For Immediate Release
Friday, May 3, 2019
Lauderdale County Man Sentenced to 100 Months for Illegally Possessing Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking
Memphis, TN – A Lauderdale County man has been sentenced to 100 months in federal prison for illegally possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, Derriyl DeAndre Maben, 34, was known as the “go to person” for anyone in need of firearms in Ripley, Tennessee.
On July 26, 2017, law enforcement from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Ripley Police Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), and Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) conducted a search of Maben’s residence. Several loaded firearms were seized along with marijuana, methamphetamine(ICE) and drug paraphernalia.
Additionally, on September 30, 2017, evidence proved that Maben discharged a firearm during a physical altercation at the L & M Market on Eastland Street, Ripley, TN.
On July 16, 2018, Maben pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition.
On April 26, 2019, United States District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Maben to 100 months in federal prison followed by three years supervised release.
U.S. Attorney D, Michael Dunavant said, “This defendant has a long criminal history of felony and misdemeanor convictions involving violence, drug possession, and property damage, and was on felony probation when he was found in possession of multiple firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. Mr. Maben has devoted his adult life to a career of criminal conduct in Lauderdale County, and that prior history has finally caught up with him. This sentence removing him from the community for more than 8 years will make Lauderdale County and West Tennessee a safer place.”
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Ripley Police Department; Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Tennessee Department of Correction.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Raney Irwin prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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