DOJ Seal

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office
Western District of Tennessee

For Immediate Release

Thursday, May 27, 2021
Joseph C. Murphy, Jr.
, United States Attorney

Convicted Felon Sentenced to 11 Years for Distribution of Methamphetamine and Using a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Offense

Memphis, TN – Bruce Matthews, 28, has been sentenced to 137 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine and using a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, between November 2019 and January 2020, undercover agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), began a criminal investigation of Matthews during several controlled purchases of firearms and methamphetamine transactions.

Matthews is a convicted felon, having previously been convicted of aggravated assault and criminal attempt rape of a child. As a result of his prior felony convictions, he is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.

On February 5, 2021, Matthews pled guilty.

On May 20, 2021, U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Matthews to 137 months in federal prison to be followed by five years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy K. Cornejo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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Nashville Field Division