RIPLEY, Tennessee – Federal and state prosecutors have indicted 16 people in “Operation Tiger Punch,” a multi-agency investigation into methamphetamine trafficking in rural West Tennessee. Officials announced the Lauderdale County meth indictments at a joint press conference November 5 in Ripley.
Ten defendants face federal charges. Six others face state charges returned by the Lauderdale County Grand Jury. The defendants come from Lauderdale and Shelby counties, according to U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant and 25th Judicial District Attorney General Mark E. Davidson.
What investigators seized
The federal indictment says law enforcement targeted methamphetamine trafficking in rural West Tennessee between February 2024 and April 2026. Investigators seized several thousand suspected alprazolam pills sent through the U.S. Mail. They also took about 2 pounds of suspected methamphetamine from the Ripley Terrace Apartments in April 2026, six firearms and $23,345 in cash.
Federal defendants
The federal indictment accuses the following people of conspiring to possess controlled substances, including methamphetamine and alprazolam, with intent to distribute:
- 26-year-old Tony Arnez Singleton-Cook, also known as “Tony Cook” and “Woadee,” of Ripley
- 39-year-old Alfred Hill of Memphis
- 23-year-old Dezmon Whitelow of Ripley
- 64-year-old Bobby Lester Brown, also known as “Big Bob,” of Covington
- 28-year-old Tristan Buckner, also known as “T Baby,” of Ripley
- 49-year-old Richard Lee Dale of Gates
- 51-year-old Tyreece Mackey, also known as “Big TY,” of Ripley
- 49-year-old Robert Steven Mims, also known as “Steven,” of Lauderdale County
- 62-year-old Rose Wilson, also known as “Momma Rose,” of Ripley
- 57-year-old Shelia Jean Coker of Ripley
The indictment says Singleton-Cook obtained and distributed methamphetamine to others. He was on state probation for felony narcotics convictions during that period, according to the indictment.
State defendants
The Lauderdale County Grand Jury charged six people with possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver or sell, a violation of T.C.A. § 39-17-434. They are Ashley Vance, Robert Brewer, George Hoffman, Joy Ammons, Charlie Jones Sr. and Crystal Pickard. The source did not list their ages or hometowns.
An indictment is a formal accusation. It is not a finding of guilt, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted in court.
Officials respond
Dunavant said federal prosecutors will take on the cases. “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,” he said. “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.”
Davidson said the seizures show the scope of the investigation. “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,” he said. “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.”
Agencies involved
Participating agencies included the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee, the District Attorney General’s Office for the 25th Judicial District, the 25th Judicial District Drug Task Force, the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office and the West Tennessee Drug Task Force. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration also took part.
Other participants were Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Jackson Police Department, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and the Memphis Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory D. Allen and Raven Icaza are prosecuting the federal case. Assistant District Attorney General Julie K. Pillow and Harrison Hight are prosecuting the state cases.
