'Operation Tiger Punch” Results in Federal and State Indictments of 16 Defendants for Methamphetamine Trafficking Conspiracy in Rural West Tennessee

Memphis, TN - U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant and 25th Judicial District Attorney General Mark E. Davidson announced today a joint federal, state, and local law enforcement investigation, "Operation Tiger Punch" which resulted in the federal indictments of 10 defendants and state indictments of 6 defendants from Lauderdale and Shelby counties.

As alleged in the federal indictment, between February 2024 and April 2026, law enforcement engaged in operations identifying and targeting methamphetamine trafficking in rural West Tennessee. This resulted in a federal indictment of 10 defendants and state indictments of 6 defendants, as well as the seizure of several thousand suspected alprazolam pills sent through the U.S. Mail, approximately 2 pounds of suspected methamphetamine from the Ripley Terrace Apartments in April 2026, a total of 6 firearms, and $23,345 in U.S. Currency.

Specifically, the indictment alleges the following individuals conspired to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including methamphetamine and alprazolam:

• TONY ARNEZ SINGLETON-COOK, aka "Tony Cook" aka "Woadee" 26, of Ripley
• ALFRED HILL, 39, of Memphis, Tennessee
• DEZMON WHITELOW, 23, of Ripley, Tennessee
• BOBBY LESTER BROWN, aka "Big Bob", 64, of Covington, Tennessee
• TRISTAN BUCKNER, aka "T Baby", 28, of Ripley, Tennessee
• RICHARD LEE DALE, 49, of Gates, Tennessee
• TYREECE MACKEY, aka "Big TY", 51, of Ripley, Tennessee
• ROBERT STEVEN MIMS, aka "Steven", 49, of Lauderdale County, Tennessee
• ROSE WILSON, aka "Momma Rose", 62, of Ripley, Tennessee
• SHELIA JEAN COKER, 57, of Ripley, Tennessee

The federal indictment alleges that defendant Tony Arnez Singleton-Cook obtained and distributed methamphetamine to others. During this timeframe, Mr. Cook was on state probation for felony narcotics convictions.

The state indictments returned by the Lauderdale County Grand Jury charged the following individuals with possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver or sell, in violation of T.C.A. § 39-17-434:

• ASHLEY VANCE
• ROBERT BREWER
• GEORGE HOFFMAN
• JOY AMMONS
• CHARLIE JONES, SR.
• CRYSTAL PICKARD

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "We are pleased to join with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to focus on the priority areas of narcotics distribution cases that impact public safety in our rural communities, and we are glad to support this successful joint operation by adopting these cases for aggressive federal prosecution. We are tired of drug traffickers that endanger Lauderdale County and West Tennessee, and we will continue our laser focus on punishing and deterring those who distribute poison for profit."

District Attorney General Mark E. Davidson stated, "The seizure of several pounds of methamphetamine, several thousand suspected alprazolam pills, six firearms, and more than $20,000 in cash underscores the scope of this investigation and its importance to our communities. Operation Tiger Punch reflects the persistence of our law enforcement and the strength of our local, state, and federal partnerships. Our office is committed to pursuing these cases and protecting families throughout the 25th Judicial District."

Lauderdale County Sheriff Brian Kelley said, "Operation Tiger Punch sends a clear and unmistakable message: Those who bring dangerous drugs into our communities will face a united and determined law enforcement response. I want to personally thank our federal and state law enforcement partners for their dedication, relentless efforts, and commitment to this operation. These results represent a significant victory for public safety, with a direct and lasting impact on Lauderdale County and the communities we serve. The Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement partners. Our commitment to protecting our citizens and aggressively pursuing those who threaten their safety is unwavering. Our mission is clear, our resolve is stronger than ever, and we will not relent!"

Officials from the following participating agencies announced the results of Operation "Tiger Punch" at a joint press conference on November 5, 2026, in Ripley, Tennessee:

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Tennessee, the District Attorney General's Office for the 25th Judicial District, 25^th Judicial District Drug Task Force, Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office, West Tennessee Drug Task Force, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Jackson Police Department, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), United States Marshals Service (USMS), Shelby County Sheriff's Office (SCSO), and the Memphis Police Department (MPD).

Assistant United States Attorneys Gregory D. Allen and Raven Icaza are prosecuting the federal case on behalf of the United States.

Assistant District Attorney General Julie K. Pillow and Harrison Hight are prosecuting the state cases on behalf of the State of Tennessee.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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