Standing With Victims, Honoring Their Strength: DA’s Office to Light Hernando de Soto Bridge for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shelby County, TN — In recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office will host a solemn yet powerful tribute to those affected by violent crime in our community. On April 10 at 7:30 PM, the Hernando de Soto Bridge will glow in symbolic light to honor the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the unwavering individuals who support victims through the darkest of times.

The theme for this year’s NCVRW is “How We Stand Together Matters,” and this event will highlight the everyday heroes working behind the scenes—victim witness coordinators, advocates, counselors, and justice professionals—who walk with survivors every step of the way.

“Every light on that bridge represents a life, a story, and a family,” said District Attorney Steve Mulroy. “But it also reflects the compassion and strength of the people standing with them—those who help victims navigate the justice system and begin to heal. We want them to know: they are not alone.”

Each year, the Shelby County DA’s Office supports more than 14,000 new victims and witnesses through a dedicated network of over 20 victim witness coordinators. These professionals provide critical assistance, including court accompaniment, crisis counseling referrals, safety planning, and communication with prosecutors.

This year’s bridge lighting comes as Shelby County continues to confront the impact of violent crime. While data shows a modest decline in major violent crime—down 3.9% in 2024, including a 29.5% decrease in homicides—thousands of families are still left grieving, struggling, and searching for justice.

The lighting ceremony serves as a community-wide moment of reflection and a public promise to keep victims at the center of justice.

Event Details:
What: National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Bridge Lighting Ceremony
When: April 10, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Where: Hernando de Soto Bridge (lighting visible at sunset)
Hosted by: Shelby County District Attorney’s Office

Media Opportunities:
Members of the media are invited to attend the ceremony and may request interviews with:

• District Attorney Steve Mulroy on the importance of victim-centered justice

• Victim Witness Coordinators who work directly with survivors of violent crime

• Partnering organizations, including local nonprofits and service providers offering trauma recovery, emergency shelter, and legal advocacy for victims

About National Crime Victims’ Rights Week:
Since 1981, NCVRW has been observed across the U.S. to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services and honor those affected by crime. This year’s commemoration encourages communities to uplift survivors, recognize the professionals who support them, and renew their commitment to justice and healing.

Shelby County District Attorney Responds to University of Memphis Bail Report: “Data Tells the Real Story About Bail Reform”

Shelby County, TN – In response to a new comprehensive report from the University of Memphis’ Center for Community Research and Evaluation (CCRE), Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy issued the following statement, commending the data-driven study and clarifying the impact of recent bail reform:

“The CCRE study of our bail system is very revealing. It confirms that local bail procedure changes in Shelby provided more fairness without compromising public safety.

The data show that giving people a fair hearing, access to legal counsel, and reasonable bail amounts hasn’t led to more dangerous individuals being released, nor has it led to more crime or higher failure-to-appear rates. In fact, crime has gone down since these changes were implemented.

And the study finds that so-called ‘get tough’ laws had little to no effect—and may have had unintended consequences, hitting low-level offenders harder than serious ones.

In a time where misinformation can spread quickly, it’s more important than ever to focus on the facts. And the facts here are clear: smart, evidence-based reform works.”

The CCRE report, released this week, provides a rigorous, 37-page analysis of bail trends in Shelby County, examining the effects of:

1. The Standing Bail Order and new court procedures beginning February 2023 (pp. 7–9, 34)

2. HB 1642, making public safety, already a factor in bail decisions, the first factor (effective July 2024) (pp. 1, 13)

3. HB 1719, prohibiting courts from considering a defendant’s ability to pay when setting bail (effective May 2024) (pp. 13–14)

Among the report’s key findings:

• Bail reform did not lead to an increase in releases without bail (“RORs”) or lower bail amounts for serious crimes (p. 8)

• There was no increase in rearrests, repeat offenses, or failure-to-appear rates following bail reforms (pp. 33–34)

• Reforms increased access to counsel and judicial review, bringing the county in line with constitutional requirements (pp. 6–7)

• The two 2024 “tough on bail” laws had no significant effect on bail outcomes—and may have inadvertently impacted low-level offenders more than serious ones (pp. 13–14)

Separately factoring in crime rate data, one can also conclude:

• Public safety improved, with crime in Memphis and Shelby County declining for five consecutive quarters after the reforms began (p. 34)

“The findings of this study are consistent with national research,” said DA Mulroy. “Across the country, jurisdictions that have adopted bail reform responsibly have not seen a rise in crime. Instead, they’ve made bail more affordable and fair—particularly for those accused of nonviolent offenses—without putting the public at greater risk.”

The DA’s Office supports evidence-based approaches to criminal justice policy and continues to work with local and state leaders to ensure the system is both effective and equitable.

Tennessee Comptroller’s Report Finds Shelby County Bail Practices Have Led to Higher Bonds and Fewer Charge Reductions

Shelby County, TN – The Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury recently released its report examining bail reform and charge reductions in the state’s largest counties. The findings confirm that in Shelby County, bond amounts have increased under the current administration—exceeding even Nashville in average bond amounts—while the percentage of reduced charges has actually declined.

The investigation by the Office of Research and Education Accountability (OREA) was initiated at the request of Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally, who sought a comprehensive review of several issues impacting Shelby County’s criminal justice system. These issues included the length of time it takes to resolve cases, the number of crimes committed by individuals awaiting case disposition, discrepancies between charges at the time of arrest and those ultimately prosecuted, and the final outcomes and sentencing of cases. According to OREA’s findings, Shelby County’s significantly higher caseload likely contributes to longer case resolution times. In fact, Shelby County processes more cases than Davidson, Hamilton, and Knox counties combined; yet those three counties collectively have 12 Criminal Court judges, compared to Shelby’s 10—and now just nine as of last year—further straining the system.

Key findings regarding Shelby County include:

Volume.  Shelby County has more cases than the next three largest counties combined.  (p. 13) Those three counties have a total of 12 Criminal Court judges, compared to Shelby’s 9 (recently reduced from 10 by the State).

Time To Disposition.  The largest cause of case delays concerns the defense counsel (p.11).  Other significant contributing factors noted are the State’s reduction in judges from 10 to 9, and waiting periods for crime lab testing.  (p.13).  This is why DA Mulroy has for a long time now called for more local forensic testing options in Shelby County.

Need For Better Data.  A key part of the report’s recommendations concerns better data transparency (p.43-45).  This is something that DA Mulroy has advocated for since his first day in office.

• Higher Bond Amounts: Bail reform efforts have resulted in higher average bond amounts in Shelby County (p.29), despite claims by some to the contrary. Also, only 7% of the cases sampled involved a defendant reoffending while out on bail.  (p.16).

• Consistency in Charge Decisions: Between 2022 and 2023, 60% of charges filed in Criminal Court remained unchanged. Of the charges that were altered, nearly as many charges were increased as were decreased.

• Reduction in Charge Reductions: The percentage of charges reduced has remained relatively steady compared to the pre-pandemic period. Notably, the percentage of charges reduced decreased from the last year of the previous administration (2022) to the current administration’s first full year in office (2023).

Additionally, the OREA report compared significant charge reductions by felony class across the 11 most populated counties in Tennessee. In none of the six felony categories analyzed (Classes A through E, plus First Degree Murder) was Shelby County the highest in charge reductions. This is particularly noteworthy given Shelby County’s significantly larger caseload, including a higher percentage of serious crimes committed by juveniles and gang-affiliated individuals—factors that often complicate charge determinations.

“This report confirms what we’ve been saying: We are committed to holding offenders accountable while working within a system that sees some of the most serious and complex cases in the state,” said Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy. “Despite facing greater volume and more serious cases, our office has maintained consistency and fairness in charge decisions. The data speaks for itself.”

View full Comptroller’s report here.

Juvenile Defendant Transferred to Adult Court in Murder of MSCS Employee

Shelby County, TN – After the Shelby County DA’s Office filed a motion to transfer 17-year-old Estes Anderson to adult court in October 2024, Juvenile Court Judge Tarik Sugarmon granted the request today. Anderson now faces charges of second-degree murder and abuse of a corpse.

Larry Thorn, a 27-year-old secretary at A. Maceo Walker Middle School, was found fatally shot in January 2023 behind a church on the 1400 block of Gold Avenue in South Memphis.

The decision to transfer Anderson to adult court underscores the severity of the charges and reinforces the commitment to ensuring justice for the victim and the Memphis community. The case will now proceed in adult criminal court.

DA’s Office Declares Binghampton Home a Public Nuisance Due to Drug Activity and Violence

Shelby County, TN – The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office has declared a home in the Binghampton neighborhood (3114 Faxon) a public nuisance following an extensive history of drug activity, violence, and criminal behavior.

Between September 1, 2022, and January 13, 2025, law enforcement responded to 37 calls for service and documented 20 official reports at the property—an alarmingly high number compared to neighboring homes. The property has been the site of two drug-related overdoses and one murder and has contributed to increased drug activity spilling into the surrounding community.

Authorities have made 17 arrests at the residence during this period for offenses including outstanding warrants, narcotics possession, and weapons violations.

As a result, on Friday, all current residents will be ordered to vacate the property, and it will be boarded up. Under the law, residents will have five days to appear in court if they wish to petition for the house to be reopened.

“This property has been a source of danger and disruption for far too long,” said District Attorney Steve Mulroy. “By taking this action, we are working to restore peace and safety to the Binghampton community.”

The DA’s Office continues to work with local law enforcement and community partners to address problem properties and enhance public safety across Shelby County.

Trial Set for Man Accused in Death of Memphis Firefighter

Shelby County, TN—A trial date has been set for Maurice Yarbrough, who is accused of killing Memphis firefighter David Pleasant while allegedly driving under the influence. Yarbrough faces several charges, including vehicular homicide and DUI, resulting from the tragic incident in 2022 when he reportedly struck and killed the firefighter who was responding to an emergency call at the time. Additionally, three other firefighters were injured during the incident.

“Today, we took the next step in this case by asking the court to set a trial date,” said DA Steve Mulroy.  “We will seek justice for Firefighter Pleasant, his colleagues, and their families, with whom I recently met.  I’d like to thank the Memphis Firefighters Association for setting the record straight regarding such things as the possible penalties and defendant’s record in this case.  We remain committed to holding the responsible party accountable and will keep the victims, families, and Association informed throughout this process.”

Under Tennessee law, vehicular homicide resulting from intoxication is classified as a Class B felony, carrying a potential sentence of 8 to 12 years for defendants with no prior felony convictions. Yarbrough’s trial is scheduled to begin on November 3, 2025.

Self-Proclaimed 'Serial Killer' Joshua Dotson Sentenced to Additional 159 Years for Triple Homicide: Total Sentence Now 261 Years for Five Murders

Shelby County, TN– Joshua Dotson, who previously referred to himself as a "serial killer" during his trial, has been sentenced to an additional 159 years in prison after pleading guilty to three counts of First-Degree Murder. This sentence is consecutive to his prior conviction of two counts of First-Degree Murder in August, bringing his total sentence to 261 years for five murders.

In August 2024, Dotson was convicted of the murders of his former girlfriend, Jamesha Covson, and her unborn child, resulting in two consecutive life sentences totaling 102 years.

Today, Dotson pleaded guilty to the following charges:

• First-Degree Murder for the death of Divieon Parker.

• Two counts of First-Degree Murder for the deaths of Renita Bennett and Reginald Anderson.

• Three counts of Reckless Endangerment with a Deadly Weapon.

Prosecutor Regina Lucreziano who worked on the case commented. "After five years, we are pleased to finally have justice for Dotson’s multiple victims. His sentences, both from the guilty verdict after a trial and these two pleas today, amount to 261 years in prison. While no amount of time in prison will bring the victims back to their loved ones, we are content that he will never be a threat to our community again."

ADA Regina Lucreziano and Chief Prosecutor Lessie Rainey handled the case.

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Man Sentenced to Life Plus 27 Years for 2022 Fatal Shooting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shelby County, TN– Travis Cohens has been sentenced to life in prison, plus an additional 27 years, for the 2022 murder of his ex-girlfriend, Teonka Gunn. The sentencing, handled by ADA Regina Lucreziano follows Cohens’ conviction on charges including first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, reckless endangerment, two counts of employing a firearm during a dangerous felony, and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.

The incident occurred on March 1, 2022, at the Saint Court Apartments on North Watkins. According to reports, Gunn had just been dropped off by her cousin when Cohens opened fire on their vehicle. He then pursued Gunn and shot her multiple times outside her apartment, resulting in her death at the scene. Gunn's cousin and his minor son were also present during the shooting but managed to escape unharmed.

Following the incident, Cohens fled the state but was apprehended on June 10, 2022, in Chula Vista, California, as part of the U.S. Marshals' Operation North Star.

In October 2024, a Shelby County jury found Cohens guilty on all charges after a four-day trial that included testimony from 14 witnesses. The life sentence for first-degree murder will be served consecutively with the additional 27 years for the other charges, totaling 78 years of imprisonment.

The initial trial was handled by ADAs Regina Lucreziano and Venecia Patterson.

Delivering Results: Shelby County DA’s Office Releases Annual Report Highlighting Progress and the Path Forward

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shelby County, TN – The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office has released its 2024 Annual Report, showcasing a year of measurable progress in public safety, justice reform, and efficiency in the criminal justice system. The report, released today, provides data-driven results, demonstrating that the office’s innovative strategies have reduced crime, improved case processing times, and strengthened community trust.

"Our office has worked tirelessly to implement initiatives that prioritize both safety and fairness," said District Attorney Steve Mulroy. "The numbers in this report prove what we’ve been saying all along—when you focus on real solutions instead of fear-mongering and misinformation, you get real results. We are on the right track, and our work is far from over."

Key Highlights from the 2024 Annual Report:

✅ Crime Reduction Across the Board

• Overall crime: ⬇️ 10.4% (2023-2024)

• Violent crime: ⬇️ 2%

• Property crime: ⬇️ 20.3%, including a 31% drop in auto thefts

✅ Strategic Public Safety Initiatives

• V11 Initiative: Prioritizing 11 categories of violent crime for faster prosecution and tougher bail recommendations.

• CARS Program: Targeting youth offenders involved in car thefts and break-ins with intervention programs to prevent escalation into violent crime.

• Meaningful Supervision: Embedding rehabilitation requirements (mental health treatment, job training, GED programs) into plea agreements to reduce recidivism.

✅ Speedier Justice & System Improvements

• Launched the “The State Is Always Ready” policy, preventing unnecessary trial delays.

• Achieved a 60% increase in jury trials compared to 2023.

• Eliminated the backlog in body cam video processing, cutting delays from months to real-time efficiency.

• Exceeded the total number of jury trials from all of 2023 by August 2024.

✅ Justice & Fairness

• Successfully prosecuted high-profile cases, securing convictions in the murders of Liza Fletcher, Young Dolph, and John Materna ("The Watermelon Man").

• Expanded diversity in staffing, now operating with the most diverse legal team in the office’s history.

• The Justice Review Unit overturned wrongful convictions and conducted unbiased officer-involved shooting reviews.

"We have made great progress in making Shelby County safer and more just," DA Mulroy added. "But we know there is still work to do. We will continue to focus on what works—strategic crime reduction, fair prosecutions, and real justice for our community."

View the full 2024 Annual Report.

Man Found Guilty of Multiple Offenses Including Rape of a Child

Shelby County, TN— A Shelby County jury has convicted a man on multiple charges, including two counts of Rape of a Child, two counts of Aggravated Sexual Battery, and one count of Sexual Battery by an Authority Figure.

JP Burrow stood trial for assaulting two girls while they were between the ages of 6 and 13. The case was classified as a Range 2 offense, indicating the severity of the charges and the potential sentencing range.

During the three-day trial, the defendant took the stand in his own defense. Still, the jury ultimately found him guilty after the State presented compelling evidence, including victim testimony and investigative findings. The case originated from a Forcible Rape and Forcible Sodomy report filed with the Memphis Police Department in 2021, which led to Burrow’s arrest and subsequent prosecution.

Sentencing for Burrow is scheduled for March 21, 2025.

Prosecutors Dru Carpenter and Nicole Germain tried the case.

Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility Dismisses Senator’s Ethics Complaints Against Shelby County DA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shelby County, TN – The Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility of the Supreme Court of Tennessee has officially dismissed an ethics complaint filed against Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy by State Senator Brent Taylor. Following a thorough review in accordance with Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, the Board determined that the complaint lacked merit and has closed the matter with no further action.

As the complaint was reviewed and dismissed by the full Board, there is no right to appeal or request further review, making the decision final. The Board emphasized that the attorney self-discipline system plays a critical role in maintaining the high standards of the legal profession and that attorneys are obligated to submit to disciplinary inquiries as part of their professional duties.

In response to the dismissal, DA Mulroy addressed Sen. Taylor’s repeated ethics complaints, stating:

"Sen. Taylor has spent months publicly discussing the many ethical complaints he’s filed against me, related to my decisions in the Michael Sample and Courtney Anderson cases and alleged improper 'ex parte' communications with a judge. He even hinted that I had received a private reprimand. But what he hasn’t told the public is that the Board of Professional Responsibility has dismissed those complaints."

Mulroy also noted that Sen. Taylor has recently filed yet another complaint, which remains under review.

"Answering these complaints has taken time away from the important work of the District Attorney’s Office, but we remain focused on our mission—making Shelby County safer and ensuring a fair and just legal system for all."

The full letter can be viewed here.

Whitehaven Man Convicted of Second-Degree Murder in 2022 Shooting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shelby County, TN – A Whitehaven man was found guilty of Second-Degree Murder on Friday in the death of a woman whose body was discovered beneath his truck in a strip mall parking lot.

Christian Pitts, a convicted felon, was also found guilty of being a felon in possession of a handgun. The verdict follows a week-long trial in which multiple witnesses testified against him.

On January 22, 2022, Memphis Police responded to a report of gunfire near Winchester Road and South Mendenhall. Upon arrival, officers found 34-year-old Vonnie Payne deceased and partially underneath an unoccupied white pickup truck registered to Pitts. Payne had been shot more than a dozen times.

Witness testimony and evidence presented during the trial tied Pitts to the scene of the crime. A witness reported seeing the suspect, leading to Pitts' arrest less than a mile away from the location of the shooting.

The Shelby County DA’s Office commends law enforcement and all parties involved in securing justice for Vonnie Payne. Sentencing for Christian Pitts will be scheduled at a later date.

Chief Prosecutor Theresa McCusker and ADA Atina Stavropolous tried the case.

Man Sentenced to 23 Years for Deadly Robbery

Shelby County, TN – A 23-year-old man has been sentenced to 23 years in prison without the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in connection with a deadly shooting outside a Parkway Village grocery store in 2023.

According to the Memphis Police Department (MPD), Landon Quinton and another man approached two individuals outside the Z Market on South Perkins Road on Sunday, January 22. During the encounter, Quinton's accomplice pistol-whipped one of the victims and stole cash, a cellphone, and car keys. Quinton then shot the second victim before the two fled the scene.

The victim who was shot was pronounced dead on the scene.

MPD officers quickly located Quinton on Cottonwood, observed him discard a handgun into a yard, and apprehended him after a brief foot chase.

Man Found Guilty in Domestic Assault Case

After a two-day trial, William Bowers has been found guilty of aggravated assault in a domestic violence incident involving his ex-girlfriend, Dianna Johnson.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred on January 30, 2022 when MPD responded to a call at Regional One Emergency Room, located at 877 Jefferson Ave. They encountered Ms. Johnson, who had sustained severe injuries, including facial lacerations and a fractured jaw, necessitating multiple stitches and surgery.

Subsequent investigations revealed that on the night of the assault, Mr. Bowers struck Ms. Johnson in the face multiple times with a pistol, during which the firearm discharged. On August 30, 2022, Ms. Johnson provided a video statement to authorities and positively identified Mr. Bowers from a photo lineup as the individual responsible for the attack.

The conviction underscores the Shelby County District Attorney’s commitment to enhancing public safety, fostering restoration and prevention, and ensuring equal justice for all. The office remains dedicated to prosecuting domestic violence offenders to the fullest extent of the law.

Sentencing for Mr. Bowers is scheduled for February 20, 2025. He faces a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison.

DA Mulroy Issues Statement After Senator's Press Conference

“Senator Taylor had been critical of me before I took office and continually raised his profile by attacking me.  His claims are untrue and vague, only distracting from the real issues facing Shelby County.

The proof’s in the pudding. Crime’s down in every ZIP Code, trials increased by 60%, and backlogs shrunk.  We successfully prosecuted the Young Dolph and Liza Fletcher killers and got national praise for our handling of the Tyre Nichols case. We’re 3 for 3 in appealing overly lenient bonds. The facts just don’t fit the Senator’s narrative.

What is a fact is that no DA has ever been removed by the Legislature under this provision, and the few judges who have been removed had all been convicted of crimes. Removal, or even investigations, in this case, would set a dangerous precedent and disrespect the over 80,000 Shelby voters who voted for change two years ago.

We need to work together to face the very real challenges we still have—to join hands, not point fingers. I’m still open to doing so with Senator Taylor or anyone else.

We will certainly address these unfounded allegations in greater detail at a later time."

DA Mulroy Announces Record-Breaking Year for West Tennessee Drug Task Force

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shelby County, TN—Today, Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy, joined by fellow District Attorneys Frederick Agee and Danny Goodman, Jr., along with West Tennessee Drug Task Force (WTDTF) Director Johnie Carter, announced a landmark year of accomplishments in combating illegal drugs, weapons, and criminal activity. From December 2023 to November 30, 2024, the WTDTF achieved unprecedented results, significantly enhancing the safety and strength of communities across West Tennessee.

By the Numbers

• Drugs Seized: 2,609 pounds

• Dosage Units Seized: 5,475

• Weapons Confiscated: 313

• Cash Seized: $1.4 million

Casework and Arrests

• Cases Handled: 230

• Arrests Made: 236

Arrest Demographics:

• White: 142

• Black: 91

• Asian: 2

• Pacific Islander: 1

These record-breaking figures highlight the WTDTF’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks and enhancing public safety across the region.

“I would like to commend all of my agents and supervisory staff for their hard work as well as our partnering agencies and the Board of Directors for their support that led us to this achievement” said Johnie Carter, Director of WTDTF.

The WTDTF’s accomplishments extend beyond arrests and seizures. Every illegal drug confiscated and weapon removed from the streets signifies a step toward a brighter, safer future for all West Tennessee residents.

“ I’m pleased we have a record  enforcement year for WTDTF.  It’s a testament to the power of collaboration among different DAs and law enforcement agencies,” said DA Mulroy. “I’m especially gratified the grant fund our office obtained is working in the highest-crime Memphis neighborhoods to put away violent offenders, clamp down  on deadly fentanyl, and get addicts  the treatment they need. “

As the year concludes, the WTDTF encourages all residents to stay vigilant and support ongoing efforts to protect their communities. By working together, West Tennessee can continue to make strides in public safety and justice.

About the West Tennessee Drug Task Force

The West Tennessee Drug Task Force is dedicated to reducing the impact of illegal drugs and crime on communities. Through collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies, the task force aims to dismantle criminal organizations and create safer neighborhoods across the region. Partnering agencies include: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), MPD, Germantown PD, Haywood County Sheriff’s Department, Dyer County Sheriff’s Department, Bells PD, Trenton PD, Brownsville PD, and Crockett County Sheriff’s Department.

MEDIA ADVISORY: DA Mulroy and Local DAs to Announce West Tennessee Drug Task Force’s Record-Breaking Year

What:
District Attorney Mulroy, joined by the West Tennessee Drug Task Force and two other Tennessee District Attorneys, will hold a press conference to announce record-breaking accomplishments in the fight against illegal drugs, weapons, and criminal activity from December 2023 through November 2024. The event will spotlight key statistics, provide operational insights, and address the significant impact these efforts have had on public safety across the region.

When:
Friday, Dec. 20th | 10:00 AM

Where:
201 Poplar, 10th floor

Who:

• DA Steve Mulroy, 30th Judicial District

• Johnie Carter, West TN Drug Task Force

• DA Frederick Agee, 28th Judicial District

• DA Danny Goodman, Jr., 29th Judicial District

Details:
The West Tennessee Drug Task Force has achieved historic milestones this year, making significant seizures of illegal drugs, weapons, and cash while successfully handling numerous cases and arrests. At tomorrow's press conference, leaders will share detailed statistics, highlight compelling stories of success, and outline future plans to continue enhancing public safety across the region.

Visuals and Interviews:
Media attendees will have the opportunity to capture visuals of confiscated items and speak directly with key officials about the task force’s efforts and impact.

RSVP:
Media outlets are encouraged to RSVP: erica.williams@scdag.com

Shelby County DA’s Office Mourns the Loss of Prosecutor and Former Judge Donna Fields

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shelby County, TN – The Shelby County DA’s Office is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Donna Fields, a dedicated prosecutor and former judge, who was tragically killed in a car accident on Monday.

Donna Fields had a distinguished legal career, serving as a judge before joining the District Attorney’s Office in retirement. While fully retired, Donna volunteered to return to work part-time, driven by her unwavering passion for animal welfare. She led the charge on animal cruelty cases, a cause that was dear to her heart.

"Donna Fields was a relentless advocate for justice, especially for those who had no voice," said DA Mulroy. "She didn’t have to return to work, but she chose to because of her deep love for animals and her steadfast commitment to justice."

Donna’s presence in the office extended far beyond her professional contributions. Her unfailing good cheer, kindness, and ability to brighten the day of everyone around her made her not only a valued colleague but also a true friend to many.

The Shelby County DA’s Office offers its deepest condolences to Donna’s family, friends, and all those impacted by her life and work. Her legacy as a defender of justice and advocate for animal welfare will continue to inspire us all.

Further details regarding memorial arrangements will be shared as they become available.

Man Accused in Child Abuse Case Gets $1 Million Bond

Shelby County, TN— A judge increased Adam Lambert's bond from $200,000 to $1 million during a hearing on Friday after the State successfully argued against a reduction. Facing charges of Aggravated Child Abuse and Aggravated Child Neglect, Lambert asked the court to lower his bond to $100,000 through his defense counsel, blaming his co-defendant for the crimes.

During the hearing, ADA Tanisha Johnson urged Judge Coffee to consider Lambert’s prior criminal history, noting misdemeanor convictions across four states. The State also emphasized the severity of the offense and the strong likelihood of conviction. The 2-year-old victim in the case suffered second-degree burns covering a large area of her buttocks, burns to her hands and feet, a black eye, a fractured leg, and a fractured spine. While Lambert did not admit to causing the injuries, he acknowledged knowing about some of them and failing to seek medical treatment for the child.

Describing the injuries as evidence that the child was “basically butchered,” Judge Coffee deemed the initial bond inadequate and raised it to $1 million. The child’s mother, also a co-defendant, attended the hearing at her attorney's request to observe the potential consequences of a bond review.

The hearing was handled by Tanisha Johnson.

Jury Convicts Man of Rape of a Child

Shelby County, TN — Following a two-day trial, a jury has convicted Jesus Castanon of Rape of a Child. During the trial, the State presented critical evidence, including a 2019 forensic interview video in which the child, then nine years old, bravely recounted the traumatic events. Her testimony revealed that the assaults had begun when she was only three years old.

Castanon was a trusted friend of the child’s grandmother. This conviction is a testament to the victim’s bravery in coming forward and the dedication of those who worked tirelessly to seek justice on her behalf.

ADAs Tanisha Johnson and William Wetter handled the case.