Department of Justice Press Release

Two Memphis police officers arrested in sting operations

THE COMPLAINTS
Terrance Lashun Harris is 32 years old and an officer with the Memphis Police Department ("MPD"). He is currently assigned to the Southeast precinct. He has been employed with the MPD since September 29, 1997. He is charged with attempting to possess with the intent to distribute at least approximately six kilograms of cocaine in violation of 21 U.S.C. S 846. The affidavit of FBI Special Agent Bryan B. Underwood is attached to the complaint and describes the basis for the charge and the underlying investigation.

According to the affidavit, the investigators received information that Harris was involved in distributing narcotics. To follow up on these allegations, an IRS agent analyzed Harris' financial transactions.

According to the affidavit, the informant also asked if Harris would assist him in cocaine transactions. Harris readily agreed. During a meeting on February 22, 2006, Harris paid the informant $5,000 to assist the informant in purchasing three kilograms of cocaine for resale. On February 27, 2006, the informant repaid $5000 to Harris along with an additional $2,500 representing his share of the profit. According to the indictment, at this meeting, the informant told Harris that, "I ain't getting nothing but three keys at a time. I made 2,000 off each one of them". The informant was telling Harris that he bought three kilograms of cocaine and resold them for a $2,000 profit on each kilogram.

Ted M. Williams is 43 years old and an officer with the Memphis Police Department. He was hired by the Memphis Police Department in 1994, and he is currently assigned to the Traffic Enforcement Unit. He is charged with violations of 18 U.S.C. S 641 (theft of government property), 18 U.S.C. S 2 (aiding and abetting) and 21 U.S.C. S 846 (attempted possession of a controlled substance). The affidavit of FBI Special Agent Daniel A. Netemeyer is attached to the complaint against Williams and describes the basis for the charges and the underlying investigation.

According to the affidavit, Williams had a series of discussions with an informant regarding robbing drug dealers. THee conversations were recorded. The informant said he worked with Mexican drug dealers and would be in possession of their money and drugs. According to the affidavit, on October 24, 2005, Williams asked the informant if he wanted to do it, and the informant told Williams that he would be driving a vehicle and Williams could stop it and take the money. As described in the affidavit, they then planned a theft.

As described in the affidavit, Williams also agreed to escort a shipment of drugs. The affidavit alleges that, on or about March 23, 2006, the informant had a telephone conversation, the informant told Williams that the "Mexicans" were on their way, and Williams warned that they should avoid the north loop of Interstate 40 to avoid teams of law enforcement officers.