Memphis Safe Task Force Rings in New Year With Nearly 4,700 Arrests, and More Than 750 Illicit Firearms Seized

Memphis, TN – Since it launched in October, the Memphis Safe Task Force (MSTF) - a multi-agency initiative to combat violent crime in Memphis composed of federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as the Tennessee National Guard - has been focused on arresting violent criminals, clearing warrants, seizing illegal firearms, and locating missing children.

The MSTF has arrested 4,698 violent fugitives, seized 758 illegal firearms and safely located 132 children. Of those arrested, 463 have been gang members, 24 were for homicide, 76 for sex offenses and 505 for controlled substances.

“Local, state, and federal partners form the collective shield that protects our citizens and sustains justice,” said Gadyaces S. Serralta, Director of the U.S. Marshals Service and Chair of the Memphis Safe Task Force. “I’m proud to lead this task force that President Trump established to combat violent crime by deploying federal law enforcement and the National Guard to Memphis. The tremendous success of this operation reflects the resolve of Attorney General Bondi and U.S. Attorney Dunnavant and the commitment of every officer from every agency on the task force. We have all dedicated ourselves to making the city of Memphis safer for everyone.”

“Those who know and love our city are experiencing the difference of safer streets every day,” said Tyreece Miller, U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Tennessee. “Our task force has helped accelerate the path toward real change. We are committed to our partnerships and an even brighter future for Memphis.”

Notable MSTF arrests:

Arsenio Davis, 36, arrested on a first-degree murder charge October 22 after the MSTF responded to reports of a shooting in the 1600 block of Helsley Street. When they arrived on scene, officers located a female victim who was pronounced deceased on the scene. One officer sustained a non-critical injury from a dog bite and was transported to the hospital. A second officer was assaulted by a woman who unlawfully entered the active crime scene and struck the officer while being escorted out. She was taken into custody without further incident. After identifying Davis as a possible suspect, Task Force members returned to the residence, and Davis fled from the rear of the property and was quickly detained. Inside the residence, officers discovered a second deceased individual who appeared to be partially dismembered.

Lawrence Williams, 25, was arrested on a warrant for petition to revoke a suspended sentence for criminal attempt, especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor. Through an interagency collaborative effort, investigators learned the whereabouts of Williams, leading Task Force members to the area of Knotty Oaks Drive in Memphis. When Williams refused to open his door, Task Force members forced entry, and their K9 partner Marko located the suspect hiding in a back bedroom inside the residence. Williams was placed into custody and transported to a local hospital for medical treatment for injuries sustained during the arrest. According to the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry, last updated on September 24 of this year, Williams has criminal history involving sex offenses dating back to 2022.

Alex Rodriguez, aka Rodriguez Aguirres, 52, arrested on an outstanding state warrant for rape of a child and aggravated sexual battery. The arrest occurred during a targeted warrant operation conducted by Task Force members. Rodriguez, a Honduran national, was also determined to be unlawfully present in the United States. The warrant alleges that the victim of these offenses was between the ages of 8 and 13 years old.

Anthony Mason and Xavier Brown, both Kitchen Cripps gang members and alleged witnesses to a December 20 homicide, were arrested December 21 for unlawful possession of a firearm while intoxicated at a residence in the 200 block of Grove Dale Street. MSTF officers sized nine firearms – six handguns and three rifles - after they obtained and executed a search warrant for the residence and vehicles at the residence.

Eric Wilkerson, 43, was arrested on December 17 in the area of East Hickory Bluffs on a warrant for attempted first-degree murder. Wilkerson is alleged to have been previously charged with aggravated assault in connection with the February 22, 2024, shooting that killed Adrian Goodrich, a former Bellevue Middle School football coach.

Dande Ashby, 23, arrested December 11 in Horn Lake, Mississippi. Ashby is the alleged second shooter who participated in the February 2 murder of Adrien Prewitt.

Gabrien Rounds, 20, charged with first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder and employing a firearm during a dangerous felony following a June 18, 2024, homicide in Castalia Heights, was arrested December 2 in the 1500 block of Antona Place.

China D. White, 25, a Gangster Disciple gang member charged with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted first-degree murder in Shelby County following a July 2020 murder on Barron Avenue, was taken into custody at an apartment complex in the 3100 block of Pecan Lake Drive at approximately 9:15 p.m., December 2.

Nigel Farmer, 30, was arrested November 19 in Omaha, Nebraska, for a first-degree murder charge stemming from an October 29, 2024, shooting death of a 31-year-old Shelby County woman.

Anyone with information about wanted fugitives is encouraged to submit it via the USMS Tips app.