be working with each United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) to enhance collaborative violent crime reduction efforts by providing resources to support violent crime priorities at the local level. These initiatives will incorporate the pillars of community engagement, prevention, strategic enforcement, and accountability. These four core principles will be the framework that the USAOs will use to serve the local communities in partnership with our federal, state, local and tribal colleagues.
The United States Marshals (USMS) Task Forces nationwide work in collaboration with their federal, state, local and tribal partners to enforce the rule of law through impactful violent crime reduction strategies. Last year alone, USMS Task Forces apprehended approximately 6,000 violent fugitives wanted for homicide and removed approximately 6,900 firearms from the street.
Operation River Run commenced on April 1, 2022 and concluded on April 30, 2022. The coordinated and targeted areas included Dyer, Lake, Lauderdale, Obion, and Tipton Counties. 43 fugitives were arrested; 44 warrants cleared; seven firearms seized; 20 rounds of ammunition seized; $8,945 in cash; 0.751 kg of narcotics seized; and three gang members identified.
"Violent criminal acts wreak havoc in communities throughout our district. Recognizing this fact, reduction in violent crime is a priority for our office. We will work with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to apprehend and prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes. Our goal in this effort is safer communities and we believe that this goal is achievable," said United States Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr.
"Through Operation River Run, the U.S. Marshals Service and our partners made a concerted effort to address criminal activity in more rural areas of West Tennessee. Fugitives may believe they can hide away from law enforcement resources and support larger cities may offer, but they are mistaken. Offenders should be on notice that we stand ready to address violent crime wherever it may be." said United States Marshal Tyreece Miller.
The following agencies participated in Operation "River Run":
United States Marshals Service
United States Attorney’s Office
United States Probation Services
Atoka Police Department
Bells Police Department
Drug Enforcement Administration
Dyersburg Police Department
Halls Police Department
Henning Police Department
Hornbeak Police Department
Martin Police Department
Memphis Police Department
Jackson Police Department
Dyer County Sheriff’s Office
Fayette County Sheriff’s Office
Lake County Sheriff’s Office
Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office
Obion County Sheriff’s Office
Shelby County Sheriff’s Office
Tipton County Sheriff’s Office
Weakley County Sheriff’s Office
Tennessee Department of Correction
Tennessee Highway Patrol (Jackson Office)
Tennessee Highway Patrol (Memphis Office)
Texas Department of Public Safety
Additional information about the United States Marshals Service can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov.
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Former pastor and coach pleads guilty to child exploitationRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN- Joshua Henley, 33, formerly of Benton County, Tennessee, and Evansville, Indiana, pled guilty Monday in federal district court to an eight-count indictment, admitting that he produced child sexual abuse material involving three minors, transported a minor interstate with the intent to engage in sexual activity with the minor, sent obscene videos and images to a minor, and possessed and transported child sexual abuse material. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., United States Attorney, announced the conviction today.
According to information presented in court, beginning in 2018, Henley was the pastor at Holladay Church of Christ in Benton County. He also coached the Holladay Elementary School girls’ basketball team. In April 2021, Henley took a position at a church in Evansville, Indiana. In June 2021, Henley drove back to Tennessee to pick up a female identified as "Minor C" and took her back to Indiana so she could help at his Vacation Bible School there. While in Indiana, Henley had sex with her. Minor C had just turned fifteen. Minor C later disclosed that Henley had been engaging in sexual activity with her since she was thirteen and asked her to take sexually explicit pictures and send them to him via a chat application.
While Henley was in Indiana with Minor C, another female, "Minor B," disclosed to a trusted adult that in 2020, Henley had asked her to create and send sexually explicit images too. Minor B was fifteen.
Henley was arrested on June 18, 2021, as he was driving Minor C back to Benton County. Investigators found a cell phone in his possession and obtained a warrant to search it and found sexually explicit images of Minor C and Minor B, as well as video of Henley having sexual intercourse with another female—Minor A. Metadata indicated the image was produced on November 6, 2020, just a few months after Minor A turned fourteen.
Henley has worked with young people in several other states, including Indiana, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Sentencing is set for August 23, 2022, before Chief United States District Judge S. Thomas Anderson in Jackson, Tennessee. Henley will be incarcerated for at least fifteen years and may be sentenced to a term of up to life in prison.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Crimes Against Children Task Force in partnership with the Benton County Sheriff’s Department, the Evansville Police Department, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Technical Services Unit.
Assistant United States Attorney Debra Ireland is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
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Decatur County Man Sentenced for Resisting Arrest by a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN- Anthony Ray Phoenix, 37, of Decatur County, has been sentenced to 100 months in federal prison for resisting arrest by a federal officer. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., United States Attorney, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, in November of 2019, officers from the Tennessee Highway Patrol requested the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service in locating and apprehending Anthony Ray Phoenix on active warrants for fleeing from patrolmen. Additionally, the Marshals determined Phoenix was wanted for a Tennessee State Probation violation, assault, and battery in Kentucky, resisting arrest in Texas, and a probation violation in Idaho. Phoenix was known to be affiliated with the Aryan Nation Gang as well.
On December 2, 2019, members of the United States Marshals Service Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, along with local law enforcement and special agents of the Tennessee Department of Corrections, located Phoenix at a residence in Decatur County, Tennessee. Upon approach, Phoenix was observed in a white Ford Expedition parked outside of the residence.
Phoenix fled from law enforcement officers through the backyard, a barbed-wire fence, and down a road at a high rate of speed before turning around and heading back through the same backyard towards the residence. Phoenix continued traveling at a high rate of speed, through another fence, into the original backyard and directly toward a Deputy U.S. Marshal and a Special Agent with the Tennessee Department of Corrections. With a fence to the Deputies’ right and the residence behind, the Deputy Marshal had no way to escape and in fear for his safety, fired his weapon in the direction of the vehicle.
Phoenix was subsequently taken into custody; all parties were uninjured. While interviewed by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation special agents, Phoenix admitted knowing law enforcement officers were pursing him, as he attempted to evade arrest.
On January 25, 2022, Phoenix pled guilty.
At sentencing, the Government sought, and the Court found, an increase in sentence because Phoenix created a substantial risk of bodily injury by driving his vehicle towards the Deputy Marshal and the TDOC Special Agent to evade apprehension by fleeing.
On May 9, 2022, Chief United States District Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Phoenix to 100 months incarceration with three years of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system.
"Law enforcement are public servants that place their lives on the line every day, enforcing laws throughout our communities. Sadly, physical danger is part of what it means to wear a badge. But trying to hurt a Deputy United States Marshal has serious consequences. We are glad our Deputy Marshal wasn’t seriously injured, and this case has concluded," said United States Marshal Tyreece Miller.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service, Tennessee Department of Correction, Decatur County Sheriff's Department, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Christie Hopper prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Career Offender Sentenced to over 10 Years for Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Jerry Moore, 36, has been sentenced to 125 months in federal prison for being a prohibited person in possession of ammunition, and for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., United States Attorney, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on August 11, 2020, members of Memphis Police Department Organized Crime Unit conducted a traffic stop of Moore’s vehicle after observing him engaged in a hand to hand drug transaction at a gas station parking lot. A search of the vehicle revealed 78.5 grams of marijuana, 5.6 grams of cocaine, 34.16 grams of methamphetamine, 13.979 grams of fentanyl, and ammunition.
While on release for the above offense, a second traffic stop was conducted of a vehicle in which Moore was the driver. A subsequent search revealed 30.73 grams of methamphetamine, 24.36 grams of marijuana, and 12. 39 grams of fentanyl.
In September 2021, a federal grand jury returned a nine-count indictment against Moore charging violations of possession with intent to distribute and for being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition.
On January 20, 2022, the defendant pled guilty to the nine-count indictment.
On May 13, 2022, United States District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Moore to 125 months imprisonment, to be followed by four years supervised release. Moore was determined to be a career offender. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, a defendant who is convicted of a controlled substance offense and has at least two prior felony convictions of either a crime of violence or a controlled substance offense is subject to an enhanced penalty. Prior to the commission of this offense Moore had been convicted
of Robbery and Criminal Attempt Voluntary Manslaughter. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department Organized Crime Unit.
Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Kimbril-Parks prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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United States Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., Recognizes Police WeekRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN- In honor of National Police Week, United States Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., will recognize the service and sacrifice of federal, state, and local law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Wednesday, May 11 through Tuesday, May 17, 2022.
“This week, we gather to pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who sacrificed their lives in service to our country,” said Attorney General Garland. “We remember the courage with which they worked and lived. And we recommit ourselves to the mission to which they dedicated their lives. On behalf of a grateful Justice Department and a grateful nation, I extend my sincerest thanks and gratitude to the entire law enforcement community.”"Police officers," said United States Attorney Murphy, "are our Nation’s first line of defense when it comes to the safety of our local communities. We should always remember that when an emergency arises, police officers are usually among the first people we call and the first people to arrive on the scene to aid. Our community is safer because of their efforts."
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), 472 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2021. Of that number, 319 succumbed to COVID-19. Seven officers have died in the line of duty in the Western District of Tennessee.
Additionally, according to 2021 statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 73 aw enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2021 were killed as a result of felonious acts, whereas 56 died in accidents. Deaths resulting from felonious acts increased in 2021, rising more than 58 percent from the previous year. In 2021, unprovoked attacks1 were the cause of 24 deaths significantly outpacing all other line of duty deaths resulting from felony acts and reaching the highest annual total in over 30 years of reporting. Additional LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website for the LEOKA program.
The names of the 619 fallen officers added this year to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Friday, May 13, 2022, during a Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C., starting at 8:00 PM EDT. Those who wish to view the vigil live online, can watch on the NLEOMF YouTube channel found at https://www.youtube.com/TheNLEOMF. The schedule of National Police Week events is available on NLEOMF's website.###
Domestic Abuser Sentenced to Six Years for Unlawful Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN- John Thomas Ward, 38, of Gibson County, has been sentenced to 80 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., United States Attorney, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on March 17, 2021, Gibson County Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Milan Highway for a welfare check of suspicious persons in the area. The deputy observed John Ward and a female standing next to two vehicles. Ward was changing the tire on one of the vehicles. Through conversation with Ward and the female, the deputy determined that the female had an active order of protection against Ward.
The deputy also detected a strong odor of marijuana and asked for consent to search both vehicles. The parties consented, and the deputy recovered a Ruger, Model LC 9, 9mm pistol in a holster on the floorboard of one vehicle. Ward advised he owned the firearm and that he was a convicted felon. The firearm had an altered serial number; it was later determined that the firearm was stolen.
Ward had previously been convicted on five separate occasions of Domestic Assault including one felony Aggravated Domestic Assault with a Deadly Weapon. At the time of this offense, he was actively under an Order of Protection prohibiting him from being in the presence of the female at the scene.
“The Department of Justice is committed to keeping guns out of the hands of those who are prohibited from having them, and we will continue investigating and prosecuting all domestic violence firearms related crimes," said Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., United States Attorney.
On February 1, 2022, Ward entered a guilty plea.
This case was investigated by the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
On May 6, 2022, United States Chief Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Ward to 80 months incarceration to be followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Assistant United States Attorney Christie Hopper prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
###The United States Attorney’s Office, Community Stakeholders, Faith Based Leaders, and the Memphis Police Department Announce Efforts to Reduce Violent CrimeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – United States Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., along with stakeholders in the north Memphis Community announced the third “Better Community Summit” effort to reduce violent crime throughout our city. Summit organizers and participants include the Neighborhood Christian Centers, represented by CEO, Ephie Johnson, Dr. Todd Richardson, Crosstown Redevelopment Cooperative, Memphis Medical District Collaborative, represented by Rory Thomas, Bishop Brandon Porter, Greater Community Temple Church of God In Christ, Tanja Mitchell, Mitchell Consulting, the Memphis Police Department, represented by Deputy Chief Paul Wright; and program facilitators, Rev. Ricky Floyd, The Pursuit of God Transformation Center; Charlie Caswell, Executive Director of Legacy of Legends, CDC; and DeAndre Brown, Founder, Lifeline2Success.
The U.S. Department of Justice is committed to work with law enforcement and other stakeholders to reduce violent crime in Memphis and West Tennessee. To achieve this goal, the Department has directed every U.S. Attorney’s Office to formulate a strategic plan designed to reduce violent crime. To that end, our office convened meetings with over 40 clergy leaders across the greater Memphis area to discuss violent crime and recommend possible solutions.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Memphis Police Department, non-profit organizations, clergy leaders, and other community stakeholders are pleased to announce the next “Better Community Summit” will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2022, 10 a.m.-2:00 p.m., at the Neighborhood Christian Centers, 785 Jackson Avenue. The summit is tailored to address the needs of parents and children. Topics covered will include domestic violence prevention, gang talk, community conflict resolution, and de-escalation training.
The remaining Summits will be held quarterly in the areas of Whitehaven/Westwood and Hickory Hill/East Memphis.
###DEA and Partners Hold National Prescription Drug Take Back Day April 30Read the Press Release
Memphis, TN- United States Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., joins the Drug Enforcement Administration in announcing that on April 30th, DEA will hold its 22nd National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The biannual event will be held at thousands of collection sites around the country. The event is an effort to rid homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. The service is free and anonymous.
With robust public participation, the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Initiative continues to remove ever-higher amounts of opioids and other medicines from the nation’s homes, where they are vulnerable to misuse, theft or abuse by family members and visitors, including children and teens.
"Disposing of unneeded medications can help prevent drugs from being misused," said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. "Overdose deaths continue to hit tragic record highs. I encourage everyone to dispose of unneeded prescription medications now."
"I encourage everyone to participate in the National Prescription Drug Takeback Day and take just a few minutes to rid their homes of any unneeded or expired medications," said Todd Scott, Special Agent in Charge of DEA’s Louisville Division. "This small act will go a long way in making our communities safer, by providing safe disposal and keeping prescription drugs out of the wrong hands."
Drug overdose deaths are up 16 percent in the last year, claiming more than 290 lives every day. According to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a majority of people who misused a prescription medication obtained the medicine from a family member or friend.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in the United States, more than 106,000 people died as the result of a drug overdose in the 12-month period ending November 2021, marking the most drug-related deaths ever recorded, with opioid-related deaths accounting for 75 percent of all overdose deaths.
For more than a decade, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications—those that are old, unwanted, or no longer needed—that too often become a gateway to addiction. Working in close partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed more than 15 million pounds of medication from circulation since its inception. These efforts are directly in line with DEA’s priority to combat the overdose epidemic in the United States.
On Saturday, April 30, 2022, DEA and its law enforcement partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps, and illicit drugs will not be accepted. DEA will accept vaping devices and cartridges provided lithium batteries are removed.
A location finder and partner toolbox are available at www.DEATakeBack.com for easy reference to April 30 collection sites.
Year-round receptacles are available at more than 13,000 pharmacies, hospitals, police departments, and business. Additionally, with the passage of the DUMP Opioids Act in 2021, the public may now use drop boxes at Veterans Administration medical centers to dispose of controlled substance prescription medications. Check with your local VA health facility for more information.
With more than 13,000 year-round drop-off locations in the United States, every day can be Take Back Day.
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Court Appoints United States Attorney for the Western District of TennesseeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN- The United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee has appointed Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., as the United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 546(d). The appointment took effect on April 25, 2022, and on April 20, 2022, Chief United States District Judge S. Thomas Anderson administered the oath of office for Mr. Murphy’s appointment prior to its effective date. Mr. Murphy will serve in this capacity until the vacancy is filled by a Presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed nominee.
Mr. Murphy, a graduate of Lambuth College and the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at the University of Memphis, has served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the United States Attorney’s Memphis office since 1989. He was named as the office’s First Assistant United States Attorney in July of 2018. Prior to being named First Assistant, Mr. Murphy served as the office’s Criminal Chief beginning in 2011. In that role he supervised 28 Assistant United States Attorneys who investigated and prosecuted criminal cases in the Memphis office and 10 support staff. He also served as Chief of the office’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force for three years before being named Criminal Chief. Between 1991 and 2007, Mr. Murphy served as a line assistant in both the office’s criminal division and drug task force.
During his career with the Justice Department, Mr. Murphy has tried approximately 125 felony cases to verdict in United States District Court. These cases included prosecutions of health care professionals for illegally distributing controlled substances; mail and wire fraud cases; and theft cases involving pension funds and interstate shipments. Mr. Murphy has also represented the government in over 200 cases litigated before the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and he has argued approximately 48 cases before that court.
A Memphis resident, Mr. Murphy has been married to Sandy Murphy for 33 years and has two adult children. Active in community and legal affairs, he is a member of the Leo Bearman, Sr. Inn of the American Inns of Court and a Fellow of the Memphis Bar Foundation and has served as a volunteer with the Chickasaw Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
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Jury Finds Husband and Wife Guilty of Participating in International Fraud RingRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN- Caesar Oruade, 38, and Ayana Saunders, 36, of Hawthorne, California, have been convicted of wire fraud conspiracy and conspiracy to launder money. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., United States Attorney, announced the conviction today.
According to information presented in court, in May 2017, a computer intrusion at a real estate company resulted in a Memphis woman’s $76,000 payment on a home purchase being diverted to the bank account of California resident Jeffrey Cranford. Agents investigating the case followed the money and found that the $76,000 had been "chopped" and sent to several other U.S. bank account holders before ultimately being wired to an account in Nigeria. Many others across the United States and in Canada had been similarly victimized in their attempts to purchase real estate. The proceeds of romance fraud were flowing through the same accounts as well.
Bank accounts belonging to defendant Ayana Saunders generally served as the last domestic stop for funds before leaving the United States; they then landed in the Nigerian account of Caesar Oruade. Saunders and Oruade, now married, claimed the money came from "investors" who were funding the making of Nigerian films through their production company. Both were convicted of wire fraud conspiracy and conspiracy to launder money.
Victims from around the United States and Canada testified that they had been directed by either an online real estate lender or an online love interest or friend to wire money to Saunders as insurance on their pending loan or to assist their "friend" in an emergency. More than half a million dollars moved into Saunders’ accounts over the course of approximately one year. Saunders took a cut before forwarding the remaining fraudulently obtained funds to Nigeria.
Wire fraud conspiracy and conspiracy to commit money laundering each carry sentences of up to twenty years in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
"Targeting domestic and foreign fraudsters who scam innocent people out of their hard-earned money is a priority for the FBI," said Douglas M. Korneski, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Memphis Field Office. "These convictions demonstrate the effectiveness of state and federal law enforcement working together to protect the public from real estate and romance scammers and bring those responsible to justice."
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) - Memphis Division, investigated this case with assistance from the United States Secret Service (USSS), FBI – Los Angeles Division and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
Sentencing is set for July 21, 2022, before Senior United States District Judge J. Daniel Breen. Jeffrey Cranford pled guilty in the scheme and is set to be sentenced on May 5, 2022, before Judge J. Daniel Breen.
Assistant United States Attorneys Raney Irwin and Debra Ireland are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
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22-Year-Old Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Murder During a Business RobberyRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN- Decardo Moore, 22, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for murder during a business robbery. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., United States Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on March 28, 2019, Decardo Moore entered the Exxon on Stage Road in Memphis and demanded money from the store clerk and two patrons. After all three complied, Moore fired a single shot, which struck and killed the store clerk. Moore then fired shots to break the glass in the front door and fled.
Three months later, on June 28, 2019, Decardo Moore, Joshua Beason, and an additional co-defendant robbed three Memphis-area gas stations. At approximately 1:10 a.m., Moore and Beason approached a store clerk outside of the Mapco Express on Raleigh Millington Road armed with semi-automatic handguns with extended magazines. They threatened the clerk, forced her inside, and removed money from the register. Less than an hour later, the group proceeded to the Murphy Express on Summer Avenue. Moore's co-defendants put a handgun to the side of a store clerk, forced him inside the store, and threatened the lives of both store clerks. They took money from the register and fled. Moore served as the getaway driver.
Approximately thirty minutes later, the group robbed the Exxon on Summer Avenue. They brandished firearms, removed the cash drawer then fled the scene. Moore served as the getaway driver.
Minutes later, the group participated in a home invasion on West Barbara Circle. During this incident, a resident, Moore and one of his co-defendants were shot. All three survived. Moore and his co-defendants were apprehended at the emergency room. Charges for the home invasion are pending for all three defendants before the State of Tennessee.
On October 25, 2021, Moore pled guilty to four counts of robbery and four counts of brandishing a firearm.
On April 21, 2022, United States District Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Moore to life in federal prison plus 21 years’ incarceration. Joshua Beason was sentenced to 293 months in federal prison on March 14, 2021. Moore's other co-defendant is scheduled for trial in May 2022. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin Whitmore and Greg Wagner prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
###Union City Resident Sentenced to over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN- Hunter Brett Wherry, 26, of Union City, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 140 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon-in-possession of a firearm. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., United States Attorney, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on February 27, 2021, an officer with the Weakley County Sheriff’s Department responded to a report of a residential burglary in Sharon, Tennessee. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with the homeowner, Billy Finney, who reported that his home had been burglarized and several items were missing. Witnesses observed a maroon Nissan Altima with two subjects at the home between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. that day with the trunk open. Mr. Finney later provided law enforcement with a list of 11 firearms that were stolen from his home during the burglary.
On March 3, 2021, officers with the Obion County Sheriff’s Department conducted a traffic stop on a male subject and recovered an AR-15 rifle that matched the description of one of the firearms stolen from Mr. Finney’s residence. Photos of the firearm were shown to Mr. Finney, and he confirmed that the firearm was the AR-15 Bump Stock, Red Dot Sight that he reported stolen. Officers then interviewed the male subject, and he said the defendant, Hunter Brett Wherry, gave him the AR-15 "to hold onto." The male subject also said Wherry had given him additional firearms that were now at his residence in Trenton, Tennessee. After receiving permission to search and recover the firearms from the male subject's residence, officers recovered three additional firearms that were reported stolen from Mr. Finney’s residence.
The male subject agreed to work with the officers to recover additional firearms from Wherry. He made a recorded phone call to Wherry and told Wherry that he had a buyer for the remaining guns. Wherry told the male subject to meet him at an address on Vine Street in Union City, Tennessee. An undercover Union City police officer and the male subject then met with Wherry at the designated area. Wherry instructed the undercover officer and the male subject to follow him to a residence in Union City, where the firearms were located. Once there, the pair purchased several firearms from Wherry, including a High Standard Sentinel .22-caliber revolver. During the purchase, one officer left to obtain a search warrant for the residence and vehicles on the property, while the rest continued surveillance of the residence. Before the officer could return with the warrant, Wherry and two other individuals left the residence in a brown Cadillac.
A traffic stop was then conducted on the vehicle. When officers approached the vehicle, they observed Wherry in the right rear passenger seat leaning forward as if he was placing something under the seat. Wherry was ultimately removed from the vehicle, and a search of his person revealed a black fanny pack containing 22 grams of methamphetamine, 21 grams of marijuana, 3 syringes (one was filled with an undisclosed substance), and digital scales. Officers also located a Galesi Brescia .32-caliber ACP pistol (serial no 202520) under the seat where Wherry had been seen reaching.
Officers returned with the search warrant and executed it at the Washington Street residence. A search of the Cadillac and the residence, along with the firearms collected from the male subject that assisted the officers in this investigation resulted in the seizure of the following firearms, many of which were stolen during the burglary of Mr. Finney's home:
• Browning 22 Take-Down, .22 caliber long rifle.
• Stevens 311 Double Barrel shotgun.
• W&C Scott and Sons 12-gauge double barrel shotgun.
• High Standard Sentinel, .22-caliber revolver (serial no. 1468971).
• Galesi Brescia .32-caliber ACP pistol (serial no 202520).
• AR-15 Bump Stock, Red Dot Sight, serial # unknown.
• Remington 12-gauge, 870 Express Wood Sock, serial # unknown.
• Remington 12-gauge Shotgun, serial # unknown.
• Savage Model 308, serial # unknown.
• Savage Model 7 Mag Nightcon Scope, serial # unknown.
• Remington 30-06, Simmons Scope Wood Stock, serial # unknown.
• .22 Auto black synthetic stock, serial # unknown.
Wherry waived his Miranda rights and admitted to breaking into Mr. Finney's residence with his girlfriend and stealing several items. After the couple left the residence, they discovered they had stolen a key to a firearm’s safe. They decided to return to the residence and steal the firearms from the safe. Wherry further admitted that he had asked the male subject who assisted the police to help him sell the four firearms that the officers had recovered from the male subject's home earlier that day.
Wherry pled guilty to two counts of being a convicted felon-in-possession of a firearm on December 17, 2021.
This case was investigated by the Weakley County Sheriff’s Office, Obion County Sheriff’s Office, Union City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
On April 15, 2022, United States Chief Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Wherry to 140 months' imprisonment, to be followed by two years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Assistant United States Attorney Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Man Pleads Guilty to Civil Rights Conspiracy Involving Robbery and KidnappingRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN- Kenneth Hicks, 62, has pleaded guilty to civil rights conspiracy violations. Joseph C. Murphy Jr., United States Attorney, announced the guilty plea today.
According to information presented in court, after a four-day jury trial, on April 15, 2022, Kenneth Hicks pled guilty to conspiring to violate the civil rights of others. Proof submitted to the jury and the court showed that between 2014 and 2018 Anthony Davis, Sam Blue, Ronnie Woods, Lester Page, Kenneth Hicks, David Douglas, and Jarvis Howard conspired to rob drug dealers of drugs and drug proceeds acting under color of law. Sam Blue was a sworn Memphis Police Department officer during this time. Hicks joined the conspiracy in the summer of 2018.
Prior to the planned robberies, various co-conspirators would conduct surveillance of the targets. Blue provided his co-conspirators with equipment, including an official MPD badge, and a car dashboard blue light to use during the planned robberies so that they could falsely claim to be or appear to be law enforcement officers. In the summer of 2018, conspirators targeted individuals believed to be in possession of drugs and drug proceeds. The plan was to pose as law enforcement and detain the targets and seize the drugs and/or money. Blue provided law enforcement sensitive information in furtherance of the conspiracy to rob these individuals and violate their constitutional rights. To further the conspiracy, Blue would contact MPD dispatch and request that a license plate be run. Blue would pass that information along to Davis. Blue also provided advice as to tactics to use to appear that the conspirators were law enforcement.
On July 13, 2018, the final victim was leaving his apartment in Memphis around 4:30 a.m. when a black car with flashing blue lights pulled up behind his car. Hicks and Douglas, dressed in law enforcement type clothing with the word "police" on it and wearing masks and armed with handguns, got out of the car, and ordered the victim to get on the ground.
He obeyed and the men handcuffed him, put a hood over his face, and put him in the back of their car. Hicks and Douglas then drove him to a house on Reese Road.
The victim was taken inside the house and restrained while the defendants beat him, burned him on his arm, neck, and head, and demanded that he tell them where he kept his money and/or drugs. The victim was able to eventually escape by diving head-first out of a window while still handcuffed and with a hood still over his head. A construction worker spotted him in the street and flagged down an officer to get him help. The victim suffered second and third-degree burns on his neck, face, and arms. He was hospitalized for a week in the burn unit at the Med and had to undergo surgery for his injuries including a skin graft to his arm.
"For the last 15 years, the FBI Memphis Field Office’s Tarnished Badge Task Force has been the model for investigating law enforcement corruption around the country," said Douglas M. Korneski, Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. "The Tarnished Badge Task Force is composed of law enforcement officers from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Memphis Police Department, and the FBI. The continued commitment to investigating these crimes by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and Memphis Police Department has led to the tremendous success of this task force and helped deter criminal behavior and restore public trust in law enforcement. Since its inception, investigating law enforcement corruption has been a top priority for all three agencies and continued focus resulted in this successful prosecution."
"We are thankful for the dedicated work of the Tarnished Badge Task Force that led to the arrest of Kenneth Hicks and other coconspirators. This case is just another reminder that no one is above the law. Additionally, we should never let the unlawful actions of one group of individuals diminish the extraordinary work being done daily by the committed men and women of law enforcement," said Assistant Chief Don Crowe.
"These critical arrests are examples of what we can accomplish when our local and federal law enforcement agencies work together on joint task force operations in order to remove these criminal elements from our streets of Shelby County," said Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner, Jr. "I am proud of our law enforcement partners, and my deputies assigned to this task force, for their collaborations to investigate and make these arrests."
Sentencing is set for August 25, 2022, before United States District Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr., where Hicks faces up to life imprisonment. The remaining co-conspirators have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the FBI Tarnished Badge Task Force, a national model for investigating law enforcement corruption, comprised of the Memphis Police Department, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and FBI team members.
Assistant United States Attorney David Pritchard prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Justice Department Announces Nationwide Coordinated Law Enforcement Action to Combat Health Care Related COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN - The Department of Justice today announced criminal charges against 21 defendants in nine federal districts across the United States for their alleged participation in various health care related fraud schemes that exploited the COVID-19 pandemic. These cases allegedly resulted in over $149 million in COVID-19-related false billings to federal programs and theft from federally-funded pandemic assistance programs. In connection with the enforcement action, the department seized over $8 million in cash and other fraud proceeds.
“The Department of Justice’s Health Care Fraud Unit and our partners are dedicated to rooting out schemes that have exploited the pandemic,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s enforcement action reinforces our commitment to using all available tools to hold accountable medical professionals, corporate executives, and others who have placed greed above care during an unprecedented public health emergency.”
“This COVID-19 health care fraud enforcement action involves extraordinary efforts to prosecute some of the largest and most wide-ranging pandemic frauds detected to date,” said Director for COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Kevin Chambers. “The scale and complexity of the schemes prosecuted today illustrates the success of our unprecedented interagency effort to quickly investigate and prosecute those who abuse our critical health care programs.”
This announcement builds on the success of the May 2021 COVID-19 Enforcement Action and involves the prosecution of various COVID-19 health care fraud schemes. For example, several cases announced today involve defendants who allegedly offered COVID-19 testing to induce patients to provide their personal identifying information and a saliva or blood sample. The defendants are alleged to have then used the information and samples to submit false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for unrelated, medically unnecessary, and far more expensive tests or services. In one such scheme in the Central District of California, two owners of a clinical laboratory were charged with a health care fraud, kickback, and money laundering scheme that involved the fraudulent billing of over $214 million for laboratory tests, over $125 million of which allegedly involved fraudulent claims during the pandemic for COVID-19 and respiratory pathogen tests. In two separate cases in the District of Maryland and the Eastern District of New York, owners of medical clinics allegedly obtained confidential information from patients seeking COVID-19 testing at drive-thru testing sites and then submitted fraudulent claims for lengthy office visits with the patients that did not, in fact, occur. The proceeds of these fraudulent schemes were allegedly laundered through shell corporations in the United States, transferred to foreign countries, and used to purchase real estate and luxury items.
“Throughout the pandemic, we have seen trusted medical professionals orchestrate and carry out egregious crimes against their patients all for financial gain,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “These health care fraud abuses erode the integrity and trust patients have with those in the health care industry, particularly during a vulnerable and worrisome time for many individuals. The actions of these criminals are unacceptable, and the FBI, working in coordination with our law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate and pursue those who exploit the integrity of the health care industry for profit.”
In the Western District of Tennessee, Raymond Earl Vallier, 52, of Collierville, Tennessee was indicted with theft of government property and aggravated identity theft in connection with a scheme to unlawfully convert CARES Act Provider Relief Fund monies. Vallier was the former owner and operator of North Delta Hospice and Palliative Services LLC, a hospice care center, which, on April 10, 2020, received $107,568.03 from the Provider Relief Fund. North Delta Hospice had ceased seeing patients and billing Medicare and Medicaid by the end of September 2019. According to the indictment, rather than returning the funds deposited, as North Delta Hospice did not qualify for the Provider Relief Fund Payment, the defendant used the name of the deceased owner of North Delta Hospice to falsely attest to the terms and conditions of the Provider Relief Fund — claiming that the funds would be used for expenses related to the treatment of COVID-19 patients — and wrote a check to himself and made a payment on one of his other company’s credit card accounts with the funds. This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Sara E. Porter of the Gulf Coast Strike Force and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Arvin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee.
In another type of COVID-19 health care fraud scheme announced today, defendants allegedly exploited policies that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) put in place to enable increased access to care during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, in the Southern District of Florida, one medical professional was charged with a health care fraud, wire fraud, and kickback scheme that allegedly involved billing for sham telemedicine encounters that did not occur and agreeing to order unnecessary genetic testing in exchange for access to telehealth patients. Late last year, one defendant previously was sentenced to 82 months in prison in connection with this scheme.
“The attempt to profit from the COVID-19 pandemic by targeting beneficiaries and stealing from federal health care programs is unconscionable,” said Inspector General Christi A. Grimm of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). “HHS-OIG is proud to work alongside our law enforcement partners at the federal and state levels to ensure that bad actors who perpetrate egregious and harmful crimes are held accountable.”
Today’s announcement includes charges against two additional defendants for schemes targeting the Provider Relief Fund (PRF). The PRF is part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a federal law enacted in March 2020 that provided financial assistance to medical providers to provide needed medical care to Americans suffering from COVID-19. In total, 10 defendants have been charged with crimes related to misappropriating PRF monies intended for frontline medical providers and three have pleaded guilty.
Today’s announcement also includes charges against manufacturers and distributors of fake COVID-19 vaccination record cards who, according to the allegations, intentionally sought to obstruct the HHS and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in their efforts to administer the nationwide vaccination program and provide Americans with accurate proof of vaccination. For example, in the Northern District of California, three additional defendants were charged in a scheme to sell homeoprophylaxis immunizations for COVID-19 and falsify COVID-19 vaccination record cards to make it appear that customers received government-authorized vaccines. One defendant allegedly misused her position as the Director of Pharmacy at a northern California hospital to obtain real lot numbers for the Moderna vaccine that were then used to falsify COVID-19 vaccination record cards. Another defendant pleaded guilty in April 2022. In a separate case in the Western District of Washington, one manufacturer was charged in the multistate distribution of fake COVID-19 vaccination record cards after allegedly telling an undercover federal agent that “until I get caught and go to jail, [expletive] it I’m taking the money, ha! I don’t care.”
Additionally, the Center for Program Integrity, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CPI/CMS) separately announced today that it has taken an additional 28 administrative actions against providers for their alleged involvement in fraud, waste, and abuse schemes related to the delivery of care for COVID-19, as well as schemes that capitalize upon the public health emergency.
“We are committed to working closely with our law enforcement partners to combat fraud, waste and abuse in our federal health care programs,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “The administrative actions CMS has taken protect the Medicare Trust Funds while also safeguarding people enrolled in Medicare.”
Today’s enforcement actions were led and coordinated by Assistant Chief Jacob Foster and Trial Attorney D. Keith Clouser of the National Rapid Response Strike Force, and Assistant Chief Justin Woodard of the Health Care Fraud Unit’s Gulf Coast Strike Force in the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. The Fraud Section’s National Rapid Response Strike Force and the Health Care Fraud Unit’s Strike Forces (SF) in Brooklyn, the Gulf Coast, Miami, Los Angeles, and Newark, as well as the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Maryland, District of New Jersey, District of Utah, Northern District of California, and Western District of Tennessee are prosecuting these cases. Descriptions of each case involved in today’s enforcement action are available on the department’s website at: https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit/case-summaries.
In addition to the FBI, HHS-OIG, and CPI/CMS, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Department of Defense Office of Inspector General; Department of the Interior Office of the Inspector General; Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General; Food and Drug Administration Office of the Inspector General; Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General; and other federal and local law enforcement agencies participated in the law enforcement action.
The Fraud Section leads the Health Care Fraud Strike Force. Since its inception in March 2007, the Health Care Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 federal districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for nearly $19 billion. In addition, the CMS, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
The Department of Justice needs the public’s assistance in remaining vigilant and reporting suspected fraudulent activity. To report suspected fraud, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) at (866) 720-5721 or file an online complaint at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/webform/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. Complaints filed will be reviewed at the NCDF and referred to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for investigation.
An indictment, complaint, or information is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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West Tennessee Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN- Oscar Goodwin, 35, has been sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Joseph C. Murphy Jr., United States Attorney, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on July 10, 2019, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) agents discovered a Zastavia AK 7.62 x 39 short rifle during the search of a residence in Memphis regarding an ongoing investigation of drive-by shootings in Tipton and Fayette counties. The rifle was discovered in a black/white Air Jordan backpack in the front room of the residence. A male subject at the residence, later identified as Oscar Goodwin, Jr., advised being the owner of the rifle.
Fired casings from the shooting scenes appear to match the weapon found. Evidence proved that the defendant was involved in the Tipton and Fayette County shootings and possessed the AK rifle.
Further investigation revealed that Goodwin had been convicted of multiple violent felonies and was on probation for aggravated burglary out of Fayette County at the time of this crime. As a result of his felony convictions, he is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition.
On April 13, 2022, United States District Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Goodwin to 180 months in federal prison to be followed by three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Sean Hord prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Hord is currently assigned from the 25th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
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Mississippi Man Sentenced to Probation and Home Confinement for Aiming Laser Pointer at AircraftRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN- Convicted felon Eugene Conrad, 52, of Michigan City, Mississippi has been sentenced to three years of probation along with nine months of home confinement for aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., United States Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on July 15, 2021, agents with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) notified the FBI Memphis Field Office of reports indicating that planes flying into the Memphis Airport from the east were consistently being struck in the cockpit and cabin by a green laser coming from the Hardeman County, Tennessee and Benton County, Mississippi area. From January 1, 2021, to July 15, 2021, there were 49 strikes by a green laser on aircraft.
On July 16, 2021, agents conducted surveillance in Saulsbury, Tennessee, during which time agents received reports from Memphis International Airport’s Air Traffic Control relaying that aircraft in the vicinity were being struck by a laser. Agents could see a general originating location but the lasering ceased before a specific origin could be determined.
On August 11, 2021, surveillance was again established near Saulsbury, Tennessee using an aircraft from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), with a camera affixed for surveillance. At approximately 9:30 pm, the TBI aircraft entered the area over Hardeman County, TN and almost immediately began reporting laser strikes originating from the south and southwest of their position.
The TBI plane circled the area several times. Surveillance equipment pinpointed an individual standing in front of a residence located at the intersection of Whippoorwill Road and Hamer Road in Benton County, Mississippi near the TN/MS border.
When agents arrived on the scene, they observed a male, later identified as Eugene Conrad, walking around a house while lasering the plane. A green laser pointer was found in an outdoor trashcan. Conrad admitted to law enforcement to intentionally striking planes flying near his residence with the green laser for several months.
"The FBI and our partners at the Federal Aviation Administration and the TBI Air Unit worked diligently to mitigate this threat to aviation and bring this criminal to justice. We will continue to investigate anyone who interferes with the safe operation of aircraft," said Douglas M. Korneski, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Memphis Field Office. "It is important that people understand this is not a game -- it is a criminal act with potential deadly consequences for pilots, crew, and passengers. When the powerful beam of light from a handheld laser is aimed at an aircraft, the light can illuminate a cockpit and blind pilots. Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft is a serious matter and a violation of federal law."
Conrad pled guilty on December 14, 2021.
On April 7, 2022, United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Conrad to three years’ probation and nine months of home confinement. Other mandatory requirements stipulate that the defendant cannot commit another federal, state, or local crime and he must not own, possess, or have access to firearm, ammunition, destructive devices, or dangerous weapons.
This case was investigated by the FBI – Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Hardeman County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephen L. Hall prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Local Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN- Freddy Colmenares, 30, has been sentenced to 240 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Joseph C. Murphy Jr., United States Attorney, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on March 3, 2020, United States Postal Inspectors intercepted a package from San Diego, California to a Memphis address containing 936 grams of methamphetamine. Colmenares was later identified as the sender of this package. Through surveillance and investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents confirmed multiple packages of similar weights and sizes were being sent to various addresses in Memphis.
On July 2, 2020, Memphis postal inspectors intercepted a second package containing 940 grams of methamphetamine. DEA agents conducted an undercover operation at the listed recipient residence and executed four residential search warrants on July 6, 2020. Law enforcement officers recovered $74,970, four firearms, and smaller quantities of various controlled substances.
Colmenares admitted to shipping over 35 kilograms of actual methamphetamine through the United States Postal Service from San Diego, California to Memphis.
On April 15, 2022, United States District Judge Jon P. McCalla sentenced Colmenares to 240 months in federal prison to be followed by five years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) investigated this case.
Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Musselwhite prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Federal Jury Convicts Clarksville Man of Kidnapping and Interstate StalkingRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN- After a six-day federal jury trial, Keaton L. Walls, 37, of Clarksville, Tennessee, was found guilty of kidnapping, interstate stalking, and using a firearm to commit interstate stalking. Joseph C. Murphy Jr., United States Attorney, announced the conviction today.
According to information presented in court, on November 23, 2016, Walls drove from Clarksville, Tennessee to a residence in DeSoto County, Mississippi, where his ex-girlfriend lived with several family members. Armed with a Norinco AK-47 style automatic rifle, Walls fired at least 10 shots from the front yard into the home’s living room window. Four of the seven people inside the house suffered gunshot wounds, and one of those victims lost his leg due to the shooting. The victims were not able to see the shooter, and Walls fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department personnel recovered six spent shell casings as evidence.
Less than 18 months later, on April 20, 2018, Walls kidnapped his ex-girlfriend, her five-year-old daughter, and her boyfriend at gunpoint from their apartment in Memphis, Tennessee. He forced the victim to drive them in her car to a nearby location, where Walls’s vehicle was parked. He retrieved an AK-47 style rifle from his car and put it into the trunk of the victim’s car. After that, he ordered the victim to drive back to her apartment, where he forced her to lock her daughter inside the apartment by herself. He then ordered her to drive to a house in Marshall County, Mississippi where Walls’s relative lived. During the drive, Walls threatened to kill both victims and hit them with one of his two pistols. When they arrived at the house, Walls forced both victims out of the car, onto their knees, and fired three gunshots past their heads.
After arguing with several family members about whether he should release the victims, Walls directed both victims back into the car. He forced the female victim to drive the car into Shelby County, Tennessee, where officers were able to stop the car, arrest Walls, and
rescue both victims. Forensic ballistics testing showed that the AK-47 style rifle in the car’s trunk matched the spent shell casings recovered from the November 23, 2016, shooting in DeSoto County, Mississippi.
"The prosecution of individuals who commit violent crimes is a priority for the United States Department of Justice," said Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee. "Public safety is a paramount concern for our office, and we will aggressively prosecute individuals who commit violent crimes that endanger the safety of the people living throughout West Tennessee."
"The cooperative efforts among Federal and State partners made it possible to bring a violent stalker and kidnapper to justice," said Douglas M. Korneski, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Memphis Field Office. "The FBI and fellow law enforcement will continue to combine our resources and share our expertise to target those who hope to commit similar heinous acts."
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 8, 2022, before United States District Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr. Walls was convicted of four counts of kidnapping, one count of interstate stalking, and one count of using a firearm to commit interstate stalking. He faces up to life in prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, and the Memphis Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Tony Arvin and Murre Foster are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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Lewisville, Texas Man Sentenced to over 22 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN- William Hill, Jr., 35, of Lewisville, Texas, has been sentenced to 272 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine and possession with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine. Joseph C. Murphy Jr., United States Attorney, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, James Elmer Sneed was a drug dealer who sold methamphetamine to individuals in Texas, Arkansas, and West Tennessee. Sneed previously sold methamphetamine to a female in Jackson, Tennessee. In January 2018, while traveling from Arkansas to Georgia, Sneed stopped in Jackson to meet with the female and sell her methamphetamine. After his arrival, Sneed was contacted by his co-defendant, William Hill, Jr., who is also a known narcotics distributor. Hill decided to travel to Jackson so that Sneed could arrange a meeting between Hill and the female subject for Hill to sell her drugs.
On January 4, 2018, Sneed rented a hotel room at the Country Inn & Suites in Jackson. After Hill arrived in Jackson, Sneed set up a meeting between Hill and the female subject. Sneed then left Jackson and let Hill use the hotel room for the purposes of storing and selling narcotics to the female and others.
On January 6, 2018, officers with the Jackson Police Department (JPD) were called to the Country Inn and Suites to assist management with the removal of the occupants from Sneed’s room. Management reported heavy foot traffic coming to and from the room, and the odor of marijuana outside the room. In addition, the occupants refused housekeeping service for several days, which was against hotel policy.
After officers entered the room, they observed a meth pipe on the bed and narcotics and money in an open safe. Hill and his girlfriend were removed from the room and Hill was found in possession of the key to the safe. Later that day, members of JPD Metro Narcotics Unit obtained and executed a search warrant for the room. A search of the room revealed over 400 grams of crystal methamphetamine ("ice") in the safe, three sets of digital scales, five meth pipes, cutting agent, and $2,530 in cash.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) laboratory tested the methamphetamine and confirmed that the net weight of the substance was 410 grams, and that the purity level was 84%.
On November 9, 2021, after a two-day jury trial, Hill was found guilty of conspiring with Sneed and others to possess with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine and possessing with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine.
On April 5, 2022, Chief United States District Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Hill to 272 months imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release. On February 25, 2022, Sneed was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison to be followed by five years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Jackson Police Department, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Assistant United States Attorneys Josh Morrow and Matt Wilson prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Carjacker Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN- Kalonji Warren, 26, has been sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for a carjacking. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., United States Attorney, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on July 17, 2019, the victim was seated inside his vehicle at the Pump and Munch gas station on East Shelby Drive in Memphis, TN. Kristopher Harris and Kalonji Warren drove Warren’s tan Jeep SUV to the gas station and pulled alongside the victim's vehicle.
Harris pointed a semi-automatic handgun at the victim, firing one shot into the front passenger-side window of the vehicle. After the victim fled, Warren entered the victim's vehicle and drove away. One shell casing left at the scene was collected as evidence.
Video surveillance captured the suspect’s vehicle in the area and showed Warren enter the gas station prior to the carjacking. Part of the carjacking incident was also captured on video surveillance. During the investigation Kristopher Harris was positively identified.
Kristopher Harris and Kalonji Warren pled guilty to the carjacking charge on October 22, 2021.
On January 21, 2022, United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Warren to 70 months in federal prison to be followed by three years’ supervised release. On April 1, 2022, United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Harris to 97 months imprisonment and two years’ supervised release.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case.
Assistant United States Attorneys Wendy K. Cornejo and Gregory A. Wagner prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Obion County Convicted Felon Sentenced to over 9 Years for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN- Cordarion K. Thompson of Union City, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 115 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Joseph C. Murphy Jr., United States Attorney, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on November 12, 2019, members of the United States Marshals Service executed an arrest warrant for Thompson at his residence in Union City, Tennessee, in relation to an aggravated assault charge. Upon arrival, officers discovered Thompson in the air conditioner return air vent of the apartment. He was placed in custody and found in possession of a black backpack, which contained a loaded Lorcin, .380 caliber pistol. A special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) subsequently reviewed this firearm and determined that it was manufactured outside the state of Tennessee.
Thompson waived his Miranda rights and admitted ownership of the firearm. As a convicted felon, Thompson is prohibited from possessing firearms under state and federal law.
Subsequent investigation revealed that Thompson was involved in an altercation with an individual in Union City on November 4, 2019, and during that incident he shot the person in the leg.
On March 29, 2021, United States Chief District Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Thompson to 115 months' imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Union City Police Department, United States Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant United States Attorney Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN- Robert Lee Blackwell, 35, of Dyersburg, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Joseph C. Murphy Jr., United States Attorney, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on December 25, 2018, officers with the Dyersburg Police Department responded to a domestic disturbance at a residence in Dyersburg. Upon arriving at the home, an officer observed the defendant look out through a window in the door and then walk to another room. The officer began knocking more insistently until the other resident opened the door. The officer directed Blackwell to speak with other officers while he interviewed the other resident, who was later determined to be the victim of an assault committed by Blackwell. The victim advised that she and Blackwell had been arguing about her leaving to see her family for Christmas. Blackwell then put his hands around her throat, pushed her against the kitchen counter, and choked her. The officer noted bruising around her neck.
The victim then advised that Blackwell was in possession of a gun when the officers arrived, and he threw it in the room next to the front door when the officer began knocking on the door. Blackwell entered the home again and tried to speak with the victim while an officer was interviewing her. Blackwell resisted arrest as officers attempted to detain him. An officer was then required to deploy his taser on Blackwell to obtain his compliance.
Officers subsequently located Blackwell's firearm in the bedroom. The firearm was loaded with seven rounds of .25 caliber ammunition, and an officer located another round on the floor. A special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) examined the firearm and identified it as a Lorcin L25, .25 caliber pistol. The agent also determined that the firearm was manufactured outside of Tennessee and that the serial number of the gun had been obliterated beyond recovery.
Blackwell is a convicted felon and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under state and federal law.
On March 29, 2022, United States Chief District Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Blackwell to 84 months' imprisonment to be followed by two years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The Dyersburg Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) investigated this case.
Assistant United States Attorney Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to 10 Years for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN- Randy Grayson, 43, has been sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Joseph C. Murphy Jr., United States Attorney, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on January 15, 2017, Memphis Police Officers noticed a silver Infiniti G35 with expired license plates, running. As Officers approached the vehicle, they observed Grayson sitting unconscious in the driver’s seat with a black pistol on his lap.
Officers quietly surrounded the vehicle and opened the unlocked driver’s side door. They were able to wake Grayson and retrieve the weapon without incident. The pistol was a Sig .40 caliber pistol with one round in the chamber and several in the magazine. In addition, Grayson had a knife clipped to his waist and a bag of marijuana in his front pocket which contained several individual bags of marijuana, totaling 26.8 grams.
On January 9, 2020, Grayson pled guilty.
Grayson failed to attend his sentencing hearing on June 8, 2020 and remained a fugitive for approximately a year and a half.
On March 25, 2022, United States District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Grayson to 120 months in federal prison to be followed by three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force. The PSN initiative is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our communities safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement.
Assistant United States Attorney Wendy K. Cornejo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN- Terry Pegues, 27, has been sentenced to 96 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition. Joseph C. Murphy Jr., United States Attorney, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on May 28, 2019, officers with the Memphis Police Department responded to a “shots fired” call on Lenow Park Drive. As officers arrived on the scene, they were informed by several individuals that they had been robbed by "Lil Terry" aka Terry Pegues. The victims advised Pegues pointed an AK assault-style rifle and demanded money. As the victims disbursed their money, one of them pulled a gun and fired at the defendant. Pegues returned fire and fled. Investigators recovered five spent 5.56 shell casings at the scene which were attributed to the gun fired by Pegues. No injuries were reported.
On July 6, 2021, Pegues pled guilty.
In 2014, Pegues was previously sentenced to three years’ incarceration for two robberies in state court. In 2017, he was sentenced in federal court to 37 months followed by three years supervised released for being a felon in possession of a firearm. On November 1, 2019, United States District Judge Samuel H. Mays sentenced Pegues to 24 months in prison for violating the terms of his supervised release to be served consecutive to any sentence he received in the new case. As a result of his felony convictions, Pegues is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition.
On March 10, 2022, United States District Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr., sentenced Pegues to 96 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force. The PSN initiative is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our communities safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Sam Winnig and Assistant United States Attorney Raney Irwin prosecuted this case. SAUSA Winnig was assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office for the purpose of prosecuting violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.
###McNairy Man Sentenced to 15 Years as an Armed Career CriminalRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN- Lamon Terrill Massengill, 50, of Selmer, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to manufacture, distribute or dispense cocaine base. Joseph C. Murphy Jr., United States Attorney, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on October 7, 2020, officers executed a search warrant at a residence on Oak Street in Selmer, Tennessee. Officers recovered over 3 grams of crack cocaine, hydrocodone pills, marijuana, and two digital scales in Massengill's bedroom. On a chair in the bedroom, officers found an H&K 22 LR pistol loaded with 29 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, officers found a Revelation 22LR bolt action rifle with a round in the chamber.
Massengill gave a Mirandized statement in which he admitted to selling cocaine since March of 2020. He would purchase one ounce of crack cocaine two or three times, and one-half-ounce of crack cocaine on at least 20 to 30 occasions, then sell the crack cocaine. Massengill admitted to being a convicted felon who could not legally possess firearms, and that the firearms in his home were for his protection.
Massengill had previously been convicted of five aggravated burglaries, two aggravated assaults, and one burglary. As a result of his prior felony convictions, he is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition.
On December 13, 2021, Massengill pled guilty.
On March 15, 2022, United States Chief District Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Massengill to the mandatory minimum sentence of 180 months in federal prison as an Armed Career Criminal, with three years of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the McNairy County Sheriff's Department Narcotics Unit, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Christie Hopper prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
###McKesson Agrees to Pay $1 Million to Resolve Recordkeeping Violations under the Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN - McKesson Corporation (McKesson) agreed to pay a $1 million civil penalty to resolve alleged Controlled Substances Act (CSA) record-keeping violations, the Department of Justice announced today.
The resolution stems from allegations that McKesson's packaging subsidiary, RxPak, located in Memphis, Tennessee, engaged in a continuing pattern of recordkeeping deficiencies. The alleged recordkeeping deficiencies include failing to take an initial inventory of controlled substances received; failing to maintain complete and accurate records of controlled substances received, manufactured, sold, delivered or disposed of; and failing to maintain complete and accurate DEA-222 forms. Resolved allegations also include that McKesson-RxPak transferred tens of thousands of containers of Schedule II-V controlled substances without maintaining DEA-222 forms or invoices.
The investigation by the DEA Memphis Field Division identified more than 700 separate alleged recordkeeping violations and alleged overages, or excess quantities of drugs on hand, for eight controlled substances. The investigation also identified alleged discrepancies between McKesson RxPak's records compared with reports it made to the DEA of its sales of Scheduled II controlled substances.
Entities that engage in transactions regulated under the CSA have a duty to maintain records and report required information accurately,said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department's Civil Division. When companies violate the CSA by failing to make accurate reports or to maintain required records, the department will work with our law enforcement partners to hold them accountable.
Enforcing recordkeeping requirements under the CSA is crucial, particularly during the current opioid epidemic, to ensure that often-misused controlled substances are transferred only through legitimate transactions, and not diverted to illegal channels,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr. for the Western District of Tennessee.
“Prescription drug misuse and abuse continue to significantly contribute to the unprecedented opioid epidemic our country is currently facing,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “In order to protect the safety and health of Americans, all DEA registered entities have a basic obligation to maintain full and complete records, which is essential to preventing potentially addictive medications from being diverted from the legitimate drug supply. DEA will continue working with our partners to hold our registrants accountable when any CSA violation is detected.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eileen Kuo of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee handled the matter, working with Trial Attorney Scott Dahlquist of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch. Trial Attorneys Harry Matz and Anita J. Gay of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section also offered valuable assistance.###
McKesson Agrees to Pay $1 Million to Resolve Recordkeeping Violations under the Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
McKesson Corporation (McKesson) agreed to pay a $1 million civil penalty to resolve alleged Controlled Substances Act (CSA) recordkeeping violations, the Department of Justice announced today.
The resolution stems from allegations that McKesson’s packaging subsidiary, RxPak, located in Memphis, Tennessee, engaged in a continuing pattern of recordkeeping deficiencies. The alleged recordkeeping deficiencies include failing to take an initial inventory of controlled substances received; failing to maintain complete and accurate records of controlled substances received, manufactured, sold, delivered or disposed of; and failing to maintain complete and accurate DEA-222 forms. Resolved allegations also include that McKesson-RxPak transferred tens of thousands of containers of Schedule II-V controlled substances without maintaining DEA-222 forms or invoices.
The investigation by the DEA Memphis Field Division identified more than 700 separate alleged recordkeeping violations and alleged overages, or excess quantities of drugs on hand, for eight controlled substances. The investigation also identified alleged discrepancies between McKesson RxPak’s records compared with reports it made to the DEA of its sales of Schedule II controlled substances.
“Entities that engage in transactions regulated under the CSA have a duty to maintain records and report required information accurately,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “When companies violate the CSA by failing to make accurate reports or to maintain required records, the department will work with our law enforcement partners to hold them accountable.”
“Enforcing recordkeeping requirements under the CSA is crucial, particularly during the current opioid epidemic, to ensure that often-misused controlled substances are transferred only through legitimate transactions, and not diverted to illegal channels,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr. for the Western District of Tennessee.
“Prescription drug misuse and abuse continue to significantly contribute to the unprecedented opioid epidemic our country is currently facing,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “In order to protect the safety and health of Americans, all DEA registered entities have a basic obligation to maintain full and complete records, which is essential to preventing potentially addictive medications from being diverted from the legitimate drug supply. DEA will continue working with our partners to hold our registrants accountable when any CSA violation is detected.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eileen Kuo of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee handled the matter, working with Trial Attorney Scott Dahlquist of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch. Trial Attorneys Harry Matz and Anita J. Gay of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section also offered valuable assistance.
Memphis Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for Possession of a Firearm After a Misdemeanor Conviction of Domestic ViolenceRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN- Terrell Johnson, 25, has been sentenced to 110 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm after being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. Joseph C. Murphy Jr., United States Attorney, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on September 18, 2020, an officer with the Memphis Police Department conducted a traffic stop at Elvis Presley and Kerr Avenue. During that traffic stop, Johnson left his vehicle and fled on foot for a short distance before being taken into custody. Johnson was carrying a distinct backpack which contained 1.25 pounds of hemp and a loaded firearm.
Because of his prior felony convictions, as well as convictions for domestic assault, Johnson is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition.
On December 6, 2021, Johnson pled guilty to being in possession of a firearm after a misdemeanor conviction of domestic violence.
On March 10, 2022, United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Johnson to 110 months in federal prison to be followed by three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force. The PSN initiative is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our communities safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement.
Assistant United States Attorney Greg Wagner prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Memphis Man Pleads Guilty to Calling-in a Bomb Threat and Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN- Christopher Cobb, 33, pled guilty to communicating a threat against a federal agency and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Joseph C. Murphy Jr., United States Attorney, announced the guilty plea today.
According to information presented in court, on the afternoon of April 22, 2021, Christopher Cobb called the United States Social Security Administration ("SSA") office in Memphis, Tennessee to inquire about the status of his claim. Cobb became irate when the official informed him that his claim had been denied and he would need to file an appeal. The call was terminated by the SSA when Cobb began irate and began using profanity. Several minutes later, Cobb called back and threatened to "blow up" the social security building the next day.
A search of the defendant’s home revealed a M-1 rifle and ammunition. After being advised of and waiving his Miranda rights, Cobb admitted to making the threat and to also possessing the M-1 rifle and ammunition.
Cobb was previously convicted for aggravated assault, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, failure to appear in a felony case and robbery. As a result of his prior felony convictions, Cobb is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition.
On March 2, 2022, Cobb pled guilty to communicating a threat and to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Sentencing is set for June 9, 2022, before United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker where he faces up to ten years in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
"The safety of our citizens and communities is a top priority of HSI and threats against government facilities must be taken seriously," said HSI Nashville Special Agent in Charge Jerry C. Templet, Jr. "The investigative efforts of our agents in this case, working with their law enforcement partners, resulted in a guilty plea by this convicted felon and seizure of his illegally possessed firearms and ammunition."
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant United States Attorneys Greg Wagner and Steven Hall are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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McNairy County Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Being a Convicted Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN- Terrell Deshaun Harris, 26, has been sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for being a felon-in-possession of a firearm. Joseph C. Murphy Jr., United States Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on January 25, 2021, officers with the McNairy County Sheriff's Office responded to a domestic assault call from a residence on Leapwood-Enville Road in Adamsville, Tennessee. The victim informed officers that Harris had assaulted her and left their home in her vehicle. Officers provided a "be on the lookout" description of the vehicle.
A short time later, an officer with the Adamsville Police Department located the vehicle on Old Stage Road and conducted a traffic stop. While waiting for the original officers to arrive on the scene, Harris informed the Adamsville officer that a firearm and marijuana were in his vehicle.
A search of the vehicle revealed, a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol and 12 grams of crystal methamphetamine ("ice") in two small bags in the glove compartment. Marijuana was also found in the console of the vehicle.
After being advised of and waiving his Miranda rights, Harris admitted taking the firearm upon leaving his residence. He also acknowledged as a convicted felon he was not allowed to possess a firearm. Further, Harris admitted the methamphetamine and marijuana belonged to him, but he stated the drugs were for his personal use.
On November 30, 2018, Harris was convicted in Hardin County of two counts of aggravated assault with a weapon. He was serving a period of probation for those offenses at the time of his present offense. As a result of his prior felony convictions, he is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition.
On February 22, 2022, Chief Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Harris to 60 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. At sentencing, Judge Anderson rejected Harris’s claim that he possessed the methamphetamine solely for his personal use, and he determined that Harris possessed the firearm in connection with the felony offense of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to sell or deliver in violation of Tennessee law.
This case was investigated by the McNairy County Sheriff’s Office, Adamsville Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant United States Attorney Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Dyer County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for over 11 Years for Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute over 50 Grams of Actual MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN - David McNeely, 46, of Dyer County, has been sentenced to 140 months in federal prison for conspiring with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine. Joseph C. Murphy Jr., United States Attorney, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, in early 2017, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents and Dyersburg Police Department (DPD) officers became aware of an ongoing drug trafficking organization in the West Tennessee area, specifically in and around Dyer County, Tennessee. The investigation revealed that the organization was trafficking large quantities of crystal methamphetamine (“ice”) and other controlled substances.
As a result, law enforcement officers developed further information from numerous sources which led to the execution of search warrants at target residences, stash houses, a storage unit, and for Facebook information, and text messages. To further the investigation, agents also conducted traffic stops, obtained information from confidential sources, and made controlled purchases from targets. Most of the crystal methamphetamine (“ice”) recovered was tested at Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) laboratories and was determined to be 98% pure.
The targets of the investigation were David McNeely and co-defendants Christopher Faulcon, Tommy Taylor, Damien Nixon, Patricia Wilson, Elisha Kirk, and William Hardy. The investigation revealed that during the conspiracy, David McNeely purchased large quantities of crystal methamphetamine (“ice”) from Damien Nixon and was one of Nixon’s “best customers.” McNeely also bought large amounts of crystal methamphetamine from Tommy Taylor and Christopher Faulcon, and he sold methamphetamine to Elisha Kirk and many others.
On August 15, 2017, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at McNeely’s residence in Dyersburg. Officers found multiple bags containing approximately seven grams of marijuana and approximately 4 grams of crystal methamphetamine (“ice”). Officers also discovered five rounds of 9mm ammunition in the living room and $283 in cash on McNeely's person. Later tested at the DEA laboratory, the crystal methamphetamine (“ice”) was determined to weigh 3.47 grams (net) and was 92% pure.
McNeely waived his Miranda rights and agreed to speak with law enforcement officers. McNeely admitted that he had been buying and selling large quantities of crystal methamphetamine for several years. Based on his own admissions, McNeely was held responsible for distributing between 500 grams and 1.5 kilograms of actual methamphetamine (“ice”).
On February 9, 2022, United States District Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced McNeely to 140 months' imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
McNeely is the next to last defendant in this case to be sentenced. The only remaining defendant, Tommy Taylor, has entered a guilty plea and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 31, 2022.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Dyersburg Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Josh Morrow and Jerry Kitchen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
###Arkansas Man Sentenced to 10 Years Imprisonment for Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute over 50 Grams of Actual MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – A former resident of Arkansas, James Elmer Sneed, 37, has been sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for conspiring with others to possess with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., United States Attorney, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, evidence revealed that James Elmer Sneed is a methamphetamine distributor who sold methamphetamine to individuals in Texas, Arkansas, and West Tennessee. Sneed previously sold methamphetamine to a female in Jackson, Tennessee. In January 2018, while traveling from Arkansas to Georgia, Sneed stopped in Jackson to meet with the female and sell her methamphetamine. After his arrival, Sneed was contacted by his co-defendant, William Hill, who is also a known narcotics distributor. Hill decided to travel to Jackson so that Sneed could arrange a meeting between Hill and the female subject for Hill to sell her drugs.
On January 4, 2018, Sneed rented a hotel room at the Country Inn & Suites in Jackson. After Hill arrived in Jackson, Sneed set up a meeting between Hill and the female subject. Sneed then left Jackson and let Hill use the hotel room for the purposes of storing and selling narcotics to the female and others.
On January 6, 2018, officers with the Jackson Police Department (JPD) were called to the Country Inn and Suites to assist management with the removal of the occupants from Sneed’s room. Management reported heavy foot traffic coming to and from the room, and the odor of marijuana outside the room. In addition, the occupants refused room service for several days, which was against hotel policy.
After officers entered the room, they observed a meth pipe on the bed and narcotics and money in an open safe. Hill and his girlfriend were removed from the room and Hill was
found in possession of the key to the safe. Later that day, members of JPD Metro Narcotics Unit obtained and executed a search warrant for the room. A search of the room revealed approximately 447 grams of crystal methamphetamine ("ice") in the safe, three sets of digital scales, five meth pipes, cutting agent, and $2,530 in cash.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) laboratory tested the methamphetamine and confirmed that the net weight of the substance was 410 grams, and that the purity level was 84%.
On November 5, 2021, Sneed entered a guilty plea to conspiring with Hill and others to possess with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine.
On February 25, 2022, United States Chief Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Sneed to 120 months' imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Jackson Police Department, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Assistant United States Attorneys Josh Morrow and Matt Wilson prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Memphis Man Receives 10-Year Federal Sentence for Possession of Firearm While Shooting GirlfriendRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Terrence Mull, 36, has been sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., United States Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on January 8, 2019, Terrence Mull used a firearm to assault and shoot his girlfriend during an argument. Mull put a gun to his girlfriend's head and stated, "Til death do us part." He then attempted to shoot the victim, but the gun jammed and the two struggled, until Mull eventually shot the victim in the arm and neck. The defendant also choked the victim. She was able to escape the home with her two minor children.
Mull pled guilty on August 26, 2021, to being a felon in possession of a firearm. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
On March 1, 2022, United States District Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr., sentenced Mull to the maximum statutory penalty of 120 months in federal prison to be followed by three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
There are also current charges pending against Mull with the State of Tennessee related to this incident.
This case was investigated by Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force. The (PSN) initiative is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Assistant United States Attorney Greg Wagner and Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA) Samuel D. Winnig prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Winnig was assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office for prosecuting violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to over 7 Years for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Jemel Jackson, 41, has been sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., United States Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on the evening of May 15, 2020, a Memphis Police Officer, saw Jackson selling marijuana in the parking lot of a gas station on East Crump. As officers approached Jackson, they detected the strong odor of marijuana emanating from his vehicle.
Officers observed in plain view on the floorboard, a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol, a bag of marijuana (60.5 grams) and a digital scale. The gun was loaded with 13 live rounds of ammunition. Jackson was also in possession of 49 ecstasy pills and $834.oo in cash.
While on the scene, officers discovered Jackson had been convicted of aggravated robbery on September 7, 2005. As a result of his prior felony conviction, he is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
On February 10, 2022, United States District Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Jackson to 84 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force. The (PSN) initiative is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our communities safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement.
Assistant United States Attorney Raney Irwin prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for over 8 Years for Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Eric Hunt, 23, has been sentenced to 100 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., United States Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on February 29, 2020, at 12:25pm, officers with the Memphis Police Department initiated blue lights and sirens for a traffic violation to stop Eric Hunt. He refused to stop and continued driving until reaching an apartment complex near Frayser Boulevard where he jumped out of the car, threw a gun, and ran. When apprehended a short time later, Hunt had on his person $773 in cash and a small amount of marijuana. The weapon recovered was a Taurus G2C 9mm handgun, loaded with 12 rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber.
On March 10, 2020, Hunt was arrested at his home for an outstanding warrant. A search of his home revealed six guns, and more than one pound of marijuana found in a safe. Hunt admitted that two of the six guns found in the home belonged to him.
Hunt is a convicted felon having pled guilty to two counts of aggravated assault in 2019, for which he was sentenced to three years’ incarceration. As a result of his prior convictions, he is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
On February 15, 2022, United States District Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Hunt to 100 months in federal prison to be followed by two years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force. The (PSN) initiative is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all United States Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement.
Assistant United States Attorney Raney Irwin prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Former Assistant District Attorney Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Violate the Federal Travel ActRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Glenda Adams, 49, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the federal statute known as the Travel Act. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., United States Attorney announced the guilty plea today.
According to information presented in court, between February 2017 and October 2020, Glenda Adams was an Assistant District Attorney (ADA) employed by the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office in Memphis, Tennessee. During that time, a local attorney paid Adams to provide him with law enforcement restricted information contained in traffic accident reports.
Automobile accidents occurring in the Memphis city limits were typically investigated by the Memphis Police Department (MPD). The Crash Reports generated by the MPD investigations were uploaded into a law enforcement database known as "Watson." Access to Watson was limited to law enforcement officials. Subsequently, the Crash Reports were available for purchase from the City of Memphis. Through her employment as an Assistant District Attorney, Adams had access to Watson and the Crash Reports.
In exchange for payments from the attorney, Adams would access MPD Crash Reports from the Watson system, then provide those reports to the attorney in exchange for cash payment. The local attorney would use the Crash Reports to solicit accident victims identified in the Reports and offer them legal representation.
On February 23, 2022, Adams pled guilty.
"Citizens rely on those who hold positions of public trust to execute their duties with integrity and in the best interests of the public," said Douglas M. Korneski, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Memphis Field Office. "The FBI will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to identify and investigate those who abuse that trust out of personal greed."
Sentencing is set for May 27, 2022, before United States District Judge Jon P. McCalla, where Adams faces up to five years in federal prison along with three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Assistant United States Attorney David Pritchard is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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Memphis Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl and Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Cecil Short Jr., 36 has been sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in relation to drug trafficking. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., United States Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, in August of 2020, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating Cecil Short, Jr., who allegedly was distributing fentanyl while armed with a firearm.
On September 20, 2020, agents arrested Short at a hotel in Memphis with multiple firearms, as well as fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana. Short was a convicted felon at the time. As a result of his prior felony convictions, he is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The Memphis Police Department Organized Crime Unit also linked Short to a fatal overdose which occurred on May 6, 2020. Further, the defendant acknowledged guilt in connection to the overdose. On May 7, 2021, Short pled guilty to fentanyl distribution and possession of a firearm in relation to drug trafficking.
On February 10, 2022, United States District Judge Jon P. McCalla sentenced Short to 15 years in federal prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Memphis Police Department Organized Crime Unit, the Memphis Police Department Gang Unit, and the United States Secret Service investigated this case.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory D. Allen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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The United States Attorney’s Office, Memphis Police Department, Faith Based Leaders and Community Stakeholders Announce Efforts to Reduce Violent CrimeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – United States Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., along with stakeholders in the South Memphis Community announced the second "Better Community Summit" effort to reduce violent crime throughout our city. Summit organizers and participants include the Memphis Police Department, represented by Deputy Chief Paul Wright; the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) represented by Rev. Dr. Walter Womack; Memphis Baptist Ministerial Alliance (MBMA) Rev. Dr. Rickey Dugger; and program facilitators, Rev. Ricky Floyd, The Pursuit of God Transformation Center; Charles Caswell, Executive Director of Legacy of Legends, CDC; and DeAndre Brown, CEO, Lifeline2Success.
The U.S. Department of Justice is committed to work with law enforcement and other stakeholders to reduce violent crime in Memphis and West Tennessee. To achieve this goal, the Department has directed every U.S. Attorney’s Office to formulate a strategic plan designed to reduce violent crime. To that end, our office convened meetings with over 40 clergy leaders across the greater Memphis area to discuss violent crime and recommend possible solutions.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Memphis Police Department, non-profit organizations, clergy leaders, and other community stakeholders are pleased to announce the next "Better Community Summit" will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at the Greater Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, 1098 South Wellington Street. The summit is tailored to address the needs of parents and children. Topics covered will include domestic violence prevention, gang talk, community conflict resolution, and de-escalation training.
Beginning in 2022, the remaining workshops will be held quarterly in the areas of North Memphis; Whitehaven/Westwood; and Hickory Hill/East Memphis.
Community Flyer - 26 February 2022