A former Memphis Police Officer, Patric J. Ferguson, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Memphis, Tennessee, on charges that include federal civil rights violations, kidnapping, and weapons offenses related to the fatal shooting of an individual identified only by the initials R.H. The indictment, which spans eight counts, was announced today, revealing a grave accusation of misuse of power leading to a tragic loss of life.
The case also involves Joshua M. Rogers, a civilian, who is accused of conspiring with Ferguson in an attempt to conceal the crime. The allegations include plotting to dispose of R.H.’s body in the Wolf River, Memphis, and eliminating evidence such as the vehicle used in the crime by selling it to a scrap metal dealership.
Latest TN News
The indictment details that the incident occurred on or about January 5, 2021, while Ferguson was on duty as a Memphis Police Department officer. It alleges that Ferguson kidnapped and then fatally shot R.H. in the head. Following the shooting, Ferguson and Rogers reportedly worked together to cover up the homicide by disposing of the body and destroying other evidence linked to their crimes.
The investigation into this case was carried out by the FBI Memphis Field Office and the Memphis Police Department. The prosecution is being led by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard for the Western District of Tennessee and Trial Attorneys Maura White and Tenette Smith from the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section of the Justice Department.
The announcement of the indictment was made by Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee, and Special Agent in Charge Douglas DePodesta of the FBI Memphis Field Office.
It’s important to note that an indictment is not a conviction but rather a formal charge that represents only allegations. Ferguson and Rogers are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The case, given its serious nature, underscores the justice system’s efforts to address alleged abuses of power and uphold civil rights.
Source: Read Original Release
MNPD Security Guard Charged with Firearm Theft
Justin Hawkins, a civilian security guard at the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, was charged with stealing a handgun surrendered by a citizen, admitting to the intent of keeping it for himself.