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There’s a lot of buzz about the National Guard coming to Memphis to help fight crime.
Here’s where I stand: I don’t think sending military troops into Memphis to do everyday law enforcement is the answer. We’re always open to federal help that makes Shelby County safer, but what would help most is more FBI, DEA, ATF, and other federal agents—people trained for civilian policing.
If the Guard does come, it would make far more sense for them to work behind the scenes in administrative roles. That way our local officers can stay on the street where they’re needed most. I’m hopeful the governor, who’s already helpfully sent Tennessee Highway Patrol officers to assist, will make that clear to D.C.
The truth is short-term troop deployments can feel more like a photo op than a real fix. We know there’s still a lot of work ahead to make this county safer. But the data shows we’re heading in the right direction. Let’s keep focusing on long-term strategies that last long after any troops—and the TV cameras—are gone.
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Mensaje del Fiscal de Distrito
Hay mucha expectación sobre la posible llegada de la Guardia Nacional a Memphis para ayudar a combatir el crimen.
Aquí está mi posición: no creo que enviar tropas militares a Memphis para hacer trabajo policial cotidiano sea la respuesta. Siempre estamos abiertos a recibir apoyo federal que haga más seguro el condado de Shelby, pero lo que realmente ayudaría sería contar con más agentes del FBI, la DEA, la ATF y otras agencias federales con formación específica en tareas de seguridad civil.
Si la Guardia finalmente viene, tendría mucho más sentido que trabajara tras bastidores en funciones administrativas. Así nuestros oficiales locales pueden permanecer en las calles, donde se les necesita con mayor urgencia. Confío en que el gobernador —quien ya envió con buen criterio a la Patrulla de Carreteras de Tennessee para colaborar— transmitirá este mensaje a Washington.
La realidad es que los despliegues militares de corto plazo pueden parecer más una oportunidad para las cámaras que una solución real. Sabemos que aún queda mucho por hacer para que este condado sea más seguro, pero los datos muestran que vamos en la dirección correcta. Mantengamos el enfoque en estrategias a largo plazo que sigan funcionando mucho después de que las tropas —y las cámaras de televisión— se hayan ido.
Judge Denies Bond Reduction in First Degree Murder Case: A Shelby County judge denied a motion to reduce bond for Dionte Sharp, who remains in custody for First Degree Murder following a contested hearing successfully argued by ADA Tanisha Johnson.
The defense requested a reduction, arguing that the bond amount was excessive and proposed it be lowered. The State strongly opposed the request, citing Sharp’s history of failing to appear in court, ongoing criminal activity while on bond or probation, and the serious nature of the charge, which carries a mandatory life sentence if convicted.
The court agreed with the State and declined to reduce the bond. Sharp remains in custody as the case proceeds.
Assistant District Attorney Tanisha Johnson handled the hearing.
Detention Ordered in Juvenile 901 Day Beale Street Shooting Case: Juvenile Court Magistrate Handel Durham ordered a 16-year-old to remain in custody after ADA Sam Winnig of the Juvenile Prosecution Unit successfully argued for detention during a recent hearing.
Authorities charged the juvenile with Criminal Attempt: Second Degree Murder and other related offenses after he allegedly fired multiple shots into a crowd during “901 Day” celebrations on Beale Street, striking another juvenile. The Memphis Police Department and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office launched a joint investigation after the suspect fled the scene.
During the investigation, officers determined that the suspect’s mother, Suntria Stackins, had misled them about her son’s location. Officers later located and arrested the juvenile at her residence. Authorities also charged Stackins with Accessory After the Fact.
Although the defense requested that the juvenile be released to his mother, the court ruled in favor of detention and ordered him held pending further proceedings.
Assistant District Attorney Sam Winnig handled the hearing.
DA Mulroy Tours Metro Nashville Crime Lab with County Leaders
DA Steve Mulroy joined Shelby County Commissioners and representatives from the Shelby County Mayor’s Office on a tour of the Metro Nashville crime lab. The visit offered valuable insights into the benefits and challenges of operating a local forensic facility.
DA Mulroy Joins Local Leaders for Stand-Up Comedy Benefit
 Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy recently took the stage for his first-ever stand-up performance at a benefit for the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum. The event, organized by Danielle Inez and held at The Cadre Building, featured satirical takes on Memphis politics over the past year. Mulroy joined Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris and General Sessions Court Clerk Tami Sawyer in sharing laughs and perspectives with the audience.
A Night of Support for the Memphis Child Advocacy Center
 Shelby County District Attorney’s Office staff joined community leaders at the Memphis Child Advocacy Center’s 36th Annual Gala, held Thursday at the Hilton Memphis.
The evening supported children impacted by sexual abuse and severe trauma, bringing together philanthropic leaders for an elegant dinner, live music by Soul Shockers, dancing, a silent auction, and Teddy Bear Surprises.
The Center’s vision remains clear: a community where children are safe, families are strong, and victims become children again.
“I don’t think sending military troops into Memphis to do civilian law enforcement is the answer. We welcome federal efforts to make Shelby County safer, but far better would be more FBI, DEA, ATF, and other federal law-enforcement agents — people with actual training in civilian law enforcement, unlike military troops. I’m hopeful that the governor, who has helpfully sent us THP officers, will convey this message to DC. “These high-profile, short-term military deployments risk seeming performative and leaving no lasting impact. We should focus on long-term strategies that will continue to work even after the military troops and cameras are gone.” |Politicians react to Trump saying he would deploy National Guard troops to Memphis| via The Daily Memphian
“Even though the outcome was positive, the intermediate experience was not,” Mulroy said in his newsletter. “I had to spend a fair amount of time and effort reviewing records and correspondence, documenting to the board what I did and why. It gave me a renewed appreciation for how stressful, expensive, time-consuming and life-disruptive criminal accusations can be, even if they are ultimately dismissed.” |State dismisses ethics complaints against Shelby County DA| via Tennessee Lookout
WREG spoke with Shelby County District Attorney, Steve Mulroy earlier this year about juvenile crime and what leads to it. “You got to be concerned, what is it about their environment that allows them at such a young age to pick up a gun and be part of that culture, you know it’s the parents, it’s the culture, it’s social media, it’s economics and demographics, it’s our court system,” said Mulroy. |Memphis parents graduate from nurturing parent program| via WREG3
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