Three Memphis Gang Members Plead Guilty in Racketeering Case
Paul Nelson, Edgar Smith, and Cedric Jackson admitted to racketeering and drug charges in federal court in Memphis.
2 reports on this incident · first at Aug 20, 2026, 6:46 p.m. ET
Earlier reports
Aug 20, 2026, 6:46 p.m. ETFirst report
Three Memphis Gang Members Plead Guilty in Racketeering Case
Three Memphis gang members pleaded guilty on August 20, 2026, to federal charges in the Western District of Tennessee, the Justice Department announced. Paul Nelson, 33, also known as “Big Paul” and “Paul Walk,” pleaded guilty to armed Hobbs Act robbery, using a firearm to cause death during the robbery, and conspiring to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. He also admitted to the May 13, 2023 robbery at Tug’s Casual Grill. Edgar Smith, 40, also known as “Chuck P” and “Chucky,” and Cedric Jackson, 35, also known as “Ced,” pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy, agreeing to commit racketeering acts including attempted robbery and robbery, and conspiring to distribute fentanyl.
Nelson faces up to life in prison, while Smith and Jackson face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Memphis Police Department, and the Multiagency Gang Unit (MGU). Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
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- Version 120 Aug 2026, 22:52current
First published.
- Version 120 Aug 2026, 22:46current
First published.
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