Tavious Richards, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Tennessee 2021

Memphis, TN – In a move to curb gun violence, Tavious Richards, 30, has been sentenced to 123 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, Richards had previously been sentenced to 46 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. While on release, Richards committed several violations, including unlawfully possessing yet another firearm.

On August 12, 2020, Memphis Police Officers identified Richards driving a black 2020 Chevrolet Camaro. Officers knew Richards had active arrest warrants. The Airways Task Force was contacted and responded to the scene. Officers initiated a traffic stop at Airways and I-240 where Richards was captured. While removing him from the vehicle, a handgun was visible. Also found in the vehicle was a backpack containing marijuana, pills, and a bottle of promethazine. The firearm, a Glock .40 caliber pistol, had previously been reported stolen in 2018.

Richards had been previously convicted of aggravated assault, as well as other charges. As a result of his prior convictions, Richards is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.

On April 15, 2021, a Federal Grand Jury sitting in the Western District of Tennessee returned a one-count indictment against Richards for his August 12, 2020, gun possession charge. Richards entered a guilty plea to that indictment on June 16, 2021.

On October 8, 2021, U.S. District Judge Jon P. McCalla sentenced Richards to 108 months in federal prison. However, this sentence was later modified by U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman on October 14, 2021, to a total sentence of 123 months incarceration, to be followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

The Memphis Police Department and Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force investigated this case. The Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel D. Winnig and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Rogers prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Winnig is currently assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office for the purpose of prosecuting violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.

Related Federal Cases