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As students across Shelby return to the classroom this week, I wish everyone a productive and safe start to the school year.
At the DA's Office, public safety remains our top priority, and that includes working with schools, families, and law enforcement to help ensure a safe environment for our children.
Parents and guardians, here are a few safety reminders as we begin the year:
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Prioritize attendance. Chronic truancy is often a warning sign and can lead to risky and unlawful behavior. Helping students stay in school is one of the most effective ways to keep them out of the justice system. And it’s also your obligation under state law.
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Stay engaged. Know your child’s schedule, friends, and social media activity. These connections help prevent problems before they start.
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Encourage communication. Make sure your child knows they can speak up if they see concerning behavior, whether online or at school.
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Secure firearms at home. Many incidents involving juveniles stem from access to unsecured weapons. Please store firearms safely and responsibly.
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Talk about consequences. Remind your child that threats—especially those involving violence or weapons—are taken seriously, even if made as a joke.
My office remains committed to addressing crime, but also preventing it. When we work together, we can give every student in Shelby County the chance to succeed in a safe and supportive environment.
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Court Finds Probable Cause in Case of Hostage Situation and Child Abuse: Following a preliminary hearing handled by ADA Annika Rush, the court found probable cause on multiple charges against Antonio Stevison, sending the case forward to the Grand Jury.
Judge Greg Gilbert ruled that there is enough evidence to proceed on two counts of Especially Aggravated Kidnapping, one count of Child Abuse, Neglect or Endangerment, one count of Robbery, and one count of Domestic Assault.
Stevison remains in custody on a $100,000 bond.
The victim testified that Stevison held her and her 1-year-old son hostage until she provided more than $6,000 in ransom money. During the ordeal, the victim stated that Stevison repeatedly beat her and forced her to strike her child with a belt.
Assistant District Attorney Annika Rush handled the hearing.
Shelby County Jury Convicts Man of Child Sexual Abuse and Evidence Tampering: After a successful prosecution led by ADAs Dru Carpenter and Nicole Germain a Shelby County jury has convicted Eric Goolsby on two counts of Child Sexual Abuse, one count of Aggravated Sexual Battery, and one count of Tampering with Evidence following a court trial in Division 7. The verdict came after less than an hour of jury deliberation.
The case centered on repeated abuse of an underage victim between the ages of 4 and 8. The victim testified to multiple acts of abuse, including one incident involving food items. She disclosed the abuse at age 15, providing a detailed description of the defendant’s anatomy that was later confirmed through investigation.
Shelby County investigators initially photographed the defendant’s genitals, and the images appeared consistent with the defense’s claims. However, medical professionals later determined that the defendant had attempted to conceal his physical condition, prompting a follow-up examination that revealed those claims to be false. As a result, Goolsby was re-indicted for Tampering with Evidence.
Goolsby will be sentenced at a later date.
Assistant District Attorneys Dru Carpenter and Nicole Germain handled the case.
Court Finds Probable Cause in Attempted Murder Case Following July 19 Shooting: Following a preliminary hearing handled by ADA Annika Rush, the court found probable cause on multiple charges against Decarlo Pitchford, stemming from a July 19 shooting that left the victim with life-threatening injuries.
Judge Greg Gilbert ruled that the case will move forward to the Grand Jury on charges of Criminal Attempt—Second Degree Murder, Domestic Assault – Bodily Harm, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Pitchford remains in custody on a $350,000 bond.
The victim testified that Pitchford refused to let her leave their marital home before firing a single shot at her, stating, “I told you to stop playing with me.” The victim further testified that while she was in critical condition, Pitchford stopped for a beer on the way to the hospital.
Assistant District Attorney Annika Rush handled the hearing.
Angel Bausley, 2025 “Do the Write Thing” National Ambassador, Honored by MSCS Board
 Hamilton K-8 student Angel Bausley was recognized by the MSCS Superintendent and School Board for her powerful writing on youth violence. She was joined by ADDA Ernest Brooks and teacher Brittney Stone during the presentation.
Last month, Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy told FOX13 that the jail was 500 people over capacity, leading to days-long intake delays for hundreds of new inmates. The DA said one of the main reasons was delays by the state's Department of Corrections picking up convicted inmates slated for transfer to state prison. |More state prisoners expected to move out of 201 Poplar amid overcrowding concerns| via FOX13
Drug agents out of Memphis seized 10 pounds of meth Wednesday during an investigation, according to the West Tennessee Drug Task Force. The task force said the agents recovered the meth along with a pound of marijuana during the investigation... The case will be handled by the Shelby County District Attorney's Office. |Jury convicts man on 2014 rape charges| via FOX13
A man has been accused of holding a baby and her mother hostage for over $6,000 in ransom. Antonio Stevison, 38, has been charged with two counts of Aggravated Kidnapping, Child Abuse, Neglect, or Endangerment, Robbery and Domestic Assault. |Man accused of holding woman, baby hostage for over $6k in ransom| via WREG3
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