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The world isn’t black and white, all or nothing. Often, it’s an “on the one hand, on the other hand” kind of thing. So it is with punishment in the Shelby County criminal system.
The decades-long experience from cities across the country is that if you want to reduce the risk of repeat offenders, requiring convicted defendants to engage in rehabilitation---GED, job training, drug treatment, mental health counseling, work requirements, etc.—is more effective than just locking them up. So, probation and diversion definitely have their place.
But violent offenders, repeat offenders, and, especially, repeat violent offenders, deserve serious prison time. And we do plenty of that in Shelby County too.
In fact, our office hands out more jail time at 201 Poplar than anywhere else in this State. In the “Happening In Court” section below, you’ll see several examples of that. But also, just take a look at last week.
Just in the last week:
- Cortney Goss was convicted in trial for Aggravated Rape and is looking at 40 years
- Keyshawn Mallet was sentenced to 40 years for Attempted First Degree Murder and Attempted Aggravated Robbery
- Antonio Bowden was sentenced to 33 years for Murder Second and other crimes
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Jarvis Bowden was sentenced to 25 years for Attempted First Degree Murder, Second Degree Murder, and other crimes ; and
- Jacobie Williams was sentenced to 25 years for Second Degree Murder
That’s just in one week.
Last week, this week, and every week, our prosecutors do the hard job, and in the case of violent offenders, hand out hard sentences.
Defendant Pleads Guilty to Second-Degree Murder, Sentenced To 25 Years: Chief Prosecutor Carrie Bush and Assistant District Attorney Sarah Poe successfully handled the case of Jacobie Williams, who entered a guilty plea today to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 25 years at 100%.
The victim’s family was okay with the plea and attended the hearing where they provided victim impact statements. Prosecutors coordinated with the family throughout the process to ensure their voices were heard in court.
The case stems from an April 2, 2023 incident at the Super Suds Car Wash at 3380 University. The victim was cleaning his car when Williams approached, placed his hand on the car window, and then jumped into the vehicle before shooting the victim and fleeing the scene. The case involved both video and eyewitness evidence. Our office arranged for the defendant to be extradited from Dallas, Texas back to Memphis to face charges.
Chief Prosecutor Carrie Bush & ADA Sarah Poe handled the case.
Jury Convicts Defendant of Aggravated Rape in Memphis: Assistant District Attorneys Annika Rush and Nicole Germain successfully prosecuted Cortney Goss, who on Friday, February 27, was convicted by a jury of Aggravated Rape resulting in bodily injury.
The jury returned the guilty verdict after hearing testimony from the victim, law enforcement officers, and expert witnesses. Goss now faces a sentence of 25–40 years, with sentencing scheduled for April 10, 2026, before Judge Lee Coffee.
The case stems from a June 2023 incident in which Goss traveled to Memphis and sexually assaulted a 21-year-old woman, causing bodily injuries. Witness testimony and evidence presented at trial detailed the assault and Goss’ actions.
ADAs Annika Rush & Nicole Germain handled the case.
19-Year-Old’s Case Transferred to Adult Court in Killing of 93-Year-Old Victim; $1 Million Bond Set: Chief Prosecutor Matthew Ian John successfully handled the adult transfer of juvenile defendant Derrion Taylor, who now faces adult criminal charges in connection with the fatal shooting of 93-year-old Geraldine Harris. Taylor’s bond was set at $1 million.
Taylor, now 19, is charged with First-Degree Murder, two counts of Attempted First-Degree Murder, and two counts of Aggravated Assault.
The case stems from a January 17, 2024 shooting on Kendale Avenue in Memphis where three female victims had been shot. Victim Geraldine Harris died at the scene, while the other two victims were transported to a local hospital with critical injuries. Taylor was 17 at the time.
With the case now transferred to adult court, the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office will prosecute the charges as the case moves forward through the criminal court process.
Chief Prosecutor Matthew Ian John is handling the case.
DA Mulroy Presents Life-Saving Award to Germantown SWAT
 DA Mulroy, a board member of the West Tennessee Violent Crime & Drug Task Force, participated in a ceremony recognizing the Germantown Police SWAT team for saving the life of a man who was overdosing during the execution of a fentanyl-related search warrant in December.
Following the Task Force’s annual awards ceremony, DA Mulroy suggested an additional honor to recognize the team’s quick action in administering naloxone and preventing the victim’s death. He presented the award to Germantown SWAT Captain Davis Herndon, highlighting the importance of law enforcement efforts that not only make arrests but also help save lives.
DA’s Office Staff Celebrate Read Across America Day
Staff from the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office celebrated Read Across America Day with students at Ida B. Wells Academy, sharing the importance of reading and encouraging a lifelong love of learning.
Chief Prosecutor Monica Timmerman also participated in career day at Bon Lin Elementary School, speaking with students about careers in the legal field and the work of the District Attorney’s Office.
 Extradition Clerk Marsharee Gatewood reads to students at Ida B. Wells Academy
 Admin Specialist Sondra Davis pictured with Ida B. Wells Academy students
 Chief Prosecutor Monica Timmerman attends Bon Lin Elementary School's career day
DA Mulroy Attends Annual 100 Club Dinner
 DA Mulroy is pictured with Bartlett Police Chief Jeff Cox (L) and Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis (R)
On Monday, DA Mulroy attended the annual 100 Club Dinner, which honors first responders and supports the families of those killed in the line of duty. The organization provides emergency financial assistance to the families of fallen first responders. Local law enforcement bagpipers performed.
DA Mulroy pictured with Shelby County Sheriffs Office Bagpipers
DA Mulroy Attends Memphis Rotary Club Meeting
 DA Mulroy pictured with WMC-TV’s Joe Birch
DA Mulroy attended a meeting of the Memphis Rotary Club at the Pink Palace, where U.S. Attorney Mike Dunavant delivered a presentation on the work of his office and the Memphis Safe Task Force. Also in attendance were WMC-TV’s Joe Birch and WDIA radio personality Stan Bell.
 DA Mulroy pictured with WDIA radio personality Stan Bell.
“Our work is not just about racking up arrests but also protecting people and saving lives,” said District Attorney Steve Mulroy, a member of the drug task force. “Thanks to the team’s dedication and quick thinking, they saved someone who almost certainly would have died of overdose, allowing him to be put in a rehab program and on the path to recovery from drug addiction.” |Germantown SWAT team awarded for saving overdosing man being used as table| via WREG 3
"It reviews, organizes and summarizes large volumes of digital evidence, pointing out evidence that might either help or hurt our case," Mulroy said of [the Lokion Company’s AI system.] "Prosecutors have the ability to ask a question using natural language prompts. It's very user-friendly to identify specific types of information in the digital evidence." |How Shelby County DA's office is using AI to review cases, save time| via The Commercial Appeal
“Hotels cannot become breeding grounds for criminal activity,” said District Attorney Steve Mulroy. “We will work with property owners when possible, but when crime continues, even after a court order to stop, we will take action.”|Tenants can remain as MPD seeks permanent closure of motel on American Way| via WREG 3
Happy Women's History Month!
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