Memphis Dad Indicted for Gunfire Injury to Toddler

MEMPHIS, TN – A federal grand jury has nailed down Jeremy Shields, 25, for a grave firearm offense after he was caught with a weapon that injured his three-year-old son. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant led the charge, announcing the indictment today.

On January 25, 2018, a federal grand jury indicted Shields for possessing a firearm following a conviction for domestic violence misdemeanor. The firearm’s presence in Shields’ apartment on the 5400 block of Hudgins Road, where he kept a Smith & Wesson .45 caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number, led to the shooting incident.

The horror unfolded on May 7, 2017, when Memphis Police Department officers rushed to Methodist South Hospital. The child victim was in critical condition with a single gunshot wound. After surgeries at LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, the toddler’s life was saved.

U.S. Attorney Dunavant emphasized the commitment to reducing violent crime, citing this case as a demonstration of the federal statutes’ application to firearms offenses by prohibited persons. He commended law enforcement for their efforts in bringing justice to those who cause harm with illegal firearm use.

Shields faces up to 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years supervised release if convicted. The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that brings together all levels of law enforcement to combat violent crime.

Investigating agencies include the Memphis Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryce Phillips is prosecuting on behalf of the government.