Deon Scott, Accepting a Bribe as a Public Official, Tennessee 2025

A shocking case of corruption has shaken the walls of the Shelby County Divisions of Corrections in Memphis, Tennessee. Former investigator Deon Scott, 41, has pleaded guilty to accepting a bribe as a public official, sparking outrage among law enforcement officials and the public.

According to court records, Scott was working as an Internal Affairs Investigator for the Office of Professional Standards for the Shelby County Divisions of Corrections when he accepted money to provide contraband to an inmate. The exact date of the crime was not specified in the records.

Scott’s guilty plea was made on November 17, 2025, before Chief United States District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman. The defendant is facing up to 15 years in federal prison, with sentencing set for February 19, 2026.

United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant expressed his commitment to rooting out corruption within government institutions, stating that official misconduct and bribery undermine the integrity of the government and compromise the safety and security of correctional facilities.

The case was investigated by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Marshals Service, and the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Lynn Crum and Greg Wagner, along with former Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Kimbril-Parks, prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

The guilty plea serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences that await government officials who engage in corrupt acts. As the investigation continues, it is clear that the Shelby County Divisions of Corrections will not tolerate such behavior and will work tirelessly to maintain the trust and integrity of its operations.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee has made it clear that they will continue to prioritize public corruption cases and work to ensure that those who abuse their positions of power are held accountable.

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