MEMPHIS, TN – Percy Woodears, 40, is headed to federal prison for over eleven years after being sentenced for orchestrating a large-scale cocaine distribution network that flooded Memphis streets. Woodears received 135 months – 11 years and 3 months – in federal court after pleading guilty to multiple drug and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr. announced today.
The investigation, launched in October 2019 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), revealed Woodears, also known as “Boom,” was a central figure in acquiring kilogram quantities of cocaine. He then leveraged a network of associates to distribute both powder and crack cocaine, raking in substantial profits. The operation wasn’t just about drugs; it was a dangerous combination of narcotics and firepower, according to investigators.
On February 5, 2021, agents raided locations linked to Woodears, uncovering a significant haul: three kilograms of cocaine neatly wrapped, a safe stuffed with $313,898 in cash, and four firearms. This raid triggered a wider crackdown, leading to the indictment of Woodears and 15 other individuals for their involvement in the cocaine and crack cocaine ring on February 25, 2021. During the subsequent arrests of the co-conspirators, authorities seized an additional six firearms.
Woodears ultimately pled guilty on January 13, 2022, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of powder cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 280 grams of crack cocaine, and aiding and abetting the possession of 3.4 kilograms of cocaine. This wasn’t his first brush with the law; Woodears previously faced federal charges for a firearms offense in the Western District of Tennessee back in 2010, demonstrating a pattern of criminal behavior.
“This case highlights the impact multiple agencies can have when they join forces,” stated Mickey French, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF. “We will continue to work together and pursue those individuals who threaten our communities by distributing illegal and dangerous drugs as well as illegally possessing firearms.” All 15 co-defendants have also entered guilty pleas, suggesting a comprehensive dismantling of the operation.
U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman handed down the 135-month sentence on June 2, 2022, followed by five years of supervised release. The investigation involved a collaborative effort from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, the Memphis Police Multi-Agency Gang Unit, and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory D. Allen and Jennifer Musselwhite led the prosecution.
Related Federal Cases
- Shannell Gosine, Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine, Buffalo NY, 2023 · Tennessee
- Braun Tarone Evans Dabbs, Crack Cocaine Conspiracy, TN 2017 · Georgia
- Selena Ball, Cocaine Distribution Conspiracy, Texas 2015 · Tennessee
- Moniteveti Katoa, Conspiracy to Transport Cocaine, Texas 2016 · Tennessee
- Barry Moore, Crack Cocaine Conspiracy, Tennessee 2017 · Georgia
Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Press Release
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