Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Memphis, TN – On August 23, 2017, a federal grand jury returned a one count indictment against Rafael Garza a/k/a "Poppy," Timothy Woods, Juan Cisneros a/k/a "Hot Rod," Alfredo Arambul a/k/a "Freddy," a/k/a "Chain," Carlos Alberto Lopez, Tiffany Harper, Anthony Hope, Anthony Gilliam, Corey Blair, Marcus Joyner, Ricky Dortch, and Johnny Smith alleging that these individuals conspired to possess with the intent distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.

On February 15, 2018, a federal grand jury returned a second seven count indictment arising out of the same investigation against Jackie Arnold a/k/a/ "Jackie Red," Timothy Brown, a/k/a "Blemi," Dedrick Chism, a/k/a/ "Dean," Foyice Clark, Reginald Duncan, Theotis Evans, Rico Fason, Rodney Harper, Tangela Jackson, Lakata Johnson, Roderick Kelley, a/k/a/ "Hot-Rod," and Shunta Thompson-Truehart, alleging illegal drug violations. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the indictments today.

The twelve defendants currently in custody on this most recent seven-count indictment are:

Jackie Arnold, a/k/a "Jackie Red," 47, Memphis, TN
Timothy Brown, a/k/a/ "Blemi," 38, Memphis, TN
Dedrick Chism, a/k/a/ "Dean," 42, Memphis, TN
Foyice Clark, 60, Memphis, TN
Reginald Duncan, 46, Memphis, TN
Theotis Evans, 41, Memphis, TN
Rico Fason, 31, Memphis, TN
Rodney Harper, 41, Memphis, TN
Tangela Jackson, 49, Memphis, TN
Lakata Johnson, 45, Memphis, TN
Roderick Kelley, a/k/a/ "Hot-Rod," 43, Memphis, TN
Shunta Thompson-Truehart, 38, Memphis, TN

Count 1 charges Jackie Arnold a/k/a "Jackie Red," Timothy Brown, a/k/a "Blemi," Dedrick Chism a/k/a "Dean," Foyice Clark, Reginald Duncan, Theotis Evans, Rico Fason, Rodney Harper, Tangela Jackson, Roderick Kelley, a/k/a "Hot-Rod," and Shunta Thompson-Truehart with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.

Count 2 charges Jackie Arnold a/k/a "Jackie Red," with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

Count 3 charges Jackie Arnold a/k/a "Jackie Red," Dedrick Chism, Reginald Duncan, Rico Fason and Shunta Thompson-Truehart with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana.

Counts 4, 5 and 6 are redacted at this time.

Count 7 charges that Jackie Arnold a/k/a "Jackie Red," and Lakata Johnson conspired to conduct financial transactions involving the proceeds of drug trafficking with the intent to either promote the carrying on of the unlawful activity or knowing that the transaction was designed to conceal the source of the proceeds of the unlawful activity.

During this nearly two-year long investigation, agents seized approximately $700,000 in U.S. currency and assets, 3.5 kilos of heroin, 52 kilograms of cocaine, approximately 84 pounds of marijuana and several firearms. If convicted, the defendants face mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years imprisonment up to life.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, United States Postal Inspectors Office, FBI, Memphis Police Department, Multi-Agency Gang Unit, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, and West Tennessee Drug Task Force investigated this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jerry Kitchen and Michelle Kimbril-Parks are prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.

The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proved guilty.