Possessing Shanks While, Federal Prison Tuesday, Share Facebook — Inmate Convicted of Possessing Shanks While in Federal Prison | United States Justice Department.
Kotula and Cesar Rivera-Giraud of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case.This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative in Memphis conducted in partnership with the U.S. Marshals Service and the Shelby County Division of Corrections are investigating the case.Trial Attorneys Amanda J. announcement Inmate Convicted of Possessing Shanks While in Federal Prison Tuesday, September 30, 2025 Share Facebook X LinkedIn Email For Immediate Release Office of Public Affairs Today, a federal jury in Memphis convicted Mervin Anderson, 40, of Memphis, Tennessee, of one
count of possession of contraband in prison, including two homemade knives, or shanks. court filings state and evidence presented at trial, Anderson was observed on video surveillance inside of the Detention Center in possession of two sharpened, handmade metal knives, commonly referred to as “shanks.” The defendant confronted another inmate while swinging the shanks at him. 3, 2025.Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Updated September 30, 2025 Topic Violent Crime Components Criminal Division Criminal – Violent Crime and Racketeering Section USAO –
Tennessee, Western U.S. The pending case is currently set for trial on Nov. A corrections officer immediately responded to the cell block area and found the defendant still in possession of the shanks. The joint effort addresses violent crime by employing, where appropriate, federal laws to prosecute gang members and their associates in Memphis. Murphy for the Western District of Tennessee made the announcement.The U.S. Sentencing will be set at a later date.The defendant is currently awaiting trial in a pending case where he has been accused with alleged conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Marshals Service announcement