 Pictured: Johnie Carter, Director of West TN Drug Task Force, DA Steve Mulroy, ADA Lorna McClusky, and ADA Robert Gowen
Recently, the West Tennessee Drug Task Force was awarded a $500,000 Violent Crime Intervention Fund (VCIF) grant to assist with crime interception in the ten most violent zip codes in Tennessee, nine of which are in Memphis.
The West Tennessee Drug Task Force is multi-jurisdictional, covering the 28th, 29th, and 30th Judicial Districts in West Tennessee--including Shelby County. The Task Force will use these funds for a more innovative approach to violent crime interception--with a focus on fentanyl, investigation of narcotic sales, and prosecuting violent offenders utilizing both state and federal courts when necessary.
The grant will also assist with community corrections, including drug treatment, mental health support, job training, and other resources as an alternative to incarceration for first-time and nonviolent offenders.
The SVU Team received a guilty verdict for the case involving Terrell Shannon who was accused of rape of a child. In addition to the verdict, the team closely supported the victim who was only 11-years-old when the incident occurred.
Special recognition to Victim Witness Coordinator Shanika Stone, ADA Dru Carpenter, and our Criminal Investigation team.
Alexis Wright was arraigned this week for a robbery case that occurred in November 2020 where the victim alleged that Wright blocked her in with a car and began beating her until she lost consciousness. Wright is set to appear in court in October once an attorney is retained.
ADA Fredricka Brown is handling the case.
Evanny Littlejohn was in court this week for trial. She is charged with first degree murder in the death of her husband, Kantrell Littlejohn. In September 2021, witnesses claim the incident occurred following a disagreement among family members. Closing arguments occurred, Thursday. Jury is expected to conclude deliberation this week.
ADA Regina Lucreziano and ADA Sam Winnig is handling the case.
SCDAG Victim/Witness Unit attends Garden of Lights Memorial
 Pictured: Natasha Burnett, Shanika Stone, Kate Snyder, Julia Gaskill, Madison Aschenbrenner, Reem Bekhit, Julia Sperry, Brianna Poole and Jacqueline Chacon
On Monday, September 25th, members of the DA’s Victim/Witness Unit attended the annual Garden of Lights Memorial for homicide victims at the Memphis Botanic Garden. This event was hosted by the Shelby County Crime Victims and Rape Crisis Center, and it was planned to help lend support to homicide survivors and let them know they are not alone on their journey to healing and hope.
SCDAG and West TN Violent Crime and Drug Task Force hosts Annual Roundtable Presentation
 Pictured: District 29 General Danny Goodman, Jr., TN House of Representatives John Gillespie. DA Steve Mulroy, TN House of Representatives Debra Moody and District 28 General Fred Agee
On Wednesday, September 27, DA Steve Mulroy and the West Tennessee Violent Crime and Drug Task Force (DTF) held a Roundtable Presentation for law enforcement and elected officials to provide updates about the operation of the DTF. DA Mulroy addressed the Roundtable, as did the DTF Executive Director and DAs Danny Goodman and Frederick Agee, who, along with DA Mulroy, make up the DTF Board. The event was held in Cordova at Bellevue Baptist Church.
During the event, DA Mulroy announced the Governor's Violent Crime Intervention Fund (VCIF) grant of $500,000, awarded to the West Tennessee Drug Task Force for over three years to aid the ten most violent zip codes in Tennessee, nine of which are in Memphis.
Additionally, our West Tennessee Violent Crime and Drug Task Force was recognized by the State of Tennessee House of Representatives for their continued commitment to public safety. Presenting the award were House Representatives Debra Moody and John Gillespie.
SCDAG Speaks at Networking Event for Rhodes College Women in Politics, Law and More
 Pictured: Tracye Jones, Director of Community Affairs
On September 19, Tracye Jones, Director of Community Affairs attended a networking event hosted by Rhodes Career Services and IGNITE to inspire female students majoring in Politics and Law, International Studies and Philosophy, Politics, and Economics on Rhodes campus. The networking event allowed students the chance to engage with local Memphis companies, NGOs, and firms to discuss career-building. Jones was able to bring an immense amount of knowledge and insight about Memphis law and other legal issues.
 The Youth Court Program is seeking licensed attorneys from all practices to volunteer their time and talent by mentoring local high school students who are interested in future legal careers. One of their main goals this year is recruiting new attorneys to balance the adult attorney and teen volunteer ratio. In an effort to work towards this goal, the Youth Court staff is willing and readily available to meet virtually to share the merits of becoming a Youth Court mentor to new and interested attorneys.
For more information, contact Marcus Claxton at 901-222-0905 or marcus.claxton@shelbycountytn.gov.
From WREG: DA Mulroy hosts press conference discussing Justice Review updates
From Daily Memphian: Timeline of the Gershun Freeman case
From WMC: MPD Officers involved in Jaylin McKenzie's death will not face criminal charges
 Thanks for reading,
Steve Mulroy
District Attorney
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