The Memphis Safe Task Force arrested 13 people Tuesday after officers caught them unloading $250,000 worth of stolen chicken from an 18-wheeler in the parking lot of an Economy Inn on Lamar Avenue near Old Getwell Road, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
All suspects fled when authorities moved in, but every individual was captured. Detectives recovered three handguns, approximately $110,000 worth of stolen merchandise, and deadly drugs including fentanyl and cocaine during the investigation.
Javunte Johnson and the Firearm Charges
Javunte Johnson, 33, faces charges of aggravated robbery, theft of property valued between $60,000 and $250,000, and convicted felon in possession of a handgun. An existing arrest warrant for aggravated robbery was also executed against him at the scene.
Quantrivious Shavers, 25, was charged with theft of property, convicted felon in possession of a handgun, and possession of fentanyl with intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell. Jessie Moore, 37, was charged with convicted felon in possession of a handgun and evading arrest during a foot pursuit. According to Memphis chicken theft arrest details, officers linked the unloaded pallets directly to a prior theft of the semi-trailer.
Full List of Charges Against the 13 Suspects
Memphis Police charged twelve individuals at the scene, with a thirteenth facing additional counts. The full roster of charges includes:
- Javunte Johnson, 33: Aggravated robbery, theft of property $60,000-$250,000, convicted felon in possession of a handgun.
- Robert Wilson, 56: Theft of property $60,000-$250,000, evading arrest by vehicle.
- Quantrivious Shavers, 25: Theft of property $60,000-$250,000, convicted felon in possession of a handgun, possession of fentanyl with intent to sell.
- Samuel Jackson, 38: Theft of property $60,000-$250,000, possession of cocaine with intent to sell.
- John Shipp, 47: Theft of property $60,000-$250,000.
- Rico Jackson, 36: Theft of property $60,000-$250,000.
- Devean Hoyle, 45: Theft of property $60,000-$250,000.
- Trashawn Featherson, 35: Theft of property $60,000-$250,000.
- Robert Dishmon, 40: Theft of property $60,000-$250,000.
- Marcellous McKinney, 38: Theft of property $60,000-$250,000, evading arrest by vehicle.
- Jessie Moore, 37: Convicted felon in possession of a handgun, evading arrest on foot.
- Alexis Pike, 21: Evading arrest on foot, two counts of theft of property less than $1,000.
What Comes Next for the Suspects
All 13 individuals are expected to face prosecution in Shelby County. The Memphis Safe Task Force, which includes the U.S. Marshals Service and Memphis Police Department, continues to investigate the origin of the semi-trailer theft and whether additional suspects were involved.
The recovery of three firearms alongside fentanyl and cocaine means several defendants face stacked felony charges that carry significant prison sentences under Tennessee law. No further details on initial court appearances had been released as of Tuesday.
