MEMPHIS, TN – A former Memphis police officer has been charged with federal civil rights, kidnapping, and weapons offenses in connection with a fatal shooting that left one man dead. Patric J. Ferguson, a former member of the Memphis Police Department, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Memphis, Tennessee, on eight counts of federal crimes.
The indictment alleges that Ferguson, while on duty as a Memphis Police Department officer on January 5, 2021, kidnapped and shot R.H. in the head, resulting in R.H.’s death. Ferguson then allegedly conspired with Joshua M. Rogers, a civilian, to cover up the fatal shooting by disposing of R.H.’s body in the Wolf River in Memphis.
The indictment further alleges that Rogers, a co-conspirator, disposed of the car used to transport R.H.’s body by selling the car at a scrap metal dealership. Ferguson and Rogers are also charged with federal offenses for conspiring to cover up the fatal shooting and destroying evidence of the crimes.
Rogers is also charged with accessory after the fact for helping Ferguson cover up his crimes. The indictment alleges that Ferguson and Rogers worked together to conceal the truth about the fatal shooting, making it difficult for investigators to determine what really happened.
The investigation into the case was led by the FBI Memphis Field Office and the Memphis Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard for the Western District of Tennessee and Trial Attorneys Maura White and Tenette Smith of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section will be prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The case is a stark reminder of the importance of holding law enforcement officials accountable for their actions and ensuring that the public can trust those who are sworn to protect and serve.
The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee, and Special Agent in Charge Douglas DePodesta of the FBI Memphis Field Office.
Related Federal Cases
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Key Facts
- State: Tennessee
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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