Man Who Fatally Shot MPD Officer Indicted on Federal Charges

Memphis, TN – A man who fatally shot Memphis Police Department (MPD) Officer Sean Bolton has been indicted federally on charges of armed carjacking and felony possession of ammunition. Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the indictment today.

According to multiple reports, on August 1, 2015, Tremaine Wilbourn, 30, of Memphis, was in the passenger seat of a car parked on a street in East Memphis when Bolton approached the vehicle. Bolton attempted to detain Wilbourn before the defendant pulled a 9mm pistol and shot Bolton several times. The defendant is charged with unlawfully possessing 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition in connection with this shooting.

According to the indictment, on the same day of the shooting, Wilbourn used a firearm to carjack a man of a 2002 Honda Accord.

On Tuesday, December 15, 2015, Wilbourn was indicted federally on one count of carjacking; one count of possessing a firearm during and in relation to the carjacking; and one count of felony possession of ammunition.

Wilbourn faces up to 15 years imprisonment if convicted of the first count. The defendant faces up to life if convicted of the second count. And Wilbourn faces up to 10 years if convicted of the third count.

The defendant faces an individual fine of up to $250,000 on each count.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is investigating this case in conjunction with the MPD.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.