U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III, who served in office since August 2010, has announced his resignation, effective February 28, 2017.
Memphis, TN – The Western District of Tennessee will soon be without its longest-serving U.S. Attorney. Edward L. Stanton III, who was born and raised in the district, has announced his resignation, effective February 28, 2017.
During his nearly six and a half years in office, Mr. Stanton has been dedicated to protecting the nearly 1.5 million citizens that comprise West Tennessee through the vigorous enforcement of federal laws.
One of Mr. Stanton’s highlights during his tenure as U.S. Attorney was the creation of a dedicated Civil Rights Unit in 2011. The Unit, which has earned national acclaim, is responsible for prosecuting individuals who commit federal civil rights crimes, such as human trafficking, law enforcement corruption, excessive force, official misconduct, hate crimes, predatory lending, unfair housing, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) violations.
Mr. Stanton has led the charge in combating violent crime, human trafficking, and other federal offenses in West Tennessee. His prosecutorial highlights include several high-profile cases:
• Chastain Montgomery, Sr. was sentenced to consecutive life sentences in federal prison for the murders of United States Postal Service employees Paula Robinson and Judy Spray during a robbery of the establishment. Mr. Stanton served as co-counsel on the trial team.
• Ricky Lee Stewart, III was sentenced to life in federal prison for fatally shooting Henderson Police Department Captain Dennis Cagle during an attempted robbery of a Henderson, Tennessee Save-A-Lot. Stewart’s wife, Cheryl Freeman Stewart, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for her role in the attempted robbery.
• Orlando Garcia was sentenced to life in federal prison for his role in the murder of Tennessee State Trooper Calvin Wayne Jenks, who was fatally shot while conducting a traffic stop in Tipton County.
• Dale Mardis was sentenced to life in federal prison for the racially-motivated killing of a Shelby County Code Enforcement Officer. Mr. Stanton served as co-counsel on the trial team.
• Craig Petties, a leader of one of the largest drug trafficking organizations in the Mid-South, was sentenced to nine life sentences in federal prison. More than 40 additional people were also prosecuted for their roles within this violent and lucrative criminal enterprise.
• Clarence Mumford, Sr., the ringleader of a two-decade-long teacher certification testing scam, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison. Thirteen other participants in the scheme were also prosecuted, and an additional 40 schools and 10 testing centers were forced to shut down.
Mr. Stanton leaves behind a legacy of dedication to the people of West Tennessee, and his commitment to fighting crime will be deeply missed.
U.S. Attorney Stanton is confident that the work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to be a force for justice in the community, and he remains committed to being actively engaged in serving the community after his departure.
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Key Facts
- State: Tennessee
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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