Assistant United States Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr. has been appointed as the Interim United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee. His appointment by the U.S. Attorney General took effect on March 28, 2025.
Murphy's career with the Memphis office began in 1989. He was appointed as Acting U.S. Attorney by the District Court, serving from 2021 to 2023. Before this, he took on the role of First Assistant U.S. Attorney in 2018, holding it until his elevation to Acting U.S. Attorney. In 2011, Murphy worked as Criminal Chief, supervising Assistant U.S. Attorneys in criminal investigations and prosecutions. He also spent three years as Deputy Chief of Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force, after serving as a line Assistant U.S. Attorney in the criminal division and drug task force unit.
Throughout his tenure with the Department of Justice, Murphy participated in over 125 felony case trials in U.S. District Court. His record includes cases involving illegal distribution of controlled substances by health care professionals, mail and wire fraud, and theft of pension funds and interstate shipments. He also represented the government in over 200 cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, arguing numerous appeals.
Murphy, a native of Memphis, is married with two adult children. He graduated from Lambuth College and the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at the University of Memphis. Murphy remains active in community and legal affairs.
For further information, contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Updates from the U.S. Attorney's Office can be followed on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews.