Memphis Man Indicted for Distributing Fentanyl Which Caused Death

Memphis, TN – Andrew Starks, 44, has been arrested and charged with distributing fentanyl which caused the death of one victim.  Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., Interim United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the indictment today.  

“This indictment is the result of intentional and strategic collaboration between the Memphis Police Department and our federal partners. We remain committed to investigating and prosecuting those who distribute fentanyl and other illegal drugs that put lives at risk,” said Chief Cerelyn ‘CJ’ Davis, Memphis Police Department.

On May 15, 2025, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Starks.  The indictment alleges that on or about December 22, 2022, Starks distributed fentanyl that resulted in the death of one person.  If convicted, Starks faces a term of federal imprisonment of not less than 20 years and not more than life.  Additionally, Starks could be fined up to $1,000,000 and sentenced to a term of supervised release of at least three years after his time in custody.  There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department’s Organized Crime Unit Heroin Opiate Response Team (HORT).

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Wendy K. Cornejo.

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.  If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of the factors unique to the case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records (if any), the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.

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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.