Image Credit: U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Western District of TN & Canva
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Earlier this week the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Tennessee announced that 20 Department of War military lawyers will be temporarily serving as Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) in Memphis to help prosecute federal cases in connection to Memphis Safe Task Force (MSTF) operations.
The SAUAs are Judge Advocates (JAGs) from all four branches of the armed forces and have been deployed from all over the country. They are also all reported to have prior federal and state prosecutorial experience.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Tennessee, the office provided “foundational federal prosecution training, as well as district-specific rules and information for the SAUSAs at the Department of Justice National Advocacy Center in November”.
The attorney’s office said that since the MSTF was deployed, they have filed 111 indictments charging 141 defendants. This number represents a 217.14% increase in cases indicted and a 281.08% increase in defendants charged compared to 2024 when the office said they filed 35 indictments and charged 37 defendants.
Over 130 search warrants have been approved by the office, and it has accepted 99.4% of the cases referred for federal prosecution.
“Our office is committed to supporting the work of the MSTF by responsive and aggressive federal prosecution of cases involving offenders who pose a significant risk to public safety, to effectively punish, incapacitate, and deter criminal conduct and reduce violent crime. This coordination and personnel-sharing between the Department of Justice and the Department of War is unprecedented and comes at a time when federal prosecutorial resources are most needed due to increased court dockets caused by the outstanding work of the MSTF. I am thankful to the Armed Forces leadership for their commitment to bringing the skill and dedication of America’s service members to deliver justice, restore order, and protect the people of Memphis,” said U.S Attorney Michael Dunavant.
U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller, who oversees the MSTF operation, commended the task force’s “momentum in reducing violent crime” and says the arrival of the lawyers, “means progress made on the streets will continue in the courtroom. They will ensure prosecutions keep pace with the surge and justice is served, resulting in sustained positive change for Memphis.”
As of Monday, January 5, the MSTF reported 4,780 total arrests, including 466 gang members, 780 firearms seized, and the recovery of 133 missing children.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
