Anthony Benson, Cocaine Possession with Intent to Distribute, Tennessee 2021

Memphis, TN – A Memphis man has been sentenced to over 12 years in federal prison for his role in a cocaine trafficking operation. Anthony Benson, 41, of Somerville, Tennessee, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr.

The investigation, which began in June 2016, was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Tennessee Highway Patrol Criminal Investigation Division and the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department.

According to court documents, Benson stored and trafficked cocaine out of a residence located in Somerville, Tennessee. Agents from the DEA made undercover buys from Benson and other family members, leading to his arrest and subsequent guilty plea in August 2020.

Benson pled guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine in violation of Title 21 United States Code Section 841. On May 6, 2021, U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Benson to 151 months in federal prison to be followed by three years supervised release, based upon his career offender classification.

Assistant United States Attorneys Raney Irwin and Michelle Kimbril-Parks prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The case is a reminder of the ongoing struggle against drug trafficking in Tennessee. Law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to dismantle these operations and bring those responsible to justice.

The federal prison sentence reflects the seriousness of Benson’s crimes and the impact they have on our communities. We will continue to work with law enforcement to keep our neighborhoods safe.

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