Shelby County Sheriff's Office

Cargo theft has emerged as one of the most pressing issues facing Memphis’s business and logistics community, and it has commanded serious attention at both the state and federal level. SCSO Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner and Assistant Chief Deputy Chuck Mays attended the Cargo Theft Roundtable Discussion today at the offices of the Greater Memphis Chamber in downtown Memphis.

This roundtable convened dozens of law enforcement and civic officials, business leaders, and logistics stakeholders alongside U.S. Attorney Mike Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee and senior officials from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Cathy F. Gautreaux, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Multimodal Freight Infrastructure and Policy, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation, spoke on the importance of protecting the country’s cargo and supplies from theft. The mission of the Freight office is to manage National Multimodal Freight Policy and the “Freight Logistics Optimization Works” (FLOW) program. Memphis, as a global hub at the intersection of air, rail, road, and river freight, has both a unique exposure to this threat and a unique ability to lead the response.

Chief Will Johnson, First Vice President, International Association of Chiefs of Police, told the participants that coordination between local, state, national, and international agencies is an upmost importance. Johnson has twenty-eight years of law enforcement experience and serves as the Chief Special Agent and Assistant Vice President of the BNSF Railway Police Department. BNSF Railway is one of the largest railroad companies in North America, operating in 28 U.S. states and three Canadian provinces.

D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney, Western District of Tennessee, Department of Justice, emphasized his eagerness and willingness to bring these cases to the federal level, if applicable. Dunavant is currently serving for the second time as the Presidentially Appointed, Senate Confirmed United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee and was sworn into office on October 10, 2025.

UPDATE: Rachel Houston has been found safe.
Thank you to everyone who shared her information and assisted in the search.

Last week, Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner, along with members of the Sheriff’s Command staff, Finance, Planning, and Jail maintenance, traveled to Columbus, Ohio, to visit the new Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Correctional Facility. This trip was designed to give insight into how other Sheriff’s Offices are using their holding facilities to better serve their communities' needs. The new Franklin County Corrections Facility had modern amenities and a thoughtful design. From advanced security technology to enhanced medical and mental health services, the facility offers resources that go far beyond what you’d find in traditional correctional centers. The new living spaces are designed to foster rehabilitation and dignity, featuring improved visitation areas, educational classrooms, and expanded recreational options. Thank you, Franklin County Sheriff's Office, for hosting our visit.

SCSO Reserves Assistant Chief Derrick Anderson and Volunteer Services Lieutenant Calvin Grantham presented Reserve Chief Ronnie Washington with the Legacy of Fatherhood award on behalf of City Changers of Memphis on June 19 at Beale Street Landing in downtown Memphis. He was given this award for his dedication to the community which includes 39 years of service to the Reserve Division, and his dedication to the underprivileged children of this community by providing over 100 foster children with Christmas gifts every year. Washington was also given a proclamation by the City of Memphis for his service and dedication.

Yesterday, June 17, 2026, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office enjoyed spending the evening with community members at Germantown Baptist Church's Annual Car Show. From classic cars and hot rods to great conversations and fellowship, it was a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community we proudly serve.

We would like to thank Germantown Baptist Church for inviting us to be a part of this family-friendly event. We appreciate the opportunity to engage with residents and strengthen the relationships that help make Shelby County a great place to live, work, and visit.

Germantown Police Department
Collierville Police Department

Yesterday, Shelia O'Connor with FOX13 Memphis did a ride-along with one of our deputies during THSO's "ARRIVE ALIVE ON 385" campaign. This one-day campaign, involving the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Memphis Police Department, and Collierville Police Department, aimed at lowering deadly and serious injury crashes along 385. Thank you to Fox 13 and Shelia O’Connor FOX13 Memphis for covering this important campaign. Watch the story below.

'Arrive Alive on 385' aims to reduce traffic deaths on Memphis highway Multiple law enforcement agencies across West Tennessee are trying to make roads safer with a simple traffic campaign. The Tennessee Highway Safety Office launched "Arrive Alive on 385" Wednesday.