Western District of Tennessee

Jackson, TN – Michael Nathaniel Holland, 37, has been sentenced to 27 years in federal prison for transporting a minor across state lines with intent that the minor engage in criminal sexual activity.  United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.    

According to information presented in court, in November 2024, Holland traveled from his home in Columbia, South Carolina to Jackson, Tennessee to pick up a 12-year-old girl that he had been communicating with over Snapchat for several months.  After picking her up, Holland drove the minor back to his home in South Carolina.  Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were ultimately able to locate the minor at Holland’s residence.  

The minor told investigators that Holland performed several sexual acts on her after they arrived at his home.  A search of Holland’s cell phone corroborated the minor’s statements, as investigators located several photographs and videos on Holland’s phone which showed him engaging in various sexual acts with the minor at his residence. 

Following his guilty plea to the transportation offense earlier this year, United States District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Holland on September 28, 2026 to 324 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release.  There is no parole in the federal system.  

After he is released from prison, Holland will have to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration & Notification Act (SORNA), and he was also ordered to pay the $5,000 special assessment under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (JVTA).    

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “Travelers and traffickers who target and victimize children cannot hide from ultimate detection and aggressive prosecution by this office. This predator exploited a vulnerable child in a horrific way, and will now rightly suffer significant consequences.”

“When a child is victimized, we will use every resource available to investigate the crime, pursue the offender, and seek justice for the victim and their family,” said Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “This sentence is a result of the coordination of the FBI Nashville Field Office – Jackson Resident Agency and the FBI Columbia Field Office. I commend the investigators, prosecutors, and victim specialists for their relentless work to bring Michael Holland to justice.”

This case was investigated by members of the FBI in Columbia, South Carolina and in Jackson, Tennessee.   

Assistant United States Attorney Josh Morrow and former Assistant United States Attorney Christie Hopper prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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Memphis, TN – Tavious Bruce, 21, of Memphis, has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for possession of a Glock 9mm pistol equipped with a machinegun conversion device while driving a stolen Porsche SUV. United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, law enforcement encountered the defendant inside a stolen Porsche SUV with the license plate removed and replaced by temporary tags registered to a different make and model vehicle. Officers discovered a Glock 9mm pistol fully loaded with an extended magazine and equipped with a machinegun conversion device (“MCD”), commonly known as a “switch,” which rendered the firearm fully automatic, in violation of federal law. Furthermore, the Glock was in the stolen Porsche within defendant’s reach.

Photo of seized firearm.

Though the defendant had no prior felony convictions which prohibited possession of a firearm, Bruce had an extensive pattern of unlawful behavior between ages 17 and 21. Beginning at age 17, the defendant stole a brand‑new car and repeatedly refused to comply with law enforcement during subsequent encounters. Bruce's conduct escalated over time, including fleeing during police encounters, demonstrating a lack of respect for authority. While his federal case was pending, Bruce was involved in a domestic dispute that allegedly turned violent.

The Court found that the defendant’s escalation from stealing a Volkswagen as a juvenile to a Porsche as a young adult reflected increased boldness and disregard for the law and further noted that machinegun conversion devices seem to exist solely to maximize a weapon’s destructive potential and significantly reduce firearm controllability, dramatically increasing the risk to the community.

On September 24, 2026, United States District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker imposed a sentence of 18 months of incarceration followed by three years of supervised release, underscoring that probation is not appropriate for serious offenses involving machinegun conversion devices, even when the defendant has no prior convictions. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant stated, “Machinegun conversion devices pose a serious and lethal threat to public safety. This sentence sends a clear message that individuals who possess these dangerous weapons—especially in stolen vehicles and during escalating criminal conduct—will face real federal consequences.”

This case was investigated as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative.

Special Assistant United States Attorney Kesha Zaffino, of the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps, and Assistant United States Attorney Greg Wagner prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

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For more information, please contact our Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates

Memphis, TN – Alonzo Frazier, 27, was sentenced to nine years in prison following his conviction for an armed business robbery in Memphis. United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, of the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentencing today.

According to court documents, on January 9, 2025, officers with the Memphis Police Department responded to an armed robbery at Tim’s Chicken located at 3220 South Perkins Road in Memphis, Tennessee. Employees reported that a male wearing a black face mask, gloves, a dark colored hoodie, and dark shoes with green shoestrings entered the business armed with a tan and black handgun with a light attachment. Frazier forced the cashier to open the cash register at gunpoint. Frazier grabbed the entire cash drawer containing approximately $150 and ran out of the business. 

Officers located Frazier walking nearby wearing a white short-sleeve undershirt in 32-degree weather, wearing dark shoes with green shoestrings, armed with a tan and black handgun with a light attachment. Frazier ran away from officers, but he was arrested after a short foot chase. Frazier told police, “I did it", and he had approximately $148 on his person. Frazier was later transported for questioning, and he gave a full confession to committing the robbery.

Frazier pled guilty on June 22, 2026 and was sentenced by United States District Judge Mark S. Norris on September 22, 2026 to 108 months’ federal imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. 

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Business owners and employees have a fundamental right to be safe from armed robbers who terrorize our communities with their lawlessness. The senselessness of gun violence has a long-lasting effect on victims of armed robbery, and we will no longer allow gun crime to rule our streets. This sentence sends a clear message that there will always be a reckoning, a real and significant consequence, for the commission of violent crimes."

"Alonzo Frazier made a deliberate choice to commit a crime, and that choice put innocent people's lives at risk," said Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. "A business robbery is serious enough, but when a firearm is used, the danger to our community becomes even more profound. This sentence is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force in Memphis, and our partners at the Memphis Police Department. Their relentless efforts helped ensure that a violent offender was held accountable."

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Memphis Police Department's (MPD) Safe Streets Task Force.

Assistant United States Attorney Regina Brittenum prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

This case is part of the Safe Streets Task Force’s efforts to prosecute violent crimes in Memphis, Tennessee, and surrounding areas. This case is also part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative to prosecute violent crimes in Memphis, Tennessee, and surrounding areas. The Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee have partnered, along with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, to confront violent crimes committed by gang members and associates through the enforcement of federal laws and use of federal resources to prosecute the violent offenders and prevent further violence.

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For more information, please contact our Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

Memphis, TN – Kokou Sanoumegah, 29, of Memphis, has pled guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms and illegal possession of a machinegun. United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the guilty plea today.

On April 16, 2025, a private fugitive recovery unit located Sanoumegah, a fugitive with active arrest warrants, in Memphis, Tennessee. According to the evidence, while taking him into custody, they discovered a Glock 17 9mm pistol in Sanoumegah’s waistband and a Diamondback DB-15 AR-style pistol located next to where Sanoumegah had been sitting. 

The Glock contained a machinegun conversion device (MCD) known as a “switch”, as well as an extended magazine with 39 rounds and 1 round in the chamber. The Diamondback AR-style pistol was found with a drop-in auto sear, designed to convert it to a fully automatic weapon, with 59 rounds in the magazine and 1 round in the chamber. The AR pistol had been reported stolen, and neither firearm contained a proper serial number.

Sanoumegah is a convicted felon after previously pleading guilty to a 2016 armed robbery offense in Desoto County (MS). While in custody for these firearms offenses, Sanoumegah was charged with aggravated assault and possession of contraband in a penal institution for an incident on August 6, 2025, in which it is alleged that he stabbed another inmate in the Shelby County Jail 17 times with a homemade weapon, causing paralysis to the victim. 

In June 2024, Sanoumegah was charged with possession of a firearm, theft of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance, and aggravated criminal trespassing; that case was dismissed about a year later due to lack of prosecution, State court records show.

On September 16, 2026, Sanoumegah pled guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of firearms and possession of a machinegun. Sanoumegah is scheduled to be sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Brian C. Lea on December 16, 2026 and faces a sentence of 144 months in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “Sanoumegah has a demonstrated history of violence, and has no hesitation about repeatedly committing multiple crimes when the risk to human life is high. Now the federal system will accomplish justice by doing what should have been done a long time ago – imposing a real consequence that will justly punish and incapacitate him for at least 12 years.”

This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department (MPD) as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. 

Special Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin N. Frizzell, a United States Marine Corps Judge Advocate, and Assistant United States Attorney Gregory Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department (MPD) as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. 

Special Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin N. Frizzell, a United States Marine Corps Judge Advocate, and Assistant United States Attorney Gregory Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

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For more information, please contact our Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

Memphis, TN – Gregory Luss, 44, has been sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to being in possession of goods stolen from an interstate shipment. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, a semi-tractor trailer filled with Water Piks that were intended for shipment to Amazon was stolen from its Bledsoe Cove location in Memphis on October 20, 2023. On the same day, Luss posted a large inventory of Water Pik products to sell on an eBay account registered to him. 

Luss delivered many of the stolen Water Piks to an unsuspecting buyer in Texas and later attempted to steal them back from the buyer. When the buyer caught Luss trying to steal them, Luss attempted to escape in his delivery truck, hitting a warehouse manager with his truck before fleeing from law enforcement on the interstate, where Luss hit six cars carrying a total of 18 passengers.

Luss pled guilty on March 3, 2026 and was sentenced by United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker on September 16, 2026 to 24 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Luss was also ordered to pay more than $420,000 in restitution. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Luss not only committed large scale cargo theft that harmed crucial interstate commerce here in Memphis, but also endangered and victimized multiple people in Texas while attempting to avoid capture and consequences. Instead of a luxury Water Pik, inmate Luss will now have a standard prison-issued toothbrush in the Bureau of Prisons.”

"Stealing from an interstate shipment is more than taking property - it is a deliberate violation of the trust and security that keep our commerce moving," said Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. "This sentence sends a strong message: these crimes will be aggressively investigated, offenders will be held accountable, and stealing from interstate commerce will carry serious consequences. I commend the FBI Nashville Cargo Theft Task Force for their work on this case and its continued efforts to protect our nation's supply chain."

The case was investigated by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Cargo Theft Task Force.  

Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Delery prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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For more information, please contact our Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

Memphis, TN – A federal grand jury in Memphis has returned indictments in two separate interstate cargo theft investigations resulting in nearly $600,000 in losses to commercial freight carriers and companies operating in West Tennessee. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the indictments today.

In the first matter, the grand jury indicted Aubrey Brown, 53, and Kemptrell Daniels, 24, for conduct occurring from July 2024 through August 2024. According to the indictment, Brown and Daniels knowingly received or possessed Arista computer networking switches and other commercial freight valued at more than $5,000 following their theft from an interstate shipment. 

Brown is further charged with transporting stolen Arista switches from Tennessee to other states, including California, Georgia, and Texas, knowing the goods had been stolen. Brown faces three federal charges, while Daniels faces two federal charges. If convicted, each charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison, along with fines and supervised release.

In a separate indictment, the grand jury charged Pierre Smith, 32, with four counts involving possession of stolen televisions and tires taken from interstate CSX rail shipments. According to the indictment, the conduct occurred from March 2024 through August 2024 and involved four separate thefts. The indictment alleges that Smith knowingly possessed stolen Insignia televisions from a shipment traveling from California to Georgia; stolen Toyo tires from a shipment traveling from Georgia to California; stolen Samsung televisions from a shipment traveling from California to Tennessee; and stolen Sumitomo tires from a shipment traveling from Georgia to Tennessee. 

In each count, Smith is alleged to have knowingly possessed stolen goods valued at more than $1,000 that had been taken from interstate freight. If convicted, each charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison, along with fines and supervised release.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Memphis sits at the crossroads of American commerce and has earned its reputation as America’s Distribution Center - home to a world-class transportation infrastructure, including one of the busiest cargo airports in the world, a major rail system, interstate highways, and the mighty Mississippi River. Cargo theft that disrupts and harms that crucial interstate commerce will not be tolerated and will be met with aggressive federal prosecution and significant consequences.”

"Interstate cargo theft is not a victimless crime, it strikes businesses and communities creating millions of dollars in losses," said Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. "These indictments demonstrate that those who allegedly profit from stealing and trafficking stolen cargo will face serious consequences. The FBI Nashville Cargo Theft Task Force and our partners are committed to holding accountable anyone who targets our transportation networks for personal gain."

Both cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Memphis Cargo Theft Task Force with assistance from the Memphis Police Department, CSX Police, FedEx Security, and law enforcement partners nationwide.

Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Delery is prosecuting both matters on behalf of the government.

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For more information, please contact our Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

WASHINGTON – Today, the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division along with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the SBA Office of Inspector General, as part of a Heartland Fraud Surge announced the results of Operation No Doze, a surge of criminal enforcement actions targeting fraud in SBA’s small business COVID-era loan programs.

During the summer surge between June 12 and Sept. 1, SBA-OIG and federal prosecutors in the Fraud Division and across over 40 U.S. Attorney’s Offices, with assistance from various partners, obtained felony charges against nearly 80 fraud defendants responsible for approximately $100 million dollars in intended loss to the United States. These charges target a range of individuals who allegedly exploited COVID-era SBA loan programs at the height of the pandemic.

Beyond newly charged defendants, as part of Operation No Doze, approximately 43 defendants pleaded guilty to SBA-related COVID fraud, reaching approximately $44 million in intended loss.  And approximately 40 defendants were sentenced for SBA-related COVID fraud, reaching nearly $100 million in intended loss.

Together, this targeted surge resulted in fraud enforcement actions spanning over 160 criminal defendants and involved approximately $245 million dollars in intended loss to American taxpayers.

Operation No Doze is a direct result of President Donald J. Trump’s creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division at the DOJ, the first new division in the DOJ in twenty years.

“Pandemic loan relief was meant to keep American small businesses alive during government lockdowns—not line the pockets of fraudsters,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The defendants charged during our summer surge allegedly fabricated businesses, submitted false payroll and revenue claims, stole identities, and concealed foreign ties on their applications— but they will now be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

“This summer surge shows what is possible when dedicated public servants across the country work together with a single purpose,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. “Our mission is clear: protect taxpayer funds, safeguard the integrity of federal relief programs, and deliver justice to those who exploited them. We will remain steadfast every day—standing shoulder‑to‑shoulder with our partners—to identify fraud, pursue those responsible, and restore confidence in the programs meant to help American small businesses thrive.”

“Today’s announcement represents the largest-ever action against perpetrators of SBA fraud, with 870,000 suspended borrowers tied to $39 billion in suspected fraudulent PPP and COVID EIDL activity. In partnership with Vice President Vance and the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud,  we’re putting fraudsters on notice: the federal government will no longer turn a blind eye to those who stole from taxpayers and exploited programs designed to sustain small businesses during the pandemic,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “With demand letters going out to suspected fraudsters, we’re also sending a clear message that they must repay their debts or face Treasury collections and possible federal law enforcement. Under this Administration, the free ride is over. We are restoring accountability, recovering taxpayer dollars, and protecting SBA programs for the legitimate small businesses they were created to serve.”

“Operation No Doze brings a focused and coordinated approach to pursuing fraud in SBA’s pandemic relief programs,” said SBA Inspector General William Kirk. “By concentrating our investigative resources and working closely with SBA and our law enforcement partners, we are strengthening our ability to identify fraud, recover taxpayer funds, and hold accountable those who exploited programs created to help small businesses in a time of extraordinary need. This initiative makes clear that the passage of time does not diminish our commitment to accountability.”

“We are proud to stand with our federal and state partners in rooting out criminal activity of all kinds, especially defrauding the public,” said Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe. “Fraud is not a victimless crime. Every dollar stolen is a dollar taken from hardworking taxpayers or from someone who depends on the programs those dollars are meant to support. In Missouri, we will continue working at every level to hold fraudsters accountable and protect those they seek to exploit.”

Federal and State Partners Participating in Operation No Doze 

U.S. Attorney Partners:

Central District of California, District of Kansas, District of Idaho, District of Maryland, District of Massachusetts, District of Montana, District of New Mexico,  District of Oregon, District of Rhode Island, Eastern District of California, Eastern District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Eastern District of Michigan, Eastern District of Missouri, Eastern District of New York, Eastern District of Texas, Eastern District of Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, Middle District of Florida, Middle District of Louisiana, Northern District of California, Northern District of Florida, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Indiana, Northern District of Iowa, Northern District of Ohio, Northern District of Texas, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of Alabama, Southern District of California, Southern District of Florida, Southern District of Indiana, Southern District of Ohio, Southern District of West Virginia, Western District of Kentucky, Western District of Michigan, Western District of Missouri, Western District of New York, Western District of North Carolina, Western District of Oklahoma, Western District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Tennessee, Western District of Texas, Western District of Washington.

Federal and State Investigative Partners:

Amtrak, Office of Inspector General; City of Jacksonville, Office of Inspector General; Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General; Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; Department of Justice, Office of Inspector General; Export-Import Bank of the United States; FBI; Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General; Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General; Federal Housing Administration; Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Office of Inspector General; HSI; Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation; National Science Foundation, Office of Inspector General; Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General; Social Security Administration; Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration; U.S. Agency for International Development, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Secret Service; Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General; West Virginia State Police; Tampa Police Department.

Heartland Fraud Partnership Summit: In tandem with the results of Operation No Doze, the Fraud Division announced three new federal-state cooperation agreements with the Missouri Secretary of State, Nebraska Treasurer, and Kansas Treasurer to strengthen ongoing fraud enforcement efforts. On September 14, 2026, over twenty-five federal and state officials gathered for the Heartland Partnership Fraud Summit in Kansas City, Missouri, including representatives from 6 U.S. Attorney’s Offices, 3 State Attorneys General Offices, 3 State Financial Offices, 3 Secretaries of State, 3 federal law enforcement partners, and 2 Members of Congress.

Federal and State Partners at the 2026 Heartland Fraud Partnership Summit 

U.S. Attorney Partners:

U.S. Attorneys Office Partners (In-Person Attendance):

U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri Matthew Price

U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri Thomas Albus

U.S. Attorney for District of Nebraska Lesley Woods

U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa Leif Olson

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa David Waterman

U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas Ryan Kriegshauser

State Partners:

Iowa: Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate

Kansas: Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab

Nebraska: Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, Nebraska Auditor Mike Foley, Nebraska Treasurer Joey Spellerberg

Missouri: Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick, and Missouri Department of Social Services Jessica Bax

United States Congressional Representation:

Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Congressman Mark Alford (R-MO)

These partnerships and actions demonstrate how state and federal partners can work together to strengthen fraud detection, share information, and accelerate enforcement efforts nationwide. The Department encourages every state across the country to partner with the Fraud Division on similar efforts.

Fraud Division & SBA’s Operation “No Doze” Summer Surge

View a dynamic map of the Fraud Division & SBA’s Operation “No Doze” Summer Surge here.

Notable Cases (Intended Loss Figures) 

1.) United States v. Jamie Gray (Indictment) – $55,931,875 – Western District of Missouri

Jamie Gray is charged with wire fraud and money laundering. According to the indictment, Gray submitted Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications claiming to own dozens of businesses that were operating before the COVID-19 pandemic. In every instance but one, the businesses Gray allegedly claimed to own were not in operation on or before February 15, 2020 (eligibility deadline). The only claimed business that actually existed was “Fur Lives Matter,” a Texas company that allegedly had no knowledge of Gray. The indictment alleges that Gray’s representations regarding ownership, employees, gross revenue, and business operations were entirely fabricated.

Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney for the Western District of Missouri. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Eggert for the Western District of Missouri.

2.) United States v. Adrian Pupo Perez et al. (Indictment) – $2,400,000 – Northern District of Iowa

On July 9, 2026, a grand jury in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, charged Adrian Rafael Pupo Perez and Helen Yaima Leyva Santiesteban with 47 counts of wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy. Beginning in July 2020, Pupo Perez, Leyva Santiesteban, and more than 100 other individuals originally from Cuba allegedly sought fraudulent PPP loans and EIDLs by falsely claiming they were self-employed, among other allegedly false representations. The co-conspirators allegedly submitted approximately 470 fraudulent PPP loan applications in the names of more than 100 individuals across the United States. They allegedly fraudulently sought more than $4.5 million in PPP funds, with approximately $2.4 million disbursed. Pupo Perez and Leyva Santiesteban are fugitives at this time.

Prosecuted by District Fraud Counsel Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek for the Northern District of Iowa.

3.) United States v. Pu Wang and Rui Li (Indictment) – $102,397 – Northern District of Indiana

Pu Wang and Rui Li are charged with fraudulently obtaining federal grant funds for their company, Vibronix, by falsely representing that the company had no Chinese affiliates and by certifying that the funded work was performed in the United States when most of the work was allegedly performed in China. In addition to allegedly defrauding the Small Business Innovation Research federal grant program, Wang also allegedly certified in PPP loan applications that all covered employees had their primary residence in the United States. Wang was himself a covered employee and, according to the allegations, lived in China during the relevant period. Wang further allegedly certified that none of Vibronix’s board members were residents of the People’s Republic of China. Public SEC filings identified Wang as a Vibronix board member who was known to live in China at the time of the application for federal funds.

According to the indictment, Wang had received an award in 2014 sponsored by the PRC to encourage Chinese citizens who study in the United States to return to China.

Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis Sohn for the Northern District of Indiana. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Lupa Northern District of Indiana. 

4.) United States v. Eve Zou (Information) – $319,800 – Western District of Texas

Eve Zou is charged with making false and fraudulent representations to the U.S. Small Business Administration to obtain EIDL funds and grants purportedly for legitimate business purposes. At the time of the charged offense, Zou was an employee of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, a state agency designed to protect children, the elderly, and adults in Texas with disabilities from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

The information alleges that Zou instead used EIDL proceeds for personal benefit, including the purchase of real estate in Austin, Texas and investments in brokerage accounts. Zou also allegedly made multiple false statements in the applications, including using her daughter’s identity without her daughter’s knowledge or permission, falsely claiming to have 50 employees, and falsely claiming lost rental income. Zou allegedly obtained three SBA loans totaling $319,800.

Zou has agreed to plead guilty to the charges against her. Zou also agreed to forfeiture of all assets purchased with the fraud proceeds, which have grown in value.  As a result, the government intends to recoup more than Zou stole.

Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandy Gann for the Western District of Texas. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Chung for the Western District of Texas.

5.) United States v. Melissa Fireside (Indictment) — $1,573,350 – District of Oregon

Melissa Fireside, a former Clackamas County Commissioner, allegedly attempted to fraudulently obtain approximately $1.6 million in PPP and EIDL funds associated with her claimed businesses. The State of Oregon has charged Fireside with eight felony counts — including first-degree forgery, first-degree aggravated theft, computer crimes, and identity theft.

Fireside was charged in the District of Oregon with two counts of wire fraud. According to prosecutors, Fireside submitted an EIDL application using the identity of another person, G.F., without G.F.’s authorization. Fireside was alleged to be G.F.’s caregiver and manager of G.F.’s finances. Fireside allegedly also submitted a fraudulent PPP application supported by fabricated tax documents and bank records, falsely represented that the business was operating and had employees and substantial revenues, and then diverted the loan proceeds for her personal use. Fireside is believed to have fled the country and remains an international fugitive subject to an INTERPOL Red Notice in connection with the federal charges.

Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey A. Barrow for the District of Oregon. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick Meyers for the District of Oregon.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

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Memphis, TN – Lonnie Moore, Jr., 38, has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, of the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today. 

According to information presented in court, on August 22, 2025, Memphis Airport police officers intercepted luggage that belonged to Moore, who had just landed at the Memphis International Airport from Los Angeles, California.  A police K9 indicated the luggage contained narcotics; therefore, officers seized the luggage.  

Police discovered that the luggage contained a large clear vacuumed-sealed bag containing 12 individual wrapped bags of a green leafy substance, which weighed a total of 13.10 lbs. This green leafy substance tested positive for marijuana. Additionally, there was another large clear vacuumed-sealed bag containing 2 individual wrapped bags of a hard crystal-like substance, which weighed a total of 9.10 lbs. This substance tested positive, and was later confirmed by a laboratory, for methamphetamine. 

On April 15, 2026, Moore pled guilty as charged. Moore has prior convictions in Mississippi for possession of cocaine and methamphetamine. On September 3, 2026, the Honorable United States District Judge Brian C. Lea sentenced Moore to 144 months in federal prison to be followed by five years of federal supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.  

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: “Drug smugglers who use domestic air travel to traffick meth threaten not only the critical infrastructure of the Memphis International Airport, but also the public safety of our citizens. The message is clear: our law enforcement partners will catch you, and we will convict and punish you for importing poison into West Tennessee.”

“This case should serve as a warning to would-be drug traffickers everywhere… find a new line of work; the DEA and our law enforcement partners will find you and bring you to justice”, said DEA Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott.  “Mr. Moore will serve a twelve-year prison sentence for his crimes, time that he could have spent as a productive member of society.  Instead, he chose criminal behavior and the punishment that goes along with it.”

This case was investigated by the Memphis International Airport Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).  

Assistant United States Attorney Greg Wagner prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States government.

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For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

Jackson, TN – A federal judge has sentenced Timothy Adams, 55, of Dyersburg, Tennessee, to 15 years in federal prison for unlawful possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.  United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, of the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today. 

According to information presented in court, on February 2, 2024, Dyer County deputies responded to a 9-1-1 hang up call.  Upon arrival, they encountered Adams hiding behind a shed.  It was determined through the investigation that Adams picked up a .38 revolver from the house and fired one round into the headboard near another occupant of the residence during a domestic violence incident.  Officers confirmed the bullet hole in the headboard and recovered one spent shell casing from the .38 revolver.

On January 22, 2025, Adams pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Due to his extensive prior criminal conviction history which includes prior violent and serious drug offenses, the Court determined that Adams qualified as an Armed Career Criminal (ACC) and was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA), resulting in enhanced mandatory minimum sentencing penalties.

On August 19, 2026, United States District Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced Adams to 180 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “Adams’ prior conviction history demonstrates his disrespect for the law, and his lifestyle of lawlessness has finally caught up with him. He has devoted most of his life to repeated criminal conduct, and now the federal system will do what should have been done a long time ago – impose a real consequence that will prevent him from victimizing anyone else for years to come."

United States Attorney Dunavant thanked Assistant United States Attorney Hillary Parham, who prosecuted this case in conjunction with Assistant District Attorney General Andrew Hays, of the Tennessee District Attorney’s Office for the 29th Judicial District, as well as the law enforcement partners who investigated the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. 

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For more information, please contact our Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

Memphis, TN – Four convicted felons have been sentenced to federal prison for selling firearms at a local hotel and to undercover federal agents. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentences today.

The individuals involved in the firearms trafficking and sentenced to prison were:

• Fred Buford, 33, of Memphis, TN
• Courtney Hibler, 41, of Memphis, TN
• Frederick Munn, 38, of Memphis, TN
• Larry Smith, aka “Killa” 39, of Houston, TX

As part of Operation “Back to Business”, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) determined that Buford, Hibler, Munn, and Smith regularly possessed firearms at the Economy Hotel located at 3869 Lamar Avenue and sold firearms in the hotel's parking lot. 

In November of 2024, the hotel was shut down by the Memphis Police Department Organized Crime Unit as a public nuisance following complaints of drug sales, homicides, and gang activity. 

According to information presented in court, in June of 2025, the ATF received information that “Killa”, later identified as Larry Smith, a multiple convicted felon with a prior criminal history of Aggravated Robbery and Aggravated Burglary, had fentanyl and firearms for sale.  Between July and August of 2025, Smith facilitated 11 firearms deals in which Smith, Buford, Hibler, and Munn provided the firearms, including one stolen gun. 

Additionally, Smith facilitated a transaction where Hibler sold fentanyl. Munn has a prior criminal history that includes felony convictions for Aggravated Assault, Auto Burglary, and Reckless Endangerment with a Deadly Weapon. Hibler has a prior criminal history that includes felony convictions for Theft of Property and False Reporting.

Photo of firearms seized.

In September of 2025, Buford, Hibler, Munn, and Smith were indicted for their roles in both the firearms trafficking and fentanyl distribution. All defendants pled guilty and were sentenced to federal prison by the Honorable Sheryl H. Lipman, Chief United States District Judge for the Western District of Tennessee.

• On July 30, 2026, Buford pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. On September 2, 2026, the Court determined that Buford qualified as an Armed Career Criminal (ACC) offender based on his three prior violent felony convictions for Attempted Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Burglary (x2) and Auto Burglary, and sentenced Buford to 180 months of incarceration followed by 3 years of supervised release.
• On February 20, 2026, Smith pled guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms. On June 16, 2026, Smith was sentenced to 76 months of incarceration followed by 3 years of supervised release.
• On February 17, 2026, Munn pled guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms. On May 29, 2026, Munn was sentenced to 94 months of incarceration followed by 3 years of supervised release.
• On February 12, 2026, Hibler pled guilty to distributing fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm. On May 28, 2026, Hibler was sentenced to 18 months of incarceration followed by 3 years of supervised release. 

There is no parole in the federal system. 

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Killa" and his crew posed an immediate and ongoing threat to the public by their repeated illegal gun sales which flooded the streets of Memphis with instruments of death. Thanks to the great work of ATF and our federal and local law enforcement partners, this group of felons is out of business and Memphis is safer.”

"This case involved an organized group of individuals who conspired to distribute illegal firearms and deadly narcotics on our Memphis streets," said Special Agent in Charge Jamey VanVliet, of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Nashville. "The ATF, alongside our local, state and federal partners, remains steadfast in our mission to hold firearm and narcotic traffickers accountable and protect the community."

This case was investigated by the ATF and assisted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Memphis Police Department (MPD) Multi-agency Gang Unit. 

Assistant United States Attorneys Gregory D. Allen and Gregory A. Wagner prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

Jackson, TN – Lytrice Adams, 36, of Savannah, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine.  D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today. 

According to information presented in court, in July 2023, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the 24th Judicial District Drug Task Force began investigating a drug trafficking operation in Hardin County, Tennessee.  During the investigation, agents utilized controlled purchases of methamphetamine, Title III wiretaps, and other investigative tactics.  

Using wiretap interceptions, agents identified Alveto Higgins—who was then residing in Middle Tennessee—as the supplier of the operation.  The controlled purchases were made from Adams and Higgins at Adams’s residence in Savannah.  Agents were ultimately able to purchase over 350 grams of actual methamphetamine from Adams and Higgins.     

Following her guilty plea to distributing methamphetamine, United States District Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Adams to 120 months in prison and five years of supervised release.  There is no parole in the federal system.  Higgins has also pled guilty in this case, and he will be sentenced later this year.      

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Using various methods, techniques, sources, and strategies, we are taking the fight to the drug trafficking organizations. Drug dealers can no longer hide in any part of the Western District of Tennessee, and this sentence demonstrates our commitment to remove poison peddlers from our streets." 

“Drug dealers like Lytrice Adams, who poison our communities and display little to no empathy for their victims, should expect to meet the full weight of our justice system,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott.  “The lengthy sentence handed down today should give Ms. Adams time to reflect on her criminal actions and hopefully she’ll come out of prison a better person.”

This case was investigated by members of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the 24th Judicial Drug Task Force, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI).  

Assistant United States Attorney Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

Jackson, TN – A federal grand jury in Jackson recently returned an indictment charging a Pennsylvania man with multiple federal drug offenses.  United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the return of the indictment today.

The investigation in this case revealed that in September 2024, Douglas James Moran, 38, of Pittsburgh, PA, traveled from Pennsylvania to Texas to obtain a large amount of cocaine for redistribution.  During his return trip to Pennsylvania, Moran encountered a law enforcement officer in Jackson.  A probable cause search of Moran’s vehicle revealed 15 kilograms of cocaine hidden in the rear cargo area.  

Earlier this month, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against Moran charging him with conspiring with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute over 5 kilograms of cocaine and possessing with intent to distribute over 5 kilograms of cocaine.  

Following the return of the indictment, the U.S. Marshals Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force in Jackson adopted the case for a fugitive investigation and determined that Moran was in Pennsylvania.  A collateral lead was sent to the U.S. Marshals Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force in Pittsburgh.  The task force located Moran and took him into custody in Swissvale, PA, just outside of Pittsburgh. 

This case is pending before United States District Court Judge J. Daniel Breen in Jackson.  Moran is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment on each count in the indictment.  There is no parole in the federal system. 

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "This indictment represents another great example of federal and local law enforcement working together to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations that distribute illegal narcotics into and through the Western District of Tennessee. I commend the outstanding fugitive recovery efforts of the U.S. Marshals Service, and we look forward to holding the defendant accountable in federal court."

“I commend the efforts of law enforcement in combating drug trafficking and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for holding offenders accountable," said U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller. “The United States Marshals Service will always support our partners to bring fugitives to justice no matter where they hide.”

This case is being investigated by members of the Department of Homeland Security and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant United States Attorney Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The charges and allegations contained in the 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.

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For more information, please contact our Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

A federal judge in Memphis, Tennessee, today sentenced Courtney Trenell, 34, of Memphis, to 15 years in prison for aiding and abetting two bank robberies and joining a conspiracy to rob six banks. Eight men were indicted in this case, with Trenell and three co-defendants being convicted in jury trials and the others pleading guilty.

“This defendant took part in two separate bank robberies as part of a violent robbery crew,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The series of bank robberies committed by these eight defendants threatened the lives of hardworking Americans and terrorized bank employees and customers. Those who commit these dangerous robberies will be prosecuted, regardless of their role.”

“This is precisely the type of violent offender that threatens lives and public safety in Memphis,” said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee. “Armed bank robberies are brazen and disturbing acts of violence that terrorize our community and must be met with significant sentences such as this one. Trenell is a dangerous offender who has sown violence and greed and will now reap the full measure of consequences for his criminal conduct.”

“This sentence demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to working with our partners to bring to justice those who resort to bank robbery for criminal profit,” said Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “We will continue to dedicate the necessary resources to pursue those who terrorize our communities and will not rest until offenders are held accountable for their actions.”

Evidence at trial proved that between April 2023 and December 2023, Trenell joined a conspiracy to rob banks throughout Memphis. Trenell drove a getaway car to aid co-defendants in orchestrating and escaping the robberies of Bank of Bartlett and First Horizon Bank branches, which are located across the street from one another, on Oct. 20, 2023. The defendants robbed each bank at the same time to confuse and evade law enforcement. 

A jury convicted Trenell of two counts of aiding and abetting a bank robbery and one count of joining a conspiracy to rob banks after an eight-day trial in July 2025. Trenell’s trial co-defendants, Devins Hinds, 36, and Joshua Cribbs, 33, both of Memphis, were also found guilty of joining a conspiracy to rob banks in Memphis and robbing specific banks. Hinds was found guilty of additional firearm offenses as well. In a January 2026 trial, a separate jury found defendant Mario Patterson, 45, of Memphis, guilty of robbing three banks in the same conspiracy as Trenell and other defendants.   

Last year, Hinds and Cribbs were sentenced to 194 months and 144 months in prison, respectively. Another co-defendant, Robert Haley, 45, pleaded guilty before trial and was sentenced to 204 months in prison in December 2025. Three additional defendants, Monterrio Trenell, Travis Drain, and Mario Patterson, await sentencing later this year.

The FBI and the Memphis Police Department investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Ashleigh Atasoy of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory A. Wagner and Tony Arvin for the Western District of Tennessee prosecuted the case.

This case is part of the Safe Streets Task Force’s efforts to prosecute violent crimes in Memphis, Tennessee, and surrounding areas. This case is also part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative to prosecute violent crimes in Memphis, Tennessee, and surrounding areas. The Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee have partnered, along with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, to confront violent crimes committed by gang members and associates through the enforcement of federal laws and use of federal resources to prosecute the violent offenders and prevent further violence. 

WASHINGTON – A federal judge in Memphis, Tennessee, today sentenced Courtney Trenell, 34, of Memphis, to 15 years in prison for aiding and abetting two bank robberies and joining a conspiracy to rob six banks. Eight men were indicted in this case, with Trenell and three co-defendants being convicted in jury trials and the others pleading guilty.

“This defendant took part in two separate bank robberies as part of a violent robbery crew,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The series of bank robberies committed by these eight defendants threatened the lives of hardworking Americans and terrorized bank employees and customers. Those who commit these dangerous robberies will be prosecuted, regardless of their role.”

“This is precisely the type of violent offender that threatens lives and public safety in Memphis,” said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee. “Armed bank robberies are brazen and disturbing acts of violence that terrorize our community and must be met with significant sentences such as this one. Trenell is a dangerous offender who has sown violence and greed and will now reap the full measure of consequences for his criminal conduct.”

“This sentence demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to working with our partners to bring to justice those who resort to bank robbery for criminal profit,” said Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “We will continue to dedicate the necessary resources to pursue those who terrorize our communities and will not rest until offenders are held accountable for their actions.”

Evidence at trial proved that between April 2023 and December 2023, Trenell joined a conspiracy to rob banks throughout Memphis. Trenell drove a getaway car to aid co-defendants in orchestrating and escaping the robberies of Bank of Bartlett and First Horizon Bank branches, which are located across the street from one another, on Oct. 20, 2023. The defendants robbed each bank at the same time to confuse and evade law enforcement.

A jury convicted Trenell of two counts of aiding and abetting a bank robbery and one count of joining a conspiracy to rob banks after an eight-day trial in July 2025. Trenell’s trial co-defendants, Devin Hinds, 36, and Joshua Cribbs, 33, both of Memphis, were also found guilty of joining a conspiracy to rob banks in Memphis and robbing specific banks. Hinds was found guilty of additional firearm offenses as well. In a January 2026 trial, a separate jury found defendant Mario Patterson, 45, of Memphis, guilty of robbing three banks in the same conspiracy as Trenell and other defendants.  

Last year, Hinds and Cribbs were sentenced to 194 months and 144 months in prison, respectively. Another co-defendant, Robert Haley, 45, pleaded guilty before trial and was sentenced to 204 months in prison in December 2025. Three additional defendants, Monterrio Trenell, Travis Drain, and Mario Patterson, await sentencing later this year.

The FBI and the Memphis Police Department investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Ashleigh Atasoy of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory A. Wagner and Tony Arvin for the Western District of Tennessee prosecuted the case.

This case is part of the Safe Streets Task Force’s efforts to prosecute violent crimes in Memphis, Tennessee, and surrounding areas. This case is also part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative to prosecute violent crimes in Memphis, Tennessee, and surrounding areas. The Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee have partnered, along with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, to confront violent crimes committed by gang members and associates through the enforcement of federal laws and use of federal resources to prosecute the violent offenders and prevent further violence.

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Memphis, TN – After a two-day trial, a federal jury found Carroll Mobley, 50, of Memphis, guilty of one count of possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, of the Western District of Tennessee, announced the verdict today. 

According to information presented in court, on May 2, 2024, detectives with the Shelby County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division executed a search warrant at a Memphis residence. Upon searching the home, detectives found cocaine and digital scales with cocaine residue on them. Detectives also found an HK 9mm firearm that belonged to Mobley, who resided at the residence, in a closet in the master bedroom.

In the second phase of the trial, the jury found that Mobley had previously been convicted of three violent felonies that occurred on separate occasions. Under federal law, due to Mobley's criminal history, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition and is subject to the enhanced sentencing penalties under the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA).

Sentencing is set on December 4, 2026 before United States Chief District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman. Mobley faces a mandatory statutory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and being an Armed Career Criminal (ACC). There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Convicted felons with a history of violence who possess firearms pose an inherent and imminent danger to the community, and are up to no good. This recidivist armed career criminal is one more gun-toter who will now be removed from our community for at least 15 years, and Memphis will be safer because of this verdict.”

This case was investigated by the Shelby County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) Narcotics Division as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jermal Blanchard and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Isihara, of the United States Army Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps, prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

Memphis, TN – A federal judge sentenced Juan Sanchez-Palacios, 32, an illegal alien from Mexico, to 60 months and one day in prison for possessing marijuana with intent to distribute and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today. 

On November 12, 2025, Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers in Memphis performed a traffic stop for suspected DUI and encountered Sanchez-Palacios, the driver of the vehicle.  After observing a strong odor of marijuana while speaking with Sanchez-Palacios, troopers searched the vehicle and discovered multiple bags of marijuana, scales, a grinder, plastic baggies, a large amount of cash, and a loaded pistol.

On August 20, 2026, United States District Court Chief Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Sanchez-Palacios to 60 months and one day in prison.  There is no parole in the federal system. 

Federal immigration officers determined that Sanchez-Palacios had been illegally present in the United States since 2022. Sanchez-Palacios will be remanded to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal from the United States following his federal prison sentence.  

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Criminal aliens not only threaten the sovereignty of our nation but also threaten the safety of our communities. This case demonstrates our focus on those dangerous criminal aliens who continue to violate our laws after illegal entry.”

“HSI is committed to working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to eliminate crime and dangerous drugs from our communities,” said HSI Nashville Special Agent in Charge Dennis M. Fetting. “This sentence reflects that commitment and holds the defendant accountable for his actions.”

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force operation.

Special Assistant United States Attorney Clinton Crosier, of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

Memphis, TN – Quineshia Townsel, 29, has pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm after shooting her boyfriend in a domestic violence incident. United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the guilty plea today. 

According to the evidence, on December 30, 2025, officers responded to a shooting at North Watkins Street and Burnham Avenue.  Officers located a vehicle that had been struck numerous times by gunfire with the victim sitting inside. Officers located 1 live .22 caliber round and 6 spent .22 caliber casings in the front yard and driveway. Upon speaking with the victim, he advised the officers that he had been shot in the shoulder. The victim advised that he was shot by his girlfriend, Quineshia Townsel.  

Upon being located by officers, Townsel admitted to the shooting and stated she hid the firearm in her residence.  Investigators executed a search warrant on Townsel’s residence and located a .22-caliber Walther P22 semi-automatic handgun.  A database check was conducted on the firearm, and it was reported stolen in October 2018.  

Townsel has a criminal conviction history of multiple significant felonies, including two convictions for aggravated robbery and one for attempted aggravated robbery – all of which prohibit her possession of a firearm or ammunition under federal law. 

On August 19, 2026, Townsel pled guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.  Townsel is set for sentencing before District Judge Mark S. Norris on December 3, 2026, where she faces a possible sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison followed by up to 3 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. 

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “The presence of a firearm during a crime of domestic violence dramatically increases the chances that the victim will be fatally shot. Through our aggressive federal prosecution of prohibited persons, we can incapacitate and hold dangerous offenders accountable, send a strong message of deterrence, reduce violent crime rates, and ultimately save lives.”

This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department (MPD) as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative and was one of six cases recently referred and accepted for federal prosecution as part of MPD’s Domestic Violence Prolific Offender Initiative.

Special Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Wright, of the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

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For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

Jackson, TN – Brittany Gail Weeks, 28, formerly of Milan, Tennessee, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for transporting a minor in interstate commerce with intent that the minor engage in prostitution.  United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, of the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.

The investigation in this case revealed that in June 2023, Weeks transported a minor from Gibson County, Tennessee to a motel in or around Osceola, Arkansas, with intent that the minor engage in sexual intercourse with several adult males at the motel.  Once at the motel, Weeks instructed the minor to go room-to-room to engage in sexual intercourse with the adult males in the rooms and then collect payment from them.  

The minor went to around 10 rooms and had sexual intercourse with the males in the rooms, collected money from them, and turned the money over to Weeks.  When the minor’s sexual acts with the men at the motel concluded, Weeks drove the minor back to Tennessee.  

In April 2024, Weeks was charged in a one-count federal indictment with transporting a minor in interstate commerce with intent that the minor engage in prostitution.  In February 2026, Weeks entered a guilty plea to the one-count indictment.  

On August 19, 2026, United States District Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced Weeks to 120 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release.  There is no parole in the federal system. Following her release from prison, Weeks will have to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration & Notification Act (SORNA).       

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: “Human trafficking of minors for commercial sex purposes is an unconscionable crime that must be met with severe consequences. We commend the FBI and our local partners for their outstanding investigation of these heinous crimes, and we are pleased to achieve justice for the victim in this disturbing case.”

"Those who prey upon and exploit children should know this: law enforcement will find you, we will investigate you, and we will hold you accountable," said Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. "There is no place in our community for those who profit from the abuse of children. I commend the FBI Memphis Resident Agency and our partners for their diligent work on this case."

This case was investigated by members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Milan Police Department, the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services.  

Assistant United States Attorney Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

Memphis, TN – Dock Exum, 50, of Memphis, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm as an Armed Career Criminal. United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the guilty plea today.

According to the evidence, on September 30, 2025, Memphis police officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that had visible fraudulent tags.  Officers approached the vehicle and identified the sole occupant as Exum.  During the stop, officers detected an odor of marijuana and conducted a probable cause search on the vehicle for suspected narcotics.  During the search, a Sig Sauer P238 .380 caliber pistol was recovered, and Exum claimed ownership of the firearm.  

Exum is a long-standing and known member of the Gangster Disciples street gang and has a lengthy criminal history of significant felonies, including especially aggravated robbery, two convictions of burglary of a motor vehicle, burglary of a building, and five convictions of aggravated burglary. Under federal law, due to Exum’s criminal history, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition and is subject to the enhanced sentencing penalties under the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA).

On August 18, 2026, Exum pled guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Exum is scheduled to be sentenced before District Chief Judge Sheryl H. Lipman on November 23, 2026 and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "This case targets and removes a dangerous gangster from the community BEFORE he pulls the trigger. Exum has spent years sowing a culture of criminality in Memphis, and he will now reap a long prison sentence without the sanctuary of parole.”

This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department (MPD) as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. 

Special Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Wright, of the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

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For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

WASHINGTON — In the last month, three members of the Memphis-based gang known as Young Mob or Young Mob Military have pleaded guilty to Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy, robbery, death by firearm, and drug crimes.

These defendants ─ Paul Nelson, also known as “Big Paul” and “Paul Walk,” 33; Edgar Smith, also known as “Chuck P” and “Chucky,” 40, and Cedric Jackson, also known as “Ced,” 35, all of Memphis, Tennessee, were indicted as part of a larger investigation against the violent gang that resulted in multiple indictments alleging crimes by those associated with the gang. In total, 20 individuals from the Memphis area were indicted on federal charges.   

“This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division ongoing commitment to quell the violent crime that plagued Memphis,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “As to the Young Mob gang alone, Criminal Division’s partnership with the United States Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Tennessee has resulted in 20 members and associates of this violent gang have been hauled before federal courts to answer for their crimes, which include murder, attempted murder, robbery, and large-volume drug dealing, including trafficking in fentanyl. Our commitment to the people of Memphis is unwavering.”    

“These successful federal prosecutions have significantly dismantled the Young Mob gang here in Memphis,” said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee. “If you are a member of a gang committed to a culture of criminality that terrorizes our community with violence, no matter your role or nickname - your days are numbered - there will be a reckoning."

On Aug. 14, 2026, Nelson pleaded guilty to armed Hobbs Act robbery and using a firearm to cause death during the robbery, as well as conspiring to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. As part of his guilty plea, Nelson admitted to the May 13, 2023 robbery at Tug’s Casual Grill in Harbor Town. Nelson and two Young Mob members targeted a rap musician affiliated with another Memphis musician and longtime nemesis of Young Mob. During the robbery, Nelson and his accomplice approached the victim and his girlfriend while they were seated at an outdoor table. The male victim fled and was followed by Nelson’s accomplice, who was armed with a rifle. The male victim was also armed and shot the accomplice in self-defense. After the accomplice was shot, Nelson, the wounded accomplice, and co-defendant Jerrod Cox allegedly dropped the dying accomplice off in the parking lot of a fire station: he later died of his wounds. Nelson faces up to life in prison when he is sentenced on Nov. 18, 2026.

On Aug. 20, 2026, Smith pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy. As part of the conspiracy, Smith agreed that he and other members or associates of the Young Mob criminal enterprise would commit at least two racketeering acts. In particular, Smith agreed with other conspirators that on June 12, 2024 they would commit acts of attempted robbery and robbery, in violation of Tennessee law. Smith also agreed that he other members and associates conspired to distribute and did distribute fentanyl. Smith faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on Dec. 3.

On Aug. 20, 2026, Jackson pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy. As part of the conspiracy, Jackson agreed that he and other members or associates of the Young Mob criminal enterprise would commit at least two racketeering acts. In particular, Jackson agreed with other conspirators that on June 11 and 12, 2024 they would commit acts of attempted robbery and robbery, in violation of Tennessee law. Jackson faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on Dec. 4.

Codefendants Larry Wilson, also known as “L,” and Braxton Beck, also known as “B Mack,” each pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy and admitted their roles in the June 11, 2024 attempted robbery and June 12, 2024 robbery at a tattoo shop in Memphis. Beck and Wilson were sentenced to 120 and 87 months in prison, respectively.  

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Memphis Police Department and Multiagency Gang Unit (MGU) are investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Amanda Kotula of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case, with significant assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Tennessee.

This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative to prosecute violent crimes in Memphis, Tennessee. The Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee have partnered, along with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, to confront violent crimes committed by gang members and associates through the enforcement of federal laws and use of federal resources to prosecute the violent offenders and prevent further violence.

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If you have questions, please use the contacts in the message or call the Office of Public Affairs at 202-514-2007.

In the last month, three members of the Memphis-based gang known as Young Mob or Young Mob Military have pleaded guilty to Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy, robbery, death by firearm, and drug crimes. 

These defendants ─ Paul Nelson, also known as “Big Paul” and “Paul Walk,” 33; Edgar Smith, also known as “Chuck P” and “Chucky,” 40, and Cedric Jackson, also known as “Ced,” 35, all of Memphis, Tennessee, were indicted as part of a larger investigation against the violent gang that resulted in multiple indictments alleging crimes by those associated with the gang. In total, 20 individuals from the Memphis area were indicted on federal charges.   

“This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division ongoing commitment to quell the violent crime that plagued Memphis,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “As to the Young Mob gang alone, Criminal Division’s partnership with the United States Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Tennessee has resulted in 20 members and associates of this violent gang have been hauled before federal courts to answer for their crimes, wich include murder, attempted murder, robbery, and large-volume drug dealing, including trafficking in fentanyl. Our commitment to the people of Memphis is unwavering.”     

“These successful federal prosecutions have significantly dismantled the Young Mob gang here in Memphis,” said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee. “If you are a member of a gang committed to a culture of criminality that terrorizes our community with violence, no matter your role or nickname - your days are numbered - there will be a reckoning."

On Aug. 14, 2026, Nelson pleaded guilty to armed Hobbs Act robbery and using a firearm to cause death during the robbery, as well as conspiring to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. As part of his guilty plea, Nelson admitted to the May 13, 2023 robbery at Tug’s Casual Grill in Harbortown, Tennessee. Nelson and two Young Mob members targeted a rap musician affiliated with another Memphis musician and longtime nemesis of Young Mob. During the robbery, Nelson and his accomplice approached the victim and his girlfriend while they were seated at an outdoor table. The male victim fled and was followed by Nelson’s accomplice, who was armed with a rifle. The male victim was also armed and shot the accomplice in self-defense. After the accomplice was shot, Nelson, the wounded accomplice, and co-defendant Jerrod Cox allegedly dropped the dying accomplice off in the parking lot of a fire station: he later died of his wounds. Nelson faces up to life in prison when he is sentenced on Nov. 18, 2026. 

On Aug. 20, 2026, Smith pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy. As part of the conspiracy, Smith agreed that he and other members or associates of the Young Mob criminal enterprise would commit at least two racketeering acts. In particular, Smith agreed with other conspirators that on June 12, 2024 they would commit acts of attempted robbery and robbery, in violation of Tennessee law. Smith also agreed that he other members and associates conspired to distribute and did distribute fentanyl. Smith faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on Dec. 3.

On Aug. 20, 2026, Jackson pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy. As part of the conspiracy, Jackson agreed that he and other members or associates of the Young Mob criminal enterprise would commit at least two racketeering acts. In particular, Jackson agreed with other conspirators that on June 11 and 12, 2024 they would commit acts of attempted robbery and robbery, in violation of Tennessee law. Jackson faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on Dec. 4.

Codefendants Larry Wilson, also known as “L,” and Braxton Beck, also known as “B Mack,” each pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy and admitted their roles in the June 11, 2024 attempted robbery and June 12, 2024 robbery at a tattoo shop in Memphis. Beck and Wilson were sentenced to 120 and 87 months in prison, respectively.  

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Memphis Police Department and Multiagency Gang Unit (MGU) are investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys Brian P. Leaming and Amanda Kotula of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case, with significant assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Tennessee. 

This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative to prosecute violent crimes in Memphis, Tennessee. The Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee have partnered, along with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, to confront violent crimes committed by gang members and associates through the enforcement of federal laws and use of federal resources to prosecute the violent offenders and prevent further violence.

Memphis, TN – Clayton Bratcher, 25, has been sentenced to fourteen years and one day in prison following his convictions for multiple armed robberies of fast-food restaurants in Memphis.  United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, of the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.

According to court documents, officers with the Memphis Police Department Safe Streets Task Force responded to three separate armed business robberies at fast food locations (two McDonald’s locations and a Taco Bell) in the late night through early morning hours, between July 8th and July 9th of 2023.  In each instance an individual, later identified as Clayton Bratcher, placed an order in the drive-through.  After approaching the window, Bratcher pointed a firearm at employees through the drive-through window and demanded money from the cash register.

Bratcher was developed as a suspect through social media and tips from citizens after a media release.  Initially, Bratcher was indicted on each robbery by the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office in state court.  However, as part of a plea agreement, two of the three robberies were dismissed by the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office, and Bratcher was sentenced to eight years in state prison as a result.

To properly vindicate the interests of the United States, prevent a manifestly inadequate sentence, and protect public safety, the U.S. Attorney’s Office sought to hold Bratcher accountable under federal law. Bratcher was later indicted by a federal grand jury for the two robberies that were dismissed by the District Attorney’s office. Bratcher was convicted of the federal offenses after pleading guilty on March 31, 2026.

On August 14, 2026, Chief United States District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Bratcher to fourteen years and one day of federal imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release. The federal sentence was ordered to run consecutive to Bratcher’s previously imposed eight-year state sentence, for an overall effective twenty-two-year sentence. There is no parole in the federal system. 

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Bratcher’s misguided and impulsive violent crime spree is over. His lifestyle of lawlessness and selfish greed terrorized multiple victims – and has rightly earned him significant sentences in both federal and state prison that will remove him from the community and protect Memphians for years to come."

"Armed robbery is not simply a theft; it is a violent crime that creates fear throughout the community and puts innocent lives in danger,” said Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “Today's sentence sends a clear message that the FBI is committed to investigating violent crime and working with our law enforcement partners to hold repeat offenders accountable at the federal level, where they face stiffer penalties and no possibility for parole.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Memphis Police Department (MPD) Safe Streets Task Force.

Assistant United States Attorneys Regina Brittenum and Gavin A. Smith prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

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For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates

Memphis, TN – Zephanial Flynn, 43, of Memphis, has been sentenced to 77 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, of the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.

According to evidence introduced at trial and court documents, officers with the Memphis Police Department Fugitive Task Force were attempting to arrest Flynn on a pending state warrant when they saw him walking through the Orange Mound neighborhood carrying an assault rifle. 

When officers approached, Flynn discarded the rifle in bushes nearby and fled on foot. Flynn was arrested at his grandmother’s house minutes later. Following his arrest, Flynn made a recorded jail call admitting to possessing the assault rifle. At trial he also committed perjury and obstructed justice by providing false testimony under oath that he never in fact possessed the rifle.

Flynn has a long criminal conviction history of significant felonies, including attempted robbery, possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, felon in possession of a firearm, theft of property, and domestic violence – all of which prohibit his possession of a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

On May 5, 2026, a jury returned a verdict of guilty of one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On August 12, 2026, Flynn was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman to 77 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Convicted felons who possess firearms pose an inherent and imminent danger to the community, and are up to no good. This defendant’s extensive history of criminal conduct makes him a prime candidate for removal from our community BEFORE he pulls the trigger. This sentence does exactly that, making us all safer.” 

“This sentence sends a clear message: convicted felons who illegally possess firearms will be held accountable," said Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. "The FBI and our partners will remain relentless in our efforts to identify violent offenders, seize illegal firearms, and protect the communities we serve.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Memphis Police Department (MPD). 

Assistant United States Attorney William Bateman III and Special Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Cohenmeyer, of the United States Navy Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

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For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

Memphis, TN – A Memphis man, Darian Glover, 29, has been convicted by a federal jury for distribution of a controlled substance causing death. United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the verdict today.

An eyewitness told law enforcement that on June 20, 2024, he saw the male victim, M.P., purchase narcotics from Darian Glover. The eyewitness stated M.P. began making phone calls to Glover in order to buy what M.P. believed was cocaine. The eyewitness stated they got off work around 5:30 PM, and they met Glover at a gas station located on Bartlett Road in Bartlett, TN. 

Glover walked up to M.P.'s truck and got into the backseat. M.P. and Glover shook hands, which is when the drug transaction occurred. M.P. then drove Glover to a liquor store located on Summer Avenue in Memphis, TN. Glover went into the store and came back to the truck. M.P. then drove Glover to Glover's residence in Memphis, TN. 

On June 21, 2024 at 1:51 AM, the Collierville Police Department was dispatched to a residence located in Collierville, TN in reference to a report of a drug overdose. Upon arrival, officers observed the residents of the house performing CPR on two unconscious females on the back porch of the house. Officers also observed an unconscious male lying on the back porch as well. Officers and paramedics then took over CPR on all the unconscious individuals on the scene. Officers and paramedics administered multiple doses of Narcan to all three individuals. Subsequently, all three victims, M.P., L.P., and A.T., did not survive.

On the scene, officers observed a white powdery substance on a dollar bill on the table where the three individuals were seated. The white powdery substance was collected from the scene and sent to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for testing and analysis. The results confirmed that the unknown white powdery substance tested positive for fentanyl. In addition to the fentanyl, the victims' cell phones were recovered from the scene of the overdose. 

Upon analyses of M.P.'s cellphone, law enforcement saw text message communication between M.P. and Glover's cell phone number. The communication displayed text messages about M.P. attempting to purchase "toot", which is the street term for cocaine. The conversation started on June 20, 2024 at 2:23 PM and continued until M.P.'s last text message to Glover on June 20, 2024 at 7:24 PM. The victim and Glover's cell phone location data corroborated the eyewitness' version of events. The eyewitness positively identified Glover in a photo lineup as the person who sold M.P. the narcotics.

Per the medical examiner, the immediate cause of M.P.'s and A.T.'s death was fentanyl toxicity, and the manner of death was an accident. The immediate cause of L.P.'s death was fentanyl and alprazolam toxicity, and the manner of death was an accident.

After a four-day jury trial, the jury rendered a verdict of guilty as to three counts of distribution of a controlled substance which resulted in death. Glover faces a sentence of not less than 20 years or more than life in prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and a term of supervised release of at least three years. 

The case is set for sentencing on November 13, 2026 before United States District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “Fentanyl distribution cases resulting in death are always heartbreaking, and especially when there are multiple victims. We commend the outstanding investigative work of our federal and local law enforcement partners, and we hope this conviction will achieve some measure of justice for the victims’ families.”

“Drug dealers like Mr. Glover have no regard for human life; often driven by greed, they poison our communities and leave broken families in their wake,” said Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott, head of DEA’s Louisville Field Division.  “Mr. Glover should expect to feel the full weight of our justice system for his actions that ultimately claimed the lives of three individuals.”

“This conviction highlights the vital role of teamwork among our federal, state, and local partners. Together, we are committed to holding those who bring deadly drugs into our community accountable and protecting our residents from these tragic outcomes,” said Collierville Police Chief Dale Lane.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and the Collierville Police Department (CPD). 

Assistant United States Attorneys Wendy K. Caceres, Raven Icaza, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Patricia Sculco, of the United States Army Judge Advocates General's (JAG) Corps, prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

Jackson, TN – Travis Ray Baird, 40, of Dyer, Tennessee, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment for distributing child pornography in December 2024.  United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, of the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.

The investigation in this case revealed that Baird was distributing child sexual abuse material on the BitTorrent network using his home computer.  A forensic examination of Baird’s computer revealed that he distributed over 2,000 child pornographic images. 

On August 7, 2026, United States District Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Baird to 120 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. 

Following his release from prison, Baird will have to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration & Notification Act (SORNA).   

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “Distribution of child pornography is an abhorrent and disturbing crime that endangers and harms real child victims forever. Because demand drives supply for such images, Baird has contributed to both the past victimization and future harm done to children. The internet can be a dark place, but so can a federal prison.”

“HSI is committed to identifying, investigating, and bringing to justice those who exploit children and distribute child sexual abuse material. Working alongside our federal, state, and local partners, we will continue to pursue those who victimize children and use every available investigative tool to hold offenders accountable,” said HSI Nashville Special Agent in Charge Dennis M. Fetting.

This case was investigated by members of United States Department of Homeland Security. 

Assistant United States Attorney Caroline Parish prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

Jackson, TN – Christopher Peyton Stricklin, 20, of Savannah, Tennessee, was sentenced to 300 months’ imprisonment for committing three sexual exploitation offenses against minors in August 2025. United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.

The investigation in this case revealed that Stricklin used a cell phone to videotape himself sexually molesting a minor female, and he then sent the video to another minor using the same cell phone. Stricklin was charged in a three-count indictment with production and distribution of child pornography, and with transferring obscene material to a person under age 16.  Following a two-day jury trial presided over by United States District Court Judge J. Daniel Breen, Stricklin was convicted of all three counts.   

On August 6, 2026, Judge Breen sentenced Stricklin to 300 months’ imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release.  Stricklin was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,000 to the victim of his production offense, and a $5,000 special assessment under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 (JVTA).  

Following his release from prison, Stricklin will have to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration & Notification Act (SORNA).

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “With the proliferation of cell phones and social media, predators are increasingly committing disturbing crimes against vulnerable victims, including child sexual abuse. As offenders keep committing these heinous crimes against children, our office will keep convicting and severely punishing them.”

“This sentence is a reminder of the FBI’s never-ending pursuit of criminals who exploit our children,” said Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “The community is safer with Stricklin behind bars. Removing those who prey on others – especially children – helps protect the public and reinforces the commitment of the FBI and our law enforcement partners to protecting children from these insidious crimes.”

“This case highlights the power of the strong collaboration and the unwavering commitment shown by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation along with our local, state, and federal partners in pursuing those who exploit innocent children,” said TBI Director David Rausch. “We hope this sentence sends a clear message to others: we will continue to devote every necessary resource to identifying and apprehending individuals who prey on our most vulnerable citizens across Tennessee.”

This case was investigated by members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), the Savannah Police Department, the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office, and the District Attorney’s Office for the 24th Judicial District in Tennessee.  

Assistant United States Attorneys Josh Morrow and Caroline Parish prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

WASHINGTON — A Memphis woman pleaded guilty today to helping prepare false tax returns for clients.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Selma Brinson owned and operated a tax preparation business that she used to report false items on clients’ tax returns to generate inflated tax refunds. Among other false items, Brinson reported false fuel tax credits, false claims for residential energy credits and false health savings account deductions on client returns. She received hundreds of thousands of dollars in client fees in exchange for preparing returns. In total, Brinson filed false returns that attempted to defraud the IRS out of more than $5.4 million.

Brinson pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting the preparation of a false tax return. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 10 and faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee made the announcement.

IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) investigated the case.

Trial Attorneys Caroline Pearson and Max Willner-Giwerc of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section are prosecuting the case.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

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If you have questions, please use the contacts in the message or call the Office of Public Affairs at 202-514-2007.

Memphis, TN – United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Will Crow will serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the U.S. Attorney's Office of the Western District of Tennessee for the upcoming general and primary elections on August 6, 2026.

United States Attorney Dunavant said, "Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process."

In this capacity, DEO Crow will be responsible for overseeing the district’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. 

DEO Crow will be on duty while the polls are open to respond to complaints and concerns during the upcoming election and ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities. He can be reached by phone at 901-544-4231. 

In addition, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will have special agents available throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The Nashville Division of the FBI, which covers the entire state of Tennessee, can be reached by the public at 865-544-0751.

However, if you witness a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities.  State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.

Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying, and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).

The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud.  The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

Anyone with specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud should make that information available to the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/. 

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A Memphis woman pleaded guilty today to helping prepare false tax returns for clients.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Selma Brinson owned and operated a tax preparation business that she used to report false items on clients’ tax returns to generate inflated tax refunds. Among other false items, Brinson reported false fuel tax credits, false claims for residential energy credits and false health savings account deductions on client returns. She received hundreds of thousands of dollars in client fees in exchange for preparing returns. In total, Brinson filed false returns that attempted to defraud the IRS out of more than $5.4 million.

Brinson pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting the preparation of a false tax return. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 10 and faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee made the announcement.

IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) investigated the case.

Trial Attorneys Caroline Pearson and Max Willner-Giwerc of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section are prosecuting the case.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

Memphis, TN – After a two-day federal trial, a jury found Rodriquez Henley, 33, of Memphis, guilty of possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and made a special finding that Henley’s extensive criminal history qualified him for enhanced punishment as an Armed Career Criminal (ACC). United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, of the Western District of Tennessee, announced the verdict today.

According to information presented in court, on May 19, 2025, officers with the Memphis Police Department located Henley at the Know-It-All Market on Park Avenue while responding to a disturbance call. Upon detaining Henley based on an outstanding warrant, officers recovered a black Ruger .380 caliber handgun from his front waistband.

During the trial, the jury heard evidence of Henley’s criminal history, which includes two separate convictions for Aggravated Robbery as well as a conviction for Aggravated Burglary. The jury found Henley guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm and made a finding that he had committed at least three violent felonies on different occasions, triggering the enhanced sentencing penalties under the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA).

A sentencing hearing is scheduled to be held on November 10, 2026 before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman. As a result of the verdict and ACC designation, Henley faces a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 15 years in federal prison.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “Henley’s lifestyle of lawlessness has finally caught up with him. He has devoted most of his life to repeated violent crimes, and now the federal system will do what should have been done a long time ago – impose a real consequence that will prevent him from victimizing anyone else for years to come.”

The case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department (MPD) as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative.

Special Assistant United States Attorneys Yosef Hochheiser and Kesha Zaffino, both of the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps, prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

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For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

Jackson, TN – A married couple, who previously resided in Gibson County, Tennessee, was sentenced to prison last week for sexually exploiting a minor in early 2022. United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, of the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentences today.

The investigation in this case revealed that Barry Keith Stephens, Jr., 40, and Melinda Rachelle Stephens, 36, transported a minor from Minnesota to Tennessee in January 2022 and committed various sexual acts against the minor in violation of Tennessee law after arriving here.  

The investigation further revealed that the Stephens’s had committed similar sexually assaultive conduct against another minor in New Mexico in 2008, which resulted in federal convictions of both defendants for possession of child pornography. 

In May 2023, the defendants were charged in federal court in Jackson with transporting a minor in interstate commerce with intent that the minor engage in sexual activity. Following the defendants’ guilty pleas to this offense, United States District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Barry Stephens to 264 months of imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release, and Melinda Stephens to 180 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.  

Both defendants will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration & Notification Act (SORNA). 

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “Cases involving repeat violations of child sexual exploitation are heartbreaking and demonstrate the need for significant punishment to incapacitate traveling predators. These despicable sex offenders will now be held fully accountable with decades in federal prison.” 

“Protecting children from exploitation and abuse is a top priority for the FBI,” said Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “I am proud of the hard work and diligence of the Jackson Resident Agency and our partners involved in bringing these offenders to justice. These sentences should serve as a warning to anyone who exploits children and a strong reminder that the FBI is committed to identifying and holding accountable those who victimize innocent children.”

“This case underscores the strength of collaboration and determination demonstrated by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and our local, state, and federal partners in holding accountable those who prey on innocent children,” said TBI Director David Rausch. “We trust that this sentence sends a clear message that we will continue to dedicate every necessary resource to identify and apprehend individuals who victimize our most vulnerable citizens.”

This case was investigated by members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS), the Milan Police Department, and the Lea County, New Mexico Sheriff’s Department.  

Assistant United States Attorneys Josh Morrow and Lauren Delery prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

Memphis, TN – On July 29, 2026, a federal jury delivered a guilty verdict in the case of a Memphis man, Rodrigus Carter, aka Rodregus Carter, 42, who was charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Carter faces a mandatory statutory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison based on his prior convictions. United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the verdict today.  

According to information presented in court, on March 10, 2026, Memphis police went to an empty commercial building in downtown Memphis after receiving complaints from the owner that individuals were living inside the building without authorization. Officers entered the building and found Carter, along with two others. They located a revolver and a semiautomatic pistol on a table in an interior office being used as a bedroom. Carter was seen exiting from this room when officers arrived. 

Witnesses, including Carter, indicated the revolver belonged to him and the other firearm belonged to his girlfriend who had been living in the building with him. Carter has multiple prior felony convictions, including three convictions for Burglary of a Building, two convictions for Aggravated Burglary, and Sale of a Controlled Substance. 

After a one-day trial, Carter was convicted as charged of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and the jury made a finding that he had committed at least three violent felonies on different occasions, triggering the enhanced sentencing penalties under the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA). Sentencing is set on November 19, 2026, before Chief United States District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman. There is no parole in the federal system.  

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "The best way to reduce violent crime is to remove firearms from the hands of prohibited persons and remove dangerous felons from our streets, BEFORE they pull the next trigger. This recidivist armed career criminal is one more gun-toter who will now be removed from our community for at least 15 years, and Memphis will be safer because of this verdict.” 

This case was investigated by officers from the Memphis Police Department (MPD) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). 

Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Musselwhite and Gavin Smith prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

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For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

Memphis, TN – Amanda Kate Walker Bass, 36, was sentenced to 16 months in prison for executing a scheme to defraud, whereby she claimed to be a U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran. United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, of the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today. 

According to information provided in court, Bass claimed to be a multiple-time deployed U.S. Marine Corps veteran who was the lone survivor of an enemy ambush in Afghanistan in 2010 that left her seriously wounded. She used this fictitious narrative for financial gain by having a GoFundMe page set up for her benefit and sharing the story online and otherwise in order to gain donations, free labor, and other benefits. In July 2021, she induced The Daily Memphian to publish an article about her titled, “Disabled, legally blind veteran now dealer of luxury goods.” Bass never served in the armed forces. 

On February 5, 2026, Bass pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of fraudulent use of military medals, otherwise known as “Stolen Valor.”  U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Bass to 16 months in prison to be followed by a three-year period of supervised release. The court will enter a judgment of restitution at a later date. Victims of Bass’s fraud who have not already submitted claims for restitution are encouraged to reach out to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. There is no parole in the federal system. 

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces represent the very best ideals of service and sacrifice for our nation, and our office will always protect and vindicate their interests. Fraudulently claiming military service or medals for unjust personal enrichment not only victimizes our military heroes, but also preys upon the trust that citizens have in our great veterans. We are pleased to impose a real consequence on this faker and thief.” 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). Assistant United States Attorney William C. Bateman III prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States with assistance from the State of Tennessee’s Twenty-Fifth Judicial District Attorney General’s Office.

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For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

Memphis, TN – A federal judge has sentenced Jordan Jones, 31, to 78 months in prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm equipped with a machinegun conversion device (MCD). D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today. 

On October 4, 2025, Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers pursued Jones, driving a stolen white Honda Accord, after he had run a stop light. They pursued him for several minutes before Jones struck another vehicle and then ran from the vehicle. 

One of the troopers saw a gun in Jones’s waistband. The trooper then pursued Jones on foot as he attempted to flee through a nearby residential yard. Troopers quickly apprehended Jones and recovered a Glock pistol equipped with a machinegun conversion device along the path where Jones fled. A second firearm was later located inside the vehicle Jones had been driving.

On July 23, 2026, United States District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Jones to 78 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “A firearm equipped with an MCD is an extremely dangerous weapon that can cause multiple injuries or fatalities in less than one second. When possessed by a fleeing felon recklessly driving a stolen vehicle, it demonstrates an unacceptable risk to public safety that justifies a significant prison sentence to remove this dangerous recidivist from our community.”

Special Agent in Charge Jamey VanVliet of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Nashville Field Office said, "This previously convicted felon was in possession of a stolen vehicle, illegally possessed a firearm with a machine gun conversion device, and led the police on a high-speed chase.  The ATF will continue to work in lockstep with our law enforcement partners to remove individuals such as this who threaten public safety in our communities."

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force.

Assistant United States Attorney Lynn Crum and Special Assistant United States Attorney Yosef Hochheiser, of the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

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For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

Memphis, TN – A federal judge has sentenced Tamillian Young, 24, a former Correctional Officer for the Shelby County Division of Corrections, to federal prison for providing marijuana to an inmate in the Shelby County Division of Corrections. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today. 

According to information presented in court, Young smuggled contraband into the Shelby County Division of Corrections, a facility which houses federal inmates, on October 27, 2025. Young had a package that contained approximately 100 grams of marijuana, as well as additional contraband including cigarettes, vape devices, and a bag containing what appeared to be 18 Oxycodone pills. 

When interviewed, Young admitted to bringing the items for an inmate. At sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Brian C. Lea imposed a term of 24 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. 

United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Official misconduct and corruption by correctional officers in positions of trust and authority undermine the foundational integrity of our government institutions and compromise the safety and security of correctional facilities. This sentence will hopefully deter other corrupt behavior, restore the public’s faith in honest officers, and send a message that nobody is above the law."

Tyreece Miller, United States Marshal for the Western District of Tennessee, said, “The U.S. Marshals Service is committed to ensuring that those who are entrusted with the care and custody of federal detainees uphold the highest standards of conduct and obey the law, not break it.”

“By smuggling drugs and other contraband into the Shelby County Division of Corrections, Tamillian Young betrayed the public trust and jeopardized the safety and security of the entire institution for her own personal gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message that correctional officers who abuse their positions to facilitate criminal activity will be held accountable. The FBI remains committed to rooting out public corruption and working with our partners to protect the integrity of our correctional institutions.”

 This case was investigated by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), United States Marshals Service (USMS), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Assistant United States Attorney Lynn Crum and Special Assistant United States Attorney Yosef Hochheiser, of the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

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For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates

Jackson, TN – James Anthony Morris, 59, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for production of child pornography.  United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, of the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.

The investigation in this case revealed that Morris set up a “spy camera” in one of his bedrooms at his residence in Greenfield, Tennessee and secretly recorded multiple minors in the nude and changing clothes.  Morris then distributed some of the child pornographic material that he recorded on his “spy camera” to another individual via the Quora social media application.  

On April 1, 2026, Morris pleaded guilty to one count of employing and using a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2251(a).  On July 22, 2026, Senior United States District Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced Morris to 300 months' imprisonment and five years of supervised release.  There is no parole in the federal system. 

Additionally, Morris must comply with the conditions of the Sex Offender Registration & Notification Act (SORNA) upon his release from prison. 

U.S. Attorney Dunavant said, "Production of child pornography is a disturbing crime that endangers and harms real child victims. We will always seek significant sentences for such despicable and predatory behavior, and this successful prosecution has incapacitated a real threat to our children and our community in West Tennessee."

“This sentence sends a clear message: HSI will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure justice for victims and safeguard our communities,” said HSI Nashville Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Perez. “HSI remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting children and holding offenders accountable for their actions. Those who exploit minors and distribute child pornography will face the full consequences of the law.”

“This sentence reflects the unwavering commitment of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and our local, state, and federal partners to protect children and hold those who exploit them accountable,” said TBI Director David Rausch. “We hope this outcome sends a clear message that we will continue to dedicate every available resource to investigating these crimes, pursuing justice for victims, and ensuring those who prey upon our most vulnerable residents are brought to justice.”

The case was investigated by members of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), the District Attorney’s Office for the 27th Judicial District, the Greenfield Police Department, and the Martin Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorneys Caroline Parish and Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

Memphis, TN – Twelve people have been indicted in the Western District of Tennessee and are facing federal charges for their involvement in an organized cargo theft conspiracy targeting Nike’s North American Logistics Center in Memphis, Tennessee, according to recently unsealed indictments. The charges are the culmination of a multi-year investigation by FBI’s Cargo Theft Task Force. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the unsealing of the indictments today. 

As alleged in the indictment and documents submitted to the District Court: Between July 2021 and continuing to on or about June 19, 2024, the defendants worked together and with others to transport stolen Nike retail product throughout the United States. The investigation revealed the co-defendants stole at least $2 million in Nike product during this timeframe. 

In a typical theft, the defendants would identify product that they wanted to resell, locate it in the Nike warehouse, and place shipping labels to predetermined locations throughout the United States where they would retrieve and resell the stolen product. 

The individuals named in the indictment are: 

• Roy Harvey, Jr., 39, of Los Angeles, CA
• Bereket Abraham, 39, of Los Angeles, CA
• Jorge Cuellar, 30, of Los Angeles, CA
• Keith Cannon, 40, of Memphis, TN
• Cadarian Mack, 35, of Memphis, TN
• Julian Baker, 36, of Memphis, TN
• Cortez Spencer, 39, of Memphis, TN
• Roderico McClellan, 33, of Memphis, TN
• Damon Johnson, 30, of Memphis, TN
• Joel Deluna, 42, of Chicago, IL
• Michael Perkins, 40, of Olive Branch, MS
• Marquesio Robinson, 47, of Charlestown, IN

On May 21, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging all twelve individuals with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property, and one defendant with interstate transportation of stolen property. The case has been assigned to United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Memphis is proudly known as ‘America’s Distribution Center’, and organized cargo theft conspiracies disrupt and harm crucial interstate commerce and businesses here in West Tennessee and across America. In order to protect the critical economic and logistics infrastructure of Memphis, we will always aggressively prosecute those who threaten it."

“As alleged, these twelve defendants stole millions of dollars’ worth of merchandise and sold those stolen goods at the direct expense of sellers, shippers, and buyers,” said Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “Organized cargo theft doesn’t just steal products – it steals time, trust, and profitability across the entire supply chain. Those who conspire to disrupt commerce and harm consumers will be met with a coordinated law enforcement response. The FBI’s Cargo Theft Task Force is committed to ridding our supply chains of organized crime and will relentlessly pursue those who seek to exploit or disrupt it.” 

This case was investigated by the FBI Nashville Field Office with assistance from the FBI Chicago Field Office and the FBI Los Angeles Field Office.  

Assistant United States Attorney Lynn Crum and Special Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Cohenmeyer, of the United States Navy Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps, are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence.  The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.

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For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates

Memphis, TN – A federal Judge has sentenced Steven McCurdy, 46, (aka "Stephen McCurdy", aka "Kroger Man", aka "Plug Tunchii") to over 24 years in prison for distributing heroin and carfentanil that resulted in death. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.

On May 11, 2020, victim W.B. and a witness purchased what they believed to be heroin from the defendant, McCurdy, who the witness knew as "Kroger Man". The victim and witness then went to the witness’s home in Byhalia, Mississippi, where they took the drugs recently sold to them by McCurdy.

Later that night, the witness awoke and found W.B. unresponsive. The witness called 911. First responders arrived within minutes, where W.B. was pronounced deceased on the scene. An autopsy was conducted by the Mississippi Medical Examiner’s Office. The cause of death for the victim was determined to be a combination of heroin and carfentanil toxicity.

Another witness called by the Government during trial identified McCurdy as the person they knew as "Kroger Man", aka "Plug Tunchii", an individual who had sold the witness narcotics around the time of May 2020.

In his statement to FBI agents upon his arrest, McCurdy admitted to selling marijuana and narcotics but claimed no one had overdosed on his products.

On April 2, 2026, after a three-day jury trial, the jury rendered a verdict of guilty. On July 17, 2026, after hearing proof and arguments from the parties, Chief U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced McCurdy to a period of 292 months' incarceration, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “Distribution of illegal narcotics is NOT a victimless crime and poses an immense threat to public safety. The drug seller, at every level of distribution, is at the root of the pervasive cycle of drug abuse. In order to prevent needless addiction, injury, violence, and death in our communities, we must act with urgency to stop and punish drug dealers that deliver death to our fellow citizens.”

“Steven McCurdy fueled the distribution of dangerous drugs and narcotics, including heroin and carfentanil,” said Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message that individuals who profit from poisoning our communities will be held accountable. The FBI and our partners remain steadfast in our mission to protect our communities and will continue to identify, investigate, and hold accountable those who distribute deadly drugs.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Byhalia Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorneys Bryce H. Phillips and Wendy K. Caceres, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Erica Ronquillo, of the United States Army Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

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For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

WASHINGTON – A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging a Memphis woman with preparing false tax returns for others and willfully failing to file her own tax returns.

According to the indictment, between 2021 and 2024, Lynette Hogue prepared and filed with the IRS false and fraudulent income tax returns for clients of the tax preparation business where she worked. These tax returns allegedly contained false and fraudulent items, which generated refunds the clients were not entitled to receive. 

According to the indictment, Hogue willfully failed to file her own tax returns for these same years, even though she earned substantial income from her tax return preparation business and was required to file by law.

Hogue is charged with 29 counts of willfully aiding and assisting the preparation and presentation of false tax returns and four counts of willfully failing to file a tax return. If convicted, she faces up to three years in prison for each false return count and one year in prison for each count of failing to file a tax return.

Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee made the announcement.

Trial Attorneys Isaiah Boyd III and Matthew C. Hicks of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

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Memphis, TN – Antonio Caldwell, aka “Joe”, 40, of Memphis, was sentenced to 235 months in prison for narcotics trafficking. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today. 

U.S. Attorney Dunavant said, “Caldwell is a recidivist drug dealer who was brazenly distributing deadly fentanyl into our communities while on supervised release. Every minute of his 19-year sentence is well-deserved and will ensure better public safety for the citizens of Memphis and West Tennessee.”

According to information presented in court, in 2023 a multi-agency investigation began into a suspected drug trafficking organization.  Investigators determined that Caldwell was obtaining and supplying large quantities of narcotics, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, to other redistributors in West Tennessee.  Investigators further determined Caldwell was committing these acts while on supervised release for two prior federal narcotics convictions. 

While on supervised release, Caldwell traveled to California and mailed a parcel containing fentanyl hidden in rice. Investigators were able to intercept the parcel and seize approximately three kilograms of fentanyl. Investigators further determined Caldwell maintained a drug distribution house located in the area of Hollywood and Pershing.  Caldwell directed individuals to this location to obtain narcotics.  In November of 2023, investigators executed a search warrant at the drug distribution house and recovered fentanyl, methamphetamine, and three firearms. 

“Drug traffickers like Mr. Caldwell have no regard for the lives they destroy, and the broken families left in their wake,” said Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott, head of DEA’s Louisville Division. “As a result of his own actions, Mr. Caldwell will spend nearly two decades in prison, giving him an opportunity to reflect on the harm he has caused and hopefully come out a better man upon his release.”

In April of 2025, a federal grand jury indicted Caldwell and nine others: Michael Merritt, Darius Carter, Deandre Eubanks, Jimmy Gibson, Telly Hammond, Deandre Howard, Marc Pharr, Samuel Washington, and Rico Winston, for narcotics offenses.  Merritt, Eubanks, Gibson, Hammond, Howard, and Winston have all pleaded guilty and are pending sentencing.  

In December of 2025, Caldwell pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute narcotics, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, and distribution of narcotics.  On July 9, 2026, Senior U.S. District Judge Samuel H. Mays, Jr. sentenced Caldwell to 235 months' incarceration to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Antonio Caldwell continued trafficking dangerous narcotics despite being on supervised release for a prior drug conviction, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the law,” said HSI Nashville Special Agent in Charge Dennis M. Fetting. “Working alongside our partners, HSI will continue to pursue those who profit from the distribution of dangerous drugs into our communities and hold them accountable.” 

“Fighting drug crimes is a crucial mission, and the Sheriff’s Office remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguard our communities,” said SCSO Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner. “Our cooperation with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners has reaped huge rewards in this case. Getting narcotics traffickers such as Caldwell off the streets is a win for all the citizens of Shelby County.”

“Our agency, alongside our dedicated law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively pursue those who fuel this deadly epidemic by illegally distributing fentanyl and other dangerous narcotics,” said TBI Director David Rausch.

This operation was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Memphis comprises agents and officers from ATF, Bartlett Police Department, Collierville Police Department, DEA, FBI, Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, Germantown Police Department, HSI, ICE/ERO, IRS, Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office, Memphis Airport Police, Memphis Police Department, Shelby County Sherriff's Office, SMILE OIG, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tipton County Sheriff’s Office, USMS, USPIS, USSS, West Tennessee 25th Judicial District Drug Task Force, West Tennessee Drug Task Force, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee. 

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory Allen prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.

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For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice is pleased to announce the opening of the application period for federally recognized Tribes and intertribal consortia to participate in the Tribal Access Program (TAP) for National Crime Information.  TAP improves public safety by providing federally recognized Tribes the ability to access and exchange data with national crime information databases for authorized criminal justice and non-criminal justice purposes, including the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

“Making America safe again extends to Indian country and Native American communities across the U.S. who experience high rates of crime and victimization,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “For more than a decade the Department of Justice has offered TAP, an innovative program that enables Tribes to access and share critical crime data in real time with our national databases. With this information Tribal partners can solve crimes, locate fugitives, and use a variety of other tools to keep their communities safe.”

The program provides software, hardware, and training, as well as a web-based application and biometric/biographic kiosk workstations to process fingerprints, take mugshots, and submit information to FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) systems. The Department will accept TAP applications from July 13 to August 31. Tribes selected to participate will be notified in September. There are currently 152 federally recognized Tribes participating in TAP.

Using TAP, Tribes have shared information about missing persons; entered domestic violence orders of protection for nationwide enforcement; registered convicted sex offenders; run criminal histories; located fugitives; entered bookings and convictions; and completed fingerprint-based record checks for non-criminal justice purposes such as screening employees or volunteers who work with children.

“The TAP program has significantly helped the La Jolla Tribal Police Department by strengthening our operational capacity, improving access to critical law enforcement resources, and expanding the training opportunities available to our officers,” said Abraham Chavero, Chief of Police, La Jolla Tribal Police Department. “Through TAP’s support, we have been able to streamline reporting processes, enhance data accuracy, and improve coordination with partnering agencies.”

“The Penobscot Nation Tribal Court has greatly benefited from participating in TAP,” said Rebecca Winter, Penobscot Nation Tribal Court Administrator. “Having direct access to national crime information systems has strengthened public safety efforts within our community. TAP has enabled our Court and law enforcement partners to access important information in real time, helping us better serve our tribal members.”

For Tribes that are considering applying, TAP staff will be conducting informational webinars describing the program and its capabilities. Webinars will be offered throughout July and August. For more information about TAP, including webinar dates, times and access information, visit www.justice.gov/tribal/tribal-access-program-tap.

To qualify for funding, federally recognized Tribes must have – and agree to use TAP for – at least one of the following:

• A Tribal sex offender registry authorized by the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act,
• A Tribal law enforcement agency that has arrest powers,
• A Tribal court that issues orders of protection, or
• A Tribal government agency that screens individuals for foster care placement or that investigates allegations of child abuse/neglect.

TAP is funded by the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking; the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services; the Office for Victims of Crime; and the Office on Violence Against Women. TAP is co-managed by the department’s Office of the Chief Information Officer and Office of Tribal Justice.

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Memphis, TN – In January of this year, Sanjeev Kumar, 45, was found guilty by a federal jury of 18 counts of adulteration of medical devices, 16 counts of misbranding medical devices, and 6 counts of health care fraud. Today, on July 8, 2026, Kumar was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman to 240 months in prison with two years of supervised release. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence.

U.S. Attorney Dunavant said, “This defendant used his medical license to target a vulnerable population of women seeking treatment in extremely personal and intimate procedures. He was motivated by greed, disregarded clear medical risks, and caused significant physical and psychological harm to his victim-patients. No punishment is enough to achieve justice in this horrific case, but we hope that this 20-year sentence will send a strong message of deterrence while holding Kumar accountable for his crimes."

Evidence presented at the trial demonstrated that Kumar was a Mayo-trained gynecologic oncologist who operated Poplar Avenue Clinic, a women’s health clinic in Memphis, Tennessee. The hysteroscopy with biopsy is an in-office procedure where a hysteroscope is inserted into the vagina, pushed through the cervix, and into the uterus. A grasper or pipelle is then inserted through the hysteroscope to take a sample of the endometrial lining of the uterus. The procedure is used to diagnose endometrial cancer. The FDA cleared several single use hysteroscopes and graspers, as well as reusable hysteroscopes to complete these procedures. The single use devices were to be used once and then discarded. To correctly disinfect the devices cleared for reprocessing, Kumar had to strictly follow manufacturer instructions.

Kumar routinely failed to subject the reusable devices to vital reprocessing steps between patient use thereby endangering patient safety. The single use devices, even if they had been correctly reprocessed, had to be labeled as such; and Kumar did not label them. Kumar used adulterated medical devices in more than 15,000 hysteroscopy with biopsy procedures on Medicare and Medicaid patients between September of 2019 and April of 2024. 

Kumar purchased less than 200 new hysteroscopes and 3 of the 6 single use graspers of a certain type he purchased in 2019 were still in use in the office in April 2024. Thousands of women were subjected to hysteroscopies with biopsy using the dirty devices. 

"Today's sentencing demonstrates that healthcare providers who seek to unjustly enrich themselves by using adulterated medical devices on unsuspecting patients will be held accountable to the highest extent of the law," said Special Agent in Charge Juan Berrios, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Miami Field Office. "We will continue to investigate and bring to justice providers who put profits over patient safety."

“Today’s sentencing underscores the serious harm posed by a physician who repeatedly violated the trust his patients placed in him. By performing thousands of invasive procedures with adulterated devices and billing Medicare and Medicaid for unsafe care, Dr. Kumar put vulnerable women at significant risk while diverting critical taxpayer resources for his own gain,” said Kelly Blackmon, Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to ensure that those who forsake patient safety for profit are held fully accountable.”

Kumar billed more than $41 million for the hysteroscopy with biopsy procedures between September 2019 and April 2024. He netted more than $4.8 million for this procedure from Medicare and Medicaid alone. That amount does not include any hysteroscopy with biopsy procedures performed on patients with private health care insurance. 

A separate hearing to determine restitution has been set on October 2, 2026.

"Dr. Kumar put profit ahead of patient safety," said Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. "As a physician, he had a duty to protect the health and well-being of the patients who placed their trust in him. Instead, he endangered thousands by reusing single-use medical devices in pursuit of financial gain. This sentence reflects the seriousness of that betrayal and is a victory for patient safety, the integrity of our healthcare system, and the taxpayers who ultimately bear the cost of healthcare fraud. Together with our partners, the FBI will continue to hold accountable fraudsters who choose greed over their patients' health."

“Patients deserve to know they can trust the professionals caring for them,” said TBI Director David Rausch. “With today’s sentencing, this provider is being held fully accountable for the harm caused by putting his own financial interests ahead of the people he was trusted to care for. I’m proud of the work of our team at TBI and all our partners who helped bring this case to its conclusion. We remain committed to holding individuals accountable when they prey on the very individuals they’re supposed to protect.”

This case was investigated by the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), the United States Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI), the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). 

Assistant United States Attorneys Lynn Crum, Scott Smith, and Sarah Pazar Williams prosecuted the case.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

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Memphis, TN – A federal judge sentenced Robert Wells, 54, and Andre Wilson, 54, to federal prison for defrauding the United States Government. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentences today. 

According to information presented in court, Wells and Wilson owned Wells and Wilson Financial, a Memphis-based tax preparation business, from at least 2017 to 2025. During the relevant time period, both men conspired with each other to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) out of more than $250,000 by filing fraudulent tax returns from 2018 through 2022. 

Specifically, Wells and Wilson defrauded the IRS by preparing returns for clients that were materially false, including false itemized deductions, false businesses, and false business income and/or expenses. As a result, many of their clients received inflated refunds to which they were not entitled.

United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Wilson on June 17, 2026 to 24 months' imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Parker sentenced Wells on June 18, 2026 to 14 months' imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. Both defendants were ordered to pay restitution in the total amount of $163,762.80. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Protection of the United States Treasury and taxpayer resources is a top priority for the Department of Justice and this office. Income tax fraud schemes strike at the very heart of our federal government’s financial ability to provide services and protection for our citizens, and we will use all available resources to punish and deter such dishonest criminal behavior.”

"This sentencing sends a clear message that those who knowingly abuse the tax system and violate the public’s trust will be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins, Charlotte Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation. “The defendants ran a scheme deliberately undermining the integrity of our nation’s tax system by filing fraudulent returns and inflating refunds. Our special agents continue to follow the money in financial crimes and work with our federal partners to ensure offenders are brought to justice.”

The case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Raney Irwin and Trial Attorney Max Willner-Giwerc of the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Tax Section.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

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For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

Memphis, TN – Tyrone Nelson, aka “Swag”, 38, of Ripley, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine.  D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today. 

According to information presented in court, in the summer of 2025, Nelson was identified as a narcotics distributor in the Lauderdale County community.  Through the utilization of controlled purchases, physical surveillance, and the execution of a search warrant, law enforcement officers recovered 164.1 grams of methamphetamine packaged for distribution, drug paraphernalia, and fentanyl.  Nelson has a history of narcotics distribution and was on probation for possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver at the time of the offense.   

Following Nelson's guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine, Chief United States District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Nelson to 120 months’ imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. 

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Federal law applies in every square inch of this district, and dealers who distribute harmful drugs in our rural communities can no longer hide. ‘Swag’ is now removed from the street for 10 years, and Lauderdale County is safer with him gone.”

Sheriff Brian Kelley, of the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office, said, “This case is another example of what happens when strong local, state, and federal partnerships work together. Career drug dealers who profit by poisoning our communities should understand one thing. If you bring your business to Lauderdale County, we’re going to do everything we can to help shut it down. As for ‘Swag', there’s nothing stylish about spending the next 10 years in federal prison.”

“Successful investigations like this one help disrupt the distribution of illegal drugs and make our community safer,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Dennis M. Fetting. “HSI is committed to working with our partners and prosecutors to remove dangerous drugs from our streets and protect the safety and well-being of the public.”

This case was investigated by members of the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Assistant United States Attorneys Raven Icaza and Gregory D. Allen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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Memphis, TN – Courtney Richardson, 36, was sentenced to 34 months in prison for attempting to hit a federal agent with his vehicle. D. Michael Dunavant, of the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 5, 2025, law enforcement officers and agents on the Memphis Safe Task Force attempted to execute an arrest warrant on Richardson at the Waterford Place Apartments in Memphis when Richardson got into his vehicle and drove toward the exit of the apartment complex. Multiple officers and agents in marked and unmarked units with lights and sirens activated attempted to block Richardson’s exit. Richardson drove through the parking lot, refusing to stop for law enforcement.

Richardson drove his vehicle up onto the curb and drove through the lawn between the road and buildings where an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) pursued Richardson on foot. Richardson then accelerated his vehicle towards the ATF agent, causing the agent to jump out of the way to avoid being hit by Richardson’s vehicle. The agent did not sustain any injuries. Richardson continued to drive through the parking lot and crashed into multiple vehicles before he was ultimately arrested.

Richardson was charged with one count of violating 18 U.S.C. § 111, which provides that, “Whoever forcibly assaults, resists, opposes, impedes, intimidates, or interferes with any person designated as an officer or employee of the United States while engaged in or on account of the performance of official duties,” commits a federal offense. 

On June 24, 2026, Chief United States District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Richardson to 34 months of federal imprisonment to be followed by two years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. 

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "We take all threats against law enforcement very seriously and will impose real consequences for any violence against those who are working to protect us every day. During the MSTF Operation and every day, we urge anyone who encounters a law enforcement officer to comply first, and, if warranted, complain later. If you threaten, endanger, or assault any law enforcement officer, we will come after you."

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Assistant United States Attorney Regina Brittenum prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States government.

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Memphis, TN – Marico Washington, 55, of Memphis, has been charged with operating a boat for commercial gain in violation of a Captain of the Port Order.  United States Attorney, D. Michael Dunavant, announced the charges today. 

According to an indictment returned by a federal grand jury earlier this month, a Captain of the Port Order was hand-delivered to Washington on September 16, 2023.  The order directed Washington “to cease all commercial operations until he was fully compliant with applicable laws for carrying passengers for hire.”  

The indictment alleges that on September 27, 2025, Washington violated the terms of the order by operating his boat, “Bottoms Up”, on the Mississippi River while carrying commercial passengers for hire without possessing the appropriate license required by Coast Guard regulations. The indictment also alleges that Washington made two false statements to the Coast Guard Investigative Service.  

The maximum penalty for violating the Captain of the Port Order is six years' imprisonment.   The maximum penalty for making false statements is five years' imprisonment.  Each count carries a maximum fine of $250,000, a supervised release period of up to three years, and a $100 mandatory assessment fee.  

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “We are a full-service office and will charge all violations of federal law wherever they occur in the Western District of Tennessee to promote public safety and uphold the rule of law. We are proud to partner with the CGIS and MPD and commend their outstanding investigation in this case.”

“This case demonstrates our commitment to working with law enforcement partners to enforce safety regulations and pursue illegal charter operators who put the public at risk,” said Capt. Daniel Kilcullen, Sector Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Lower Mississippi River. “We will continue to collaborate with federal, state, and local officials and take decisive action to stop this type of illegal operation on the Mississippi River and protect the public from unsafe and unlawful practices.” 

"This investigation reflects the strength of our law-enforcement partnerships, and our shared commitment to public safety on our nation’s waterways. CGIS is proud to work alongside USCG Sector Lower Mississippi, Memphis Police Department Harbor patrol unit and the United States Attorney’s Office to ensure individuals who knowingly violate federal maritime laws are held accountable," said Special Agent in Charge Damon J. Youmans, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service. 

Deputy Chief Samuel Hines, of the Memphis Police Department, stated, "Public safety extends beyond our streets and into our waterways. Through the investigative work of the Memphis Police Department’s Harbor Patrol Unit, with assistance from the Organized Crime Unit and in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard, critical evidence was developed that supported this federal indictment. Our commitment to addressing dangerous and reckless behavior on the Mississippi River is part of our ongoing work to build a Stronger, Safer Memphis and protect everyone utilizing our waterways."

The case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) and the Memphis Police Department (MPD) Harbor Patrol Unit.  

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carroll L. André III on behalf of the government.

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WASHINGTON – A federal judge sentenced Marterrio Armstrong, 21, of Memphis, Tennessee, and Jacam’Ron McIntosh, 21, of Oxford, Mississippi, to eight and one-half years and 13 years in prison, respectively, for a carjacking at gunpoint.

According to evidence presented to the court, on Nov. 24, 2024, police responded to a robbery in Memphis, Tennessee. A group of nine construction workers were packing their belongings following a residential construction project when Armstrong and McIntosh approached them with guns drawn. Armstrong and McIntosh pointed their firearms at the victims and stated, “Don’t move or we will f&*% you up,” and demanded the victims’ property. Working in tandem, Armstrong remained outside with the nine victims while McIntosh entered the residence and dragged a tenth victim outside at gunpoint. After rummaging through the victims’ pockets, the defendants took the victims’ wallets, cell phones, money, and keys, and drove away in one victim’s Nissan Maxima. 

Less than one hour after the armed carjacking, Memphis Police Department officers tracked one victim’s cellphone to a residence in Memphis, where they located the Nissan Maxima hidden by several trash cans in a carport. Inside the residence, officers located Armstrong and the victims’ stolen property. McIntosh was also found in the house, hiding in the attic along with a Glock 19 pistol, a Romania Arms Mini Draco pistol, and a wallet taken from a victim during the robbery. 

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee, and Special Agent in Charge Jamey VanVliet of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Nashville Field Division made the announcement.

ATF and the Memphis Police Department investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Marcus Johnson and former Trial Attorney Shriram Harid of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Musselwhite for the Western District of Tennessee prosecuted the case.

This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative in Memphis conducted in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee and local, state, and federal law enforcement. This joint effort addresses violent crime by employing, where appropriate, federal laws to prosecute violent gang members and other violent criminals in Memphis.

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A federal judge sentenced Marterrio Armstrong, 21, of Memphis, Tennessee, and Jacam’Ron McIntosh, 21, of Oxford, Mississippi, to eight and one-half years and 13 years in prison, respectively, for a carjacking at gunpoint.

According to evidence presented to the court, on Nov. 24, 2024, police responded to a robbery in Memphis, Tennessee. A group of nine construction workers were packing their belongings following a residential construction project when Armstrong and McIntosh approached them with guns drawn. Armstrong and McIntosh pointed their firearms at the victims and stated, “Don’t move or we will f&*% you up,” and demanded the victims’ property. Working in tandem, Armstrong remained outside with the nine victims while McIntosh entered the residence and dragged a tenth victim outside at gunpoint. After rummaging through the victims’ pockets, the defendants took the victims’ wallets, cell phones, money, and keys, and drove away in one victim’s Nissan Maxima. 

Less than one hour after the armed carjacking, Memphis Police Department officers tracked one victim’s cellphone to a residence in Memphis, where they located the Nissan Maxima hidden by several trash cans in a carport. Inside the residence, officers located Armstrong and the victims’ stolen property. McIntosh was also found in the house, hiding in the attic along with a Glock 19 pistol, a Romania Arms Mini Draco pistol, and a wallet taken from a victim during the robbery. 

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee, and Special Agent in Charge Jamey VanVliet of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Nashville Field Division made the announcement.

ATF and the Memphis Police Department investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Marcus Johnson and former Trial Attorney Shriram Harid of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Musselwhite for the Western District of Tennessee prosecuted the case.

This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative in Memphis conducted in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee and local, state, and federal law enforcement. This joint effort addresses violent crime by employing, where appropriate, federal laws to prosecute violent gang members and other violent criminals in Memphis.

Memphis, TN – A federal judge has sentenced Maurice Harris, 32, to 946 months and a day in federal prison for committing a series of business robberies by discharging a firearm and violating the conditions of his supervised release from a previous case. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today. 

According to information presented in court, Harris conducted a series of armed robberies of businesses within the Western District of Tennessee: 

• October 4, 2024 - Metro by T-Mobile - 4673 Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, TN
• October 7, 2024 - Cricket Wireless - 1129 S. Dupress Street, Brownsville, TN
• October 10, 2024 - AT&T- 5287 Airline Road, Memphis, TN 

In each robbery, he pretended to be a customer, then produced a handgun and demanded the store’s phones and tablets. During the robbery of the Brownsville Cricket Wireless store, a 5-year-old child was present. Investigators found the driver’s license identification of Harris that he left behind at the store when he fled. He was arrested at his place of employment in possession of the same handgun used in each of the robberies, in the same car he drove to each of the robberies, along with items stolen from two of the robberies. 

All three incidents were recorded on store surveillance videos, and Harris was identified in a photo line-up and later in court by each of the victims. Harris had a prior federal conviction for a business robbery and had just been placed on supervised release in June 2024 when he committed the new robberies. 

After a three-day trial, Harris was convicted as charged of three counts of robbery, three counts of use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.  

On June 23, 2026, United States District Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Harris to 900 months and a day of federal imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release for the robberies and an additional 46 months’ imprisonment for violating his supervised release.  There is no parole in the federal system. 

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “There is a heavy price to pay for a lifestyle of lawlessness. Within the short span of 7 days, this recidivist violent offender’s selfish and impulsive greed terrorized multiple victims across West Tennessee – and has rightly earned him an effective life sentence in federal prison." 

"Maurice Harris engaged in an armed spree of violence and intimidation," said Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. "This sentence should serve as a reminder that the FBI will not waver when it comes to protecting Tennesseans and taking dangerous criminals off the streets. The FBI will continue to combat these issues through strong partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement via task forces and other relationships to ensure the safety of our communities."

This case was investigated by officers from the Memphis Police Department assigned to the FBI Nashville Field Office-Memphis Resident Agency’s Safe Streets Task Force, the Brownsville Police Department, and Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Musselwhite and Greg Wagner prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

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Memphis, TN – A federal judge has sentenced David Watkins, 31, to 81 months in federal prison for aggravated identity theft, bank fraud, and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, of the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, Bartlett Police Department investigators responded to a burglary at Keytrader, an automotive locksmith business, on June 28, 2022, where suspects stole various equipment and key fobs.  While fleeing the scene, one suspect dropped a cell phone.  Examination of the cell phone assisted investigators in identifying Watkins as one of the suspects of the burglary.  

While executing search warrants at addresses associated with Watkins, Bartlett Police detectives located the equipment and key fobs stolen from Keytrader, along with notebooks and documentation evidencing vehicle theft, bank fraud, and identity theft.  

Further investigation conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Social Security Administration revealed that Watkins had committed aggravated identity theft and bank fraud by using personal identifying information of various individuals to create fraudulent bank accounts and causing unauthorized withdrawals of funds from victims’ bank accounts to be deposited into accounts controlled by Watkins.  Additionally, Watkins fraudulently possessed numerous counterfeit and unauthorized social security numbers with the intent to commit fraud.  

On July 27, 2022, Bartlett Police investigators located Watkins at a residence in Memphis entering a 1999 GMC Sierra which had previously been reported stolen.  When officers approached Watkins, he fled on foot, dropping bags containing a FN America 9mm caliber pistol, key programmers, key fobs, and a face covering.  

On the evening of February 23, 2023, Memphis Police officers observed a silver Mercedes G500 being driven with no license plate and with its headlights off.  When officers approached, the driver, who was identified as Watkins, fled on foot and tossed a Springfield Armory 9mm caliber pistol while running.  The Mercedes G500 had also previously been reported stolen.  

On January 9, 2026, Watkins pled guilty to bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.  On June 24, 2026, United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Watkins to 81 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. 

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Watkins’ diversified portfolio of criminality finally caught up with him. He is clearly an opportunist who was willing to repeatedly victimize and endanger citizens by any means available, and this federal prison sentence is well deserved.” 

This case was investigated by the Bartlett Police Department, Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Social Security Administration.

Assistant United States Attorney Eileen Kuo prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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