LAUDERDALE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 5, 2026
OPERATION TIGER PUNCH: 16 INDICTED IN MAJOR WEST TENNESSEE DRUG TRAFFICKING INVESTIGATION
LAUDERDALE COUNTY, TENNESSEE — The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office is announcing the results of Operation Tiger Punch, a major joint federal, state, and local law enforcement investigation targeting methamphetamine trafficking in Lauderdale County and surrounding areas of West Tennessee.
The investigation, conducted between February 2024 and April 2026, resulted in federal indictments against 10 individuals and state indictments against six additional individuals, bringing the total to 16 defendants from Lauderdale, Madison, and Shelby Counties.
Fifteen defendants are pictured in the accompanying indictment graphic. One additional defendant remains at large.
During the investigation, law enforcement authorities seized:
Approximately two pounds of suspected methamphetamine.
Several thousand suspected alprazolam pills.
Six firearms.
$23,345 in U.S. currency.
These seizures represent a significant disruption of suspected drug trafficking activity affecting Lauderdale County and neighboring communities.
Sheriff Brian Kelley stated:
“The results of Operation Tiger Punch speak for themselves. This investigation represents a significant victory for Lauderdale County and sends a clear message to those who choose to distribute dangerous drugs in our communities. I am grateful to U.S. Attorney Mike Dunavant, District Attorney General Mark Davidson, and our federal and state law enforcement partners for their dedication and commitment to this investigation. Our resolve to protect the citizens of Lauderdale County is stronger than ever, and we will not relent.”
Sheriff Kelley also recognized the dedication and investigative efforts of Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office personnel who worked alongside federal and state authorities throughout the operation.
“Drug trafficking affects far more than those directly involved. It threatens families, neighborhoods, and the overall safety and quality of life in our communities. Removing dangerous drugs and those responsible for distributing them remains a priority of this administration.”
Operation Tiger Punch reflects the continued cooperation between the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Attorney’s Office, the 25th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office, and participating federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
INDIVIDUALS INDICTED
State Indictments
The following individuals are identified in the accompanying state indictment graphic:
Joy Ammons: Circuit violation of probation and manufacture, delivery, sale, or possession of methamphetamine.
Ashley Vance: Manufacture, delivery, sale, or possession of methamphetamine.
George Hoffman: Manufacture, delivery, sale, or possession of methamphetamine.
Charlie Jones: Manufacture, delivery, sale, or possession of methamphetamine.
Robert Brewer: Manufacture, delivery, sale, or possession of methamphetamine.
One additional state-indicted defendant remains at large and is not pictured.
Federal Indictments
The following individuals are identified in the accompanying federal indictment graphic:
Tony Cook
Alfred Hill
Dezmon Whitelow
Richard Dale
Rose Wilson
Tyreece Mackey
Stephen Mims
Bobby Brown
Tristan Buckner
Shelia Coker
Each of these 10 individuals is identified in the graphic as facing federal charges of manufacture, distribution, dispensing, or possession of a controlled substance, along with attempt and conspiracy.
All individuals mentioned are assumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
EVIDENCE RECOVERED
Accompanying photographs document firearms, suspected controlled substances, U.S. currency, and other items associated with the investigation.
The evidence photographs further illustrate the scope of the investigation and the combined efforts of participating law enforcement agencies.
OUR CONTINUED COMMITMENT
The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office remains firmly committed to identifying, investigating, and pursuing individuals involved in distributing dangerous drugs throughout our communities.
Operations such as Tiger Punch demonstrate the importance of coordinated investigations and the results achieved through cooperation among law enforcement agencies at every level.
Our citizens deserve safe neighborhoods, strong communities, and a Sheriff’s Office committed to protecting both.
Sheriff Brian Kelley
