July 30th, 2008
Memphis / Shelby County Project Safe Neighborhool Initiative
Results in 39 Indictments
Memphis, TN - Lawrence J. Laurenzi, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced today that a Federal Grand Jury has returned thirty-nine (39) indictments that were presented as a part of the Memphis / Shelby County Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. These indictments are the result of collaborative efforts between the United States Attorney’s Office, the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office, the Memphis Police Department, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Marshal’s Service.
Today’s indictments charge thirty-nine (39) individuals with federal firearms violations, including being previously convicted felons in possession of firearms, illegally possessing stolen firearms or prohibited weapons, using a firearm during a crime of violence, and dealing firearms without a license. Additional charges include narcotics trafficking, carjackings and business robberies. In addition, one indictment seeks forfeiture of 289 firearms that were seized by ATF in relation to firearms trafficking charges.
“The thirty-nine indictments returned today by the federal grand jury should convey to the citizens of Memphis and all of West Tennessee that law enforcement will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute those who illegally carry guns,” said Lawrence J. Laurenzi, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee. “Aggressively prosecuting felons in possession of firearms is a first line of defense in cutting down acts of violence in our communities. The U. S. Attorney’s Office continues to partner with local and federal law enforcement to ensure the safety of the citizens of West Tennessee.”
Since February 11, 2002, members of the PSN Task Force, which is housed and supervised by MPD and comprised of 11 MPD Detectives and a Lieutenant, a SCSO Deputy , a Deputy US Marshal and an ATF Special Agent have met weekly to review every arrest involving a firearm that occurs in Shelby County. These cases are presented each week to federal and state court prosecutors. Through this unit, over 11,500 arrests have been reviewed resulting in over 1,000 indictments in federal court and over 400 guilty pleas in state court to “above-range” offers to avoid the higher federal penalties for firearms related offenses. This approach ensures that whenever possible defendants with the most serious criminal history and those who pose a danger to the community are subjected to the higher federal penalties for gun crime, while other individuals charged with illegal gun possession are given the opportunity to enter a guilty plea in state court.
"The Memphis Police Department is proud to be a part of this united effort to make our community safer. These federal indictments will ensure that these criminals do the hard time they deserve. We look forward to continued success in our efforts with all local, state and federal law enforcement agencies” said Larry Godwin, Director of the Memphis Police Department.
"These indictments should send a strong message to those in our community who commit gun crimes. The Shelby County Sheriff's Office supports Project Safe Neighborhood by assigning staff to vigorously pursue those who violate gun laws" added Shelby County Sheriff Mark Luttrell.
All of the PSN Partner Agencies are committed to shutting down revolving door justice by prioritizing firearms related investigations and warrants. Prior to today’s indictments, the number of PSN fugitives was two (2), down from eighty (80) in 2003 when the PSN Unit took over serving the federal arrest warrants on PSN cases. In addition to their presence on the PSN task force, ATF is involved in firearms trafficking investigations, which led to the William Arnold indictment for dealing without a license, and have recently started up a Violent Crime Impact Team (V-CIT) in the Memphis Area.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and Shelby County DA’s Office continue to make the prosecution of gun crimes and related violent crimes a priority. In addition to the many initiatives of the Shelby County DA’s office targeting violent crime, District Attorney General Gibbons has dedicated two prosecutors to the U.S. Attorney’s Firearms Unit, which also includes four federal prosecutors. Over the past sixty (60) days, prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Firearms Unit, have obtained guilty pleas in 32 cases, obtained criminal convictions in four trials and handled sentencing proceedings on seventeen (17) defendants who received sentences ranging from 21 months to 27 years, with the average sentence being 11 ½ years in federal prison.
"Vigorous prosecution of convicted felons in possession of firearms continues to be a top priority of law enforcement in this community. That's why, given our weak state felon in possession laws, I've assigned two state prosecutors to help prosecute these cases in the federal system, where the penalties are much tougher. We are committed to continuing this important partnership" says William Gibbons, Shelby County District Attorney General.
Recent significant cases handled by this unit are as follows:
On July 28, 2008, U.S. District Judge Samuel H. Mays sentenced Kevin Williamson to 15 plus years incarceration for being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Williamson used a handgun during an armed robbery of an individual. Williamson was sentenced as an Armed Career Criminal based on his multiple prior convictions drug trafficking and /or violent crime. Prosecution of this case is being handled by SAUSA / ADA Kirby May.
On July 28, 2008, U.S. District Judge Jon P. McCalla sentenced Quinten Jordan to 21 months for possessing a firearm in a school zone. Jordan pled guilty to this charge in relation to his shooting a firearm during a Kingsbury High School football game. Prosecution of this case is being handled by AUSA Greg Gilluly.
On July 24, 2008, U.S. District Judge Samuel H. Mays sentenced Christopher Reed to the statutory maximum sentence of 10 years incarceration for being a previously convicted felon in possession of firearm. Law enforcement officers went to Adisha Reed’s home looking for Christopher Reed because he was a fugitive. When Ms. Reed would not open the door, officers forced entry. Christopher Reed was located hiding under a bed while Ms. Reed was in the living room with her young children. Ms. Reed has also pleaded guilty to making false statements to a federal agent in relation to this investigation and was sentenced to 24 months. Prosecution of this case is being handled by AUSA Greg Gilluly.
On July 16, 2008, U.S. District Chief Judge Jon P. McCalla sentenced Jarrod Moore to 14 ½ years incarceration for being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm and possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana and hydrocodone. Moore has multiple prior felony drug convictions. Prosecution of this case is being handled by AUSA Daniel T. French.
On July 16, 2008, a jury found Quintonio Boddie guilty of being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition in relation to a July 7, 2007 altercation between Boddie and the victim which resulted in the victim being shot . Boddie fled the scene with the firearm, but responding officers recovered a shell casing from the scene. Prosecution of this case is being handled by AUSA Michelle Kimbril-Parks.
On June 26, 2008, U.S. District Chief Judge Jon P. McCalla sentenced Perry Rogers to 15 years incarceration for being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Rogers had left a firearm in a friend’s vehicle. Rogers was sentenced as an Armed Career Criminal based on his multiple prior drug trafficking and robbery convictions. Prosecution of this case is being handled by SAUSA / ADA Stephanie Zander Johnson.
On June 19, 2008, U.S. District Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced Jasper Temple to 27 years incarceration for being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm. On July 9, 2006, MPD officers responded to an apartment complex where the victim advised that Temple had shoved him to the ground at gunpoint and attempted to rob him. Temple had been secured by a security guard until officers arrived and took Temple into custody. While in custody, Temple kicked out the rear window of the squad car and kicked an officer in the chest and legs. Temple was sentenced as an Armed Career Criminal based on his multiple prior robbery convictions. Prosecution of this case is being handled by AUSA Greg Gilluly.
On June 9, 2008, U.S. District Judge Bernice Donald sentenced Harold Martin to 20 years incarceration for being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm. On August 4, 2006, a MPD officer attempted to detain Martin in connection with a home invasion robbery, Martin fought with the police officer, took the officer’s gun, shot at the officer and then stole a police car. Martin was also convicted in state court for the home invasion robbery. Prosecution of this case is being handled by AUSA Greg Gilluly.
On June 3, 2008 a jury found Johnny Graham guilty of being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition as well as a firearm in relation to his arrest on April 9, 2007 when officers responded to a home invasion at 2467 Dwight. Upon arrival, officers were advised that the suspect was still inside and Graham was taken into custody. A shell casing and a .32 caliber semiautomatic firearm were recovered from the scene. Prosecution of this case is being handled by AUSA Michelle Kimbril-Parks, who was assisted at trial by SAUSA / ADA Kirby May.
Today’s indictments (see below) will be prosecuted by AUSA E. Greg Gilluly, AUSA Michelle Kimbril-Parks, AUSA Daniel T. French, SAUSA / ADA G. Kirby May and SAUSA / ADA Stephanie Zander Johnson of the U. S. Attorney’s Office Firearms Unit and AUSA Jennifer Lawrence Webber who supervises the U. S. Attorney’s Firearms Unit.
39 Federal Indictments - 39 Federal Defendants - 78 Counts
| Defendant | Age |
Charges/Counts |
| James Claxton | 20 |
Poss of Firearm by Drug Addict-1ct & Prohibited Weapon - 1ct |
| Vincent Woods | 39 |
Felon in Poss of Firearm - 1ct Carrying/Use of Firearm - 4 cts Business Robbery - 6 cts Carjacking - 2 cts |
| Eric Williams | 37 |
Felon in Poss of Firearm - 1ct |
| Stanley Sanders | 50 |
Felon in Poss of Firearm - 2 cts Prohibited Weapon - 1 ct |
| Richard Riley | 37 |
Felon in Poss of Firearm - 1ct |
| Paxton Halliburton | 37 |
Felon in Poss of Firearm - 1 ct |
| Keith Jenkins | 37 |
Stolen Firearm - 1 ct Dealing Firearms w/o License - 1 ct |
| Prentiss King | 33 |
Felon in Poss of Firearm - 1ct Stolen Firearm - 1 ct Carrying/Use of Firearm - 1ct Poss w/Intent: Marijuana - 1ct Poss w/Intent: Ecstasy - 1ct |
| Patrick Sims | 38 |
Felon in Poss of Ammunition - 1 ct |
| Donald Mayfield | 55 |
Poss of Firearm by Drug Addict-1ct Prohibited Weapon: Silencer - 2cts |
| Aaron Thomas | 21 |
Business Robbery - 1ct Felon in Poss of firearm - 1 ct |
| Jerry Newsom | 37 |
Felon in Poss of Ammunition - 1ct Poss w/Intent: Crack Cocaine - 1ct |
| Gregory Mukes | 30 |
Felon in Poss of Firearm - 1 ct Poss w/Intent: Marijuana - 1ct |
| Willie Valentine | 36 |
Felon in Poss of Firearm - 1 ct |
| Carl Davis | 25 |
Felon in Poss of Firearm - 1ct Poss w/Intent: Marijuana - 1ct |
| Byron Walker | 34 |
Felon in Poss of Firearm - 1ct Poss w/Intent: Cocaine - 1ct Poss w/Intent: Ecstasy - 1 ct Poss w/Intent: Marijuana - 1 ct |
| Jon Delashmit | 31 |
Felon in Poss of Firearm - 1 ct |
| Jeffrey Covington | 25 |
Felon in Poss of Firearm - 2 cts |
| Anthony Jones | 25 |
Felon in Poss of Ammo - 1 ct |
| Undray Luellen | 24 |
Felon in Poss of Firearm - 1 ct |
| Steven Bolden | 37 |
Felon in Poss of Firearm - 1 ct |
| Carlos Young | 28 |
Felon in Poss of Firearm - 1 ct |
| Anthony Robinson | 26 |
Felon in Poss of Firearm - 1 ct |
| Marcus Anderson | 24 |
Felon in Poss of Firearm - 1 ct Poss of Firearm by Drug Addict-1ct |
| Joseph Bland | 27 |
Felon in Poss of Ammo - 1ct Poss w/Intent: Cocaine - 1ct |
| Johnny Landon | 36 |
Felon in Poss of Firearm - 1 ct |
| Montrell Starks | 27 |
Felon in Poss of Firearm - 1 ct |
| Billie Watson | 52 |
Felon in Poss of Firearm - 1ct |
| Nicholus Wayne | 28 |
Felon in Poss of Ammo - 1 ct |
| William Arnold | 61 |
Dealing Firearms w/o License -1ct Transfer of Firearm to Out of State Resident -1ct
Forfeiture of 289 Firearms - 1 ct |
| Lamotto Shaffer | 47 |
Felon in Poss of Firearm - 1 ct |
| Ulric Brooks | 31 |
Felon in Poss of Firearm - 1 ct |
| Travis Haynes | 21 |
Felon in Poss of Ammo - 1ct |
| Carl Wright | 35 |
Felon in Poss of Firearm - 1ct Poss w/Intent: Crack Cocaine - 1 ct |
| Sylvester Clark | 28 |
Poss w/Intent: Cocaine - 2 cts |
| Tavrenteze Evans | 23 |
Felon in Poss of Firearm - 1 ct |
| Carlos Nash | 32 |
Felon in Poss of Firearm - 1ct Poss w/Intent: Crack Cocaine - 1 ct Poss w/Intent: Marijuana - 1 ct |
| Vincent Britton | 33 |
Felon in Poss of Firearm - 1 ct |
| Marcus Gray | 26 |
Felon in Poss of Firearm - 1ct Poss of Stolen Firearm - 1 ct |
# # # #