Memphis police arrest 13 suspects in $250,000 chicken theft

Thirteen individuals were arrested in Memphis, Tennessee, after authorities discovered them unloading approximately $250,000 worth of stolen chicken from an 18-wheeler behind the Economy Inn on September 15.

The operation began when the Memphis Safe Task Force and the U.S. Marshals Service arrived at the location to execute an aggravated robbery warrant for 33-year-old Javunte Johnson. Upon arrival, officers encountered a group of people unloading pallets of poultry from a semi-trailer. The suspects reportedly attempted to flee when police appeared, but all were apprehended.

Investigators identified 56-year-old truck driver Robert Wilson as the operator of the vehicle. Wilson allegedly claimed he was trading the commercial shipment to settle a drug debt owed to one of the men at the scene.

In addition to the stolen poultry, police recovered three handguns, fentanyl, cocaine, and approximately $110,000 in other stolen merchandise. Charges filed against the suspects include aggravated robbery, theft of property, drug possession, and unlawful possession of firearms by convicted felons.