Last week, our office joined the West Tennessee Violent Crime and Drug Task Force (DTF) and other law enforcement partners to announce a major operation targeting the distribution of illegal synthetic kratom products across our region.You can access the press release here.
Following an undercover investigation, agents searched two Novelty King warehouses in Memphis and Collierville, seizing more than 30,000 packages of suspected illegal kratom. Additionally, other illegal products and more than $1 million in cash was seized.
But beyond the size of this operation, there’s something important I want the public to understand.
Kratom comes from a plant native to Southeast Asia, but the synthetic form that is commercially available is far more dangerous. The synthetic form often contains traces of other substances unknown to the consumer--including, often, a drug that is a Schedule I controlled substance, the most dangerous level in the federal classification schedule.
These products are often sold in gas stations, convenience stores and vape shops, sometimes in colorful packaging that makes them appear harmless. Consumers may not realize what they’re actually buying.
Tennessee recently passed a law outlawing kratom in all its forms. As a board member of the DTF I'm working with the DTF and our other law enforcement partners to disrupt the networks supplying these dangerous synthetic products to local businesses. Owners of gas stations, convenience, stores, vape, shops, etc., are on notice not to sell them.
Meanwhile, consumers beware.
Jury Convicts Woman of Aggravated Assault Following Domestic Incident: Assistant District Attorneys Alicia Walton and Justlynn Russell prosecuted the case against Nelly Ruguaru, whom a Shelby County jury found guilty as charged of Aggravated Assault following a two-day trial. The jury heard testimony from the victim and the responding officer, while Ruguaru also testified in her own defense.
The case stems from a domestic incident at a home on Yale Road. Officers responded after an argument between Ruguaru and her spouse became physical. During the altercation, Ruguaru grabbed a hatchet from the top of a refrigerator and swung it at the victim.
After hearing testimony and evidence from both sides, the jury returned a guilty verdict.
ADAs Alicia Walton & Justlynn Russell handled the case.
Trial Underway for Two Defendants Charged With Aggravated Child Abuse: Assistant District Attorneys Venecia Patterson and Annika Rush are prosecuting the ongoing trial of Ladarius Bradley and Mercedes Jones, who face charges of Aggravated Child Abuse involving a child under 6.
On Thursday, the State and defense presented testimony from their respective expert witnesses. One of the defendants also testified in their own defense. The trial is expected to continue Friday, with attorneys addressing jury instructions as the presentation of evidence concludes.
The trial remains ongoing.
ADAs Venecia Patterson & Annika Rush are handling the case.
Trial Underway for Man Charged With First-Degree Murder: Chief Prosecutor Atina Stavropoulos and Assistant District Attorney Missy Branham are prosecuting the ongoing trial of Edward Wurl, who faces charges of First-Degree Murder and Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
The State has presented testimony from several witnesses, including lead investigator Sgt. Massey. The prosecution is expected to introduce digital evidence Friday, and the victim’s girlfriend, who is also the defendant’s girlfriend, is scheduled to testify.
The trial remains ongoing.
Chief Prosecutor Atina Stavropoulos & ADA Missy Branham are handling the case.
DA Mulroy Participates in Annual Bench Bar Conference
 (Pictured L-R): DA Mulroy, Judge Greg Gilbert, Judge James Jones and Blake Ballin.
DA Mulroy participated in the Memphis Bar Association’s Annual Bench Bar Conference, where he earned continuing legal education (CLE) credit and joined a panel discussion on sentencing in criminal cases.
The panel also featured Criminal Court Judge James Jones and criminal defense attorney Blake Ballin, with General Sessions Judge Greg Gilbert serving as moderator.
SCDAG Joins YWCA for Domestic Violence Awareness Month
 Staff of the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office recently participated in the YWCA’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month Bridge Lighting. The annual event brings the community together to raise awareness of domestic violence and recognize the importance of supporting survivors and their families.
“Tennessee law has changed, and retailers need to understand what that means,” Mulroy said. “We are particularly concerned about synthetic and chemically manipulated kratom products being sold in gas stations, vape shops and convenience stores. These are not simply traditional kratom products. Stores selling products prohibited under Tennessee law are now on notice. The work of the West Tennessee Violent Crime and Drug Task Force shows that these products are being identified, traced to their suppliers and removed from our communities.” |Synthetic kratom, $1 million in cash seized from Memphis wholesaler| via WREG3
“When a business drives more incidents than comparable businesses, it’s a concern. When there is a series of violations, it’s a priority. When the incidents are violent, we act quickly—as our prosecutors, and MPD, did in this case,” District Attorney Steve Mulroy said. |Hickory Hill nightclub closed as public nuisance, MPD says| via FOX13
A Shelby County jury convicted a man Saturday in a deadly Cordova shooting that happened nearly three years ago, according to the D.A.’s office on Monday. Jimmari Sykes was found guilty of second-degree murder in the shooting death of Jonathan Farris. |Man convicted in deadly 2023 Cordova shooting| via WREG3
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