U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz

Official account of former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee Kevin Ritz. This account is no longer active.

[U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz @USAttyRitz]

And finally, I made it back to Memphis in time to hear the verdict in a multiweek trial that wrapped up an hour ago. A federal jury convicted three defendants on serious racketeering and violent crime charges. Thanks to our trial team for their hard work.

[U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz @USAttyRitz]

This morning I spoke to the Tennessee Sheriffs Association in Murfreesboro. I was able to visit with many West Tennessee sheriffs and thank them for their partnership.

[U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz @USAttyRitz]

Also on Wednesday, my team had the honor of hearing from U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller, who helped us kick off our Black History Month programming.

[U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz @USAttyRitz]

On Wednesday we announced the first charges in our Memphis Violent Crime Initiative. We will continue to build cases like this and hold violent gang members accountable for their actions.

[WDTNNews @WDTNNews]

A federal grand jury yesterday returned a superseding indictment bringing new charges against 3 alleged members of the Unknown Vice Lords (UVL)– Ghost Mob for causing a death through the use of a firearm during and in relation to a violent crime. https://t.co/PQaCwQ9OCE

[U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz @USAttyRitz]

We also announced a 14-year sentence for a man who was spreading deadly fentanyl into our community.

[WDTNNews @WDTNNews]

NEWS: A federal judge sentenced a Memphis man to 14 years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess fentanyl with intent to distribute. Read more at https://t.co/1vFBvgwz0N

[U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz @USAttyRitz]

Our office had a busy week! First, we announced that a federal jury convicted a repeat offender of several armed robberies in Memphis.

[WDTNNews @WDTNNews]

NEWS: A federal jury delivered a guilty verdict recently in the case of a Memphis man charged with committing a series of armed robberies in summer 2022. Read more at https://t.co/M6P1NNLxOK

[U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz @USAttyRitz]

I started my DOJ career 18 years ago as an AUSA in our office’s OCDETF unit. This task force targets major drug trafficking groups. Today I met with agents and prosecutors—including 9 other U.S. Attorneys—from across the southeast to talk about progress made and challenges ahead.

[U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz @USAttyRitz]

Really enjoyed speaking to the Jackson Exchange Club yesterday. And it’s always a pleasure to connect with U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller—one of our office’s great law enforcement partners. @USMSMemphis

[U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz @USAttyRitz]

It’s always tough to say goodbye to one of our team members. Lori has done a terrific job as a paralegal in our Civil Division. We’ve worked together my whole 18-year career in the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Thanks for your service, Lori! You will be missed.

[U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz @USAttyRitz]

Finally, I spoke to participants in the FBI Citizens Academy about the work my team is doing to uphold the rule of law, protect civil rights, and keep Americans safe. Kudos to these citizens for taking the time to learn about federal law enforcement.

[U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz @USAttyRitz]

Over the past several days, I’ve had the chance to discuss the work of our office with citizens throughout Memphis. My first stop was the Frayser Exchange Club, where I saw many friends and community partners.

[U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz @USAttyRitz]

Yesterday I attended the inauguration of Jennifer Collins, the new President of Rhodes College (and a former AUSA!). Excited to be there with my wife, who is an alumna.

[U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz @USAttyRitz]

It was a privilege to hear from Rabbi Greenstein, former U.S. Attorney Ed Stanton, and Mr. Wright’s family members. Many thanks to Rabbi Greenstein and Temple for inviting us.

[U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz @USAttyRitz]

I was honored to participate in Temple Israel’s High Holy Days programming earlier this week. Our United Against Hate program focused on the federal hate crimes prosecution of Dale Mardis, who murdered Mickey Wright in April 2001.

[U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz @USAttyRitz]

I’m a runner. It was an honor for me to join hundreds of other Memphis runners (including District Attorney Mulroy) to #finishlizasrun this morning. Thanks to MPD Deputy Chief Don Crowe and all the MPD officers who marked the route and kept the runners safe.

[U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz @USAttyRitz]

#901Day is a special day in my hometown. There’s so much to celebrate about Memphis. I’m especially proud of the dedicated public servants—like my colleagues in the U.S. Attorney’s Office—working every day to make Memphis a better and safer place.

[U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz @USAttyRitz]

This case was worked by our office’s new National Security and Civil Rights Unit, together with the FBI and the Civil Rights Division at Main Justice. I commend them for their work. Remember: public trust in law enforcement is essential to public safety.

[WDTNNews @WDTNNews]

NEWS: Former MPD officer Armando Bustamante was sentenced today to 18 months in prison and one year of supervised release for violating an arrestee’s civil rights by using excessive force against him. Read more at https://t.co/pAsbWCxN2l

[U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz @USAttyRitz]

On Saturday I was honored to join our Jackson Branch Chief Hillary Parham in addressing the I-C.A.R.E. Back-to-School Summit at Lane College. It was great to see community and law enforcement partners from the Jackson area.