No Safe Haven for Violent Predators: Memphis Safe Task Force Apprehends Suspect in Sex Crime Case

Memphis, Tennessee — The Memphis Safe Task Force announces the successful arrest of Derrick Cole, 46, in Memphis, Tennessee.

At approximately 11:15 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30, members of the Memphis Safe Task Force executed a coordinated operation resulting in Cole’s arrest in the 2700 block of Browning Avenue. Cole faces multiple felony charges, to include alleged criminal exposure to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), sexual battery by an authority figure, statutory rape by an authority figure, continuous sexual abuse of a child, and incest. These charges stem from a grand jury indictment returned in August 2024.

“When you unite the full force of federal, state, and local law enforcement with the expertise of our Memphis partners, child predators don’t stand a chance. Shoulder to shoulder, we will continue delivering justice,” said Tyreece Miller, United States Marshal for the Western District of Tennessee. The Memphis Safe Task Force, a interagency coalition of federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, continues to demonstrate the power of collaboration in advancing public safety. This arrest underscores the Task Force’s mission: To Make America Safe Again and To Make Memphis Safe. Our message is clear, those who commit acts of violence will be found, and justice will be served. This operation is a testament to the dedication of every agency involved and the strength of our shared commitment to protecting the community of Memphis.

The Memphis Safe Task Force remains steadfast in its pursuit of transparency, accountability, and the preservation of public trust. These arrests send a decisive message to violent offenders that law enforcement is united, vigilant, and resolute.