A Memphis resident, Richard Collins, has been sentenced to over eight years in prison for his involvement in distributing methamphetamine. The sentence was announced by Reagan Fondren, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.
In June 2023, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) began investigating drug activities linked to the 92 Bishop Blood street gang. On June 13, undercover ATF agents arranged to purchase two ounces of pure methamphetamine from Collins for $500. Collins organized a meeting on Jackson Avenue in Memphis and coordinated with another individual who delivered 63.34 grams of pure methamphetamine in exchange for the money.
Collins faced charges in February 2024 for conspiracy and aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine. He pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting on October 10, 2024.
On January 8, 2025, United States District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Collins to 100 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release. Federal sentences do not include parole.
Marcus S. Watson, Special Agent in Charge at the ATF-Nashville Field Office, stated: “The ATF works collaboratively with its state, local, and federal partners to ensure that justice is served on those individuals who repeatedly and intentionally violate the law.” He added that organized crime is a significant issue across many cities.
The investigation was conducted by the Memphis Field Office of the ATF with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Nashville laboratory.
Acting U.S. Attorney Reagan Fondren expressed gratitude towards Assistant United States Attorneys Bryce H. Phillips and Wendy Cornejo for prosecuting this case along with law enforcement partners involved in the investigation.