Memphis Safe Task Force Update: Over 4,000 Arrests Including Gang Members & Murderers

Image Credit: U.S. Marshals Service / Facebook

The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –

As of Monday, Dec. 15, the Memphis Safe Task Force (MSTF) has reported over 4,000 arrests, including many made through traffic stops, and the apprehension of violent criminals including gang members and homicide suspects.

The US Marshals Service’s update for Dec 15 showed 4,081 total arrests, 123 mission children located, 629 firearms seized, and 401 gang members arrested.

That arrest number includes 15 homicide suspects, 400 drug offenses, 320 gun crimes, and 72 sex offenses.

A press release by the agency gave some recent examples of how the MSTF has removed guns, drugs, and “dangerous offenders” from the streets following traffic stops:

• Reginald Strong, 32- charged with possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
• Christian, Keaton, 29- charged with felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance.
• Marvis Ballard, 41- charged with felon in possession of a firearm.

“The Memphis Safe Task Force remains focused on reducing violent crime and enhancing public safety across Memphis communities. These arrests underscore the Task Force’s diligence in suppressing crime, identifying suspects, and removing illegal firearms and drugs from the streets…By removing dangerous offenders and contraband, Task Force operations like this, safeguard both officers and the community as a whole,” the release read.

Last Friday, the Marshals also announced the apprehension of the third suspect wanted in a homicide case from the beginning of this year. Dande Ashby, 23, was arrested without incident as the alleged second shooter in a February 2, 2025, murder.

“Occasionally, we may not get the suspect immediately after the crime,” said Tyreece Miller, United States Marshal for the Western District of Tennessee. “But no matter what, we will not stop until we get the suspect. We are happy that [the victim’s] family can now sleep better knowing all three of the individuals involved in this heinous crime are behind bars where they belong.”

And while not specifically related to the task force, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee announced on Monday that a federal grand jury returned a guilty verdict in the case of a 32-year-old Memphis man, Maurice Harris, who committed a series of armed robberies of businesses in October of 2024.

Harris faces a mandatory statutory minimum sentence of 75 years in federal prison based on prior convictions and additional time for violating the conditions of his supervised release, and there is no parole in the federal system. Sentencing is set for March 18, 2026.

Community response to the MSTF’s presence seems to remain relatively positive, with social media comments thanking the officers and agencies for their efforts and offering prayers for their safety.

“Wonderful job to the team. From taking firearms off the street to finding missing children. Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” wrote one person.

Another said, “Great work to all of you! This is so amazing and encouraging. Prayers to all of you for your own safety.”

About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.