March 6th, 2008
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 32 Years for Illegally Possessing
a Pistol, Drugs and Body Armor
Memphis, TN - Derrick Brown was sentenced today by J. Daniel Breen, United States District Judge to 387 months imprisonment to be followed by a six year period of supervised release. On August 10, 2007, a jury convicted Mr. Brown of being a felon in possession of a firearm and body armor, and the unlawful possession of crack cocaine and marijuana with the intent to distribute related to the following facts:
On or about February 18, 2006, an automobile containing a University of Memphis police officer’s bullet proof vest, police uniform, and gloves was stolen near the university. Less than twenty-four hours later in that same area, a FedEx pilot was robbed at gunpoint while entering his home. The robbers took credit cards, identification cards and a class ring.
Memphis Police Department Officers received a tip regarding the location of a stolen vehicle. Officers set up on the location, which was close in proximity to both the robbery and the auto theft. Officers spotted Derrick Brown entering the University of Memphis officer’s stolen automobile. When law enforcement moved in Brown ran on foot. Brown was caught hiding in some bushes in possession of the stolen credit cards, identification cards and class ring. Officers also located a bag containing crack cocaine, marijuana, and a loaded firearm. Brown was wearing the University of Memphis Officer’s bullet proof vest and gloves when he was arrested.
The case was handled as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative and members of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, the Memphis Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were involved with the investigation. The prosecution of this case was coordinated by Assistant United States Attorney Greg Gilluly.
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