Darius Harshaw, Fentanyl Trafficking with Firearm, Tennessee 2023

Memphis Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Fentanyl and Firearm Offenses

Memphis, TN – In a shocking turn of events, Darius Harshaw, 36, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 400 grams of fentanyl and for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

According to court documents, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, along with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, began investigating Harshaw in August 2021. A search warrant was executed at his residence on September 15, 2021, where officers found numerous narcotics, including 873 grams of fentanyl, a firearm, and a money counter.

As a result of his prior felony history, Harshaw is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm. Despite this, he continued to engage in illicit activities, putting the lives of innocent people at risk.

Harshaw pled guilty to ownership of the narcotics and the firearm on November 7, 2022. On February 9, 2023, United States District Judge Jon P. McCalla sentenced Harshaw to 180 months in federal prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case is a stark reminder of the dangers of drug trafficking and the importance of law enforcement working together to take down those who threaten our communities. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, ATF, and the Department of Homeland Security Investigation all played crucial roles in bringing Harshaw to justice.

United States Attorney Kevin Ritz thanked Assistant United States Attorney Gregory Allen, who prosecuted this case, as well as the law enforcement partners who investigated the case. The public can contact Public Information Officer Cherri Green at (901) 544-4231 or cherri.green@usdoj.gov for more information.

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