Official account of former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee Kevin Ritz. This account is no longer active.
Memphis, TN
Joined October 2022
- Tweets59
- Following70
- Followers265
- Likes1
And finally, I made it back to Memphis in time to hear the verdict in a multiweek trial that wrapped up an hour ago. A federal jury convicted three defendants on serious racketeering and violent crime charges. Thanks to our trial team for their hard work.
This morning I spoke to the Tennessee Sheriffs Association in Murfreesboro. I was able to visit with many West Tennessee sheriffs and thank them for their partnership.
Also on Wednesday, my team had the honor of hearing from U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller, who helped us kick off our Black History Month programming.
On Wednesday we announced the first charges in our Memphis Violent Crime Initiative. We will continue to build cases like this and hold violent gang members accountable for their actions.
A federal grand jury yesterday returned a superseding indictment bringing new charges against 3 alleged members of the Unknown Vice Lords (UVL)– Ghost Mob for causing a death through the use of a firearm during and in relation to a violent crime. justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/thr…
ALT Graphic reads "When we announced the Violent Crime Initiative in Memphis, we promised to double down on our commitment to ensure families can feel safe in their homes and children can play safely on our streets without the threat of gang violence. The crimes alleged in this indictment underscore the tireless effort our prosecutors and agents are putting into fulfilling that promise and targeting the drivers of violence in Memphis with every tool we have. We will continue to build cases like this and hold violent gang members accountable for their actions. Kevin G. Ritz, United States Attorney, Western District of Tennessee"
We also announced a 14-year sentence for a man who was spreading deadly fentanyl into our community.
NEWS: A federal judge sentenced a Memphis man to 14 years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess fentanyl with intent to distribute. Read more at justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/mem…
ALT Graphic reads "Press Release: Memphis Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Drug Trafficking Offenses - February 6, 2024"
Our office had a busy week! First, we announced that a federal jury convicted a repeat offender of several armed robberies in Memphis.
NEWS: A federal jury delivered a guilty verdict recently in the case of a Memphis man charged with committing a series of armed robberies in summer 2022. Read more at justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/fed…
ALT Graphic reads "Press release: Federal Jury Finds Convicted Felon Guilty in String of Armed Business Robberies -- February 6, 2024"
I started my DOJ career 18 years ago as an AUSA in our office’s OCDETF unit. This task force targets major drug trafficking groups. Today I met with agents and prosecutors—including 9 other U.S. Attorneys—from across the southeast to talk about progress made and challenges ahead.
Really enjoyed speaking to the Jackson Exchange Club yesterday. And it’s always a pleasure to connect with U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller—one of our office’s great law enforcement partners. @USMSMemphis
It’s always tough to say goodbye to one of our team members. Lori has done a terrific job as a paralegal in our Civil Division. We’ve worked together my whole 18-year career in the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Thanks for your service, Lori! You will be missed.
Finally, I spoke to participants in the FBI Citizens Academy about the work my team is doing to uphold the rule of law, protect civil rights, and keep Americans safe. Kudos to these citizens for taking the time to learn about federal law enforcement.
Yesterday I attended the inauguration of Jennifer Collins, the new President of Rhodes College (and a former AUSA!). Excited to be there with my wife, who is an alumna.
On Friday I announced the results of an important violent crime reduction operation in Memphis, including 9 indictments against 21 defendants. We are going to continue working with federal, state, and local partners to make our communities safer.
It was an honor to address the students serving on the Memphis Youth City Council. These young people had excellent questions and I could’ve spent hours with them.
Over the past several days, I’ve had the chance to discuss the work of our office with citizens throughout Memphis. My first stop was the Frayser Exchange Club, where I saw many friends and community partners.
It was a privilege to hear from Rabbi Greenstein, former U.S. Attorney Ed Stanton, and Mr. Wright’s family members. Many thanks to Rabbi Greenstein and Temple for inviting us.
I was honored to participate in Temple Israel’s High Holy Days programming earlier this week. Our United Against Hate program focused on the federal hate crimes prosecution of Dale Mardis, who murdered Mickey Wright in April 2001.
I’m a runner. It was an honor for me to join hundreds of other Memphis runners (including District Attorney Mulroy) to #finishlizasrun this morning. Thanks to MPD Deputy Chief Don Crowe and all the MPD officers who marked the route and kept the runners safe.
#901Day is a special day in my hometown. There’s so much to celebrate about Memphis. I’m especially proud of the dedicated public servants—like my colleagues in the U.S. Attorney’s Office—working every day to make Memphis a better and safer place.
This case was worked by our office’s new National Security and Civil Rights Unit, together with the FBI and the Civil Rights Division at Main Justice. I commend them for their work. Remember: public trust in law enforcement is essential to public safety.
NEWS: Former MPD officer Armando Bustamante was sentenced today to 18 months in prison and one year of supervised release for violating an arrestee’s civil rights by using excessive force against him. Read more at justice.gov/opa/pr/former-me…
