In an effort to clamp down on lawlessness in Memphis, the Department of War has dispatched a cadre of 20 military lawyers to reinforce the ranks of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Tennessee. These Judge Advocates, or JAGs, sourced from various branches of the armed forces, have been appointed as Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) to handle federal prosecutions related to the city's crime surge. This move follows a recent presidential order aimed at reining in street and violent crime in the region, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Detailed to support the "Restoring Law and Order in Memphis" initiative announced on September 15, 2025, the SAUSAs will prosecute federal cases stemming from the Memphis Safe Task Force's (MSTF) initiatives. These involve an array of enforcement measures, including rigorous policing and comprehensive investigations, particularly in neighborhoods afflicted by crime. Along with their military backgrounds, many of these military lawyers bring prior experience in federal and state prosecutions to the table, as mentioned in the same press release.
In their announcement, the U.S. Attorney's Office highlighted the results of MSTF operations from the beginning of October to the end of December 2025. They reported a dramatic increase in federal cases, with 195 defendants charged, an uptick that marks a 217.14% increase in cases indicted and a 281.08% increase in defendants charged, compared to the same period in the previous year.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said in a press release that his office is committed to supporting the work of the MSTF through responsive and aggressive federal prosecution of cases involving offenders who pose a significant risk to public safety. He also noted the increased coordination between the Department of Justice and the Department of War and cited the need for additional prosecutorial resources as court dockets continue to grow due to the MSTF’s expanded enforcement efforts.
The notable reduction in violent crime attributed to the MSTF's efforts was expected to be maintained and bolstered within the legal system by the SAUSAs, according to U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller. He expressed confidence that the progress made on the streets of Memphis would translate into the courtrooms, ensuring swift and fair justice while fostering lasting positive change in the city.
