A Memphis resident, Richard Collins, 35, has been sentenced to 100 months in prison for his role in the distribution of methamphetamine. This sentencing was announced by Reagan Fondren, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.
In June 2023, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) began an investigation into drug distribution activities linked to the 92 Bishop Blood street gang in Memphis. During this investigation, ATF agents, working undercover, arranged to purchase approximately two ounces of pure methamphetamine from Collins for $500. The transaction took place on June 13, 2023, on Jackson Avenue in Memphis. Collins coordinated with another individual to provide the methamphetamine, which was confirmed to be 63.34 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine.
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Collins was indicted in February 2024 on charges of conspiracy and aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine. He entered a guilty plea to aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine on October 10, 2024. Subsequently, on January 8, 2025, United States District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Collins to 100 months of incarceration, followed by a four-year period of supervised release. Parole is not available in the federal system.
Special Agent in Charge Marcus S. Watson of the ATF-Nashville Field Office emphasized the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies in addressing organized crime, which remains a significant issue in many urban areas.
The Memphis Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation, with support from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Nashville laboratory. Acting U.S. Attorney Reagan Fondren expressed gratitude to Assistant United States Attorneys Bryce H. Phillips and Wendy Cornejo for their prosecution efforts, as well as to the law enforcement partners involved in the case.
For more information, contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Updates from the U.S. Attorney’s Office can be followed on Facebook or X at @WDTNNews.
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Police Operation Leads to Arrests and Recovery
A police operation resulted in the arrest of two individuals, Jerell Bailey and Jaden Wooden, and the recovery of a stolen Jaguar XE, firearms, illegal drugs, and burglary tools. Both suspects were apprehended after attempting to flee on foot following a monitored car chase. They face multiple charges, including drug possession and vehicle theft, with bonds set at $138,000 and $82,500, respectively. For more details, view the official images of the suspects and recovered items: Jerell Bailey, Jaden Wooden, Recovered Items.
