A group of thieves was caught in the act trying to steal $250,000 worth of chicken from a large truck behind a motel.
Federal agents apprehended the suspects in Memphis, as detailed in a release from the U.S. Marshals Service. The arrests took place on Tuesday while officers were executing an aggravated robbery warrant for a 33-year-old named Javunte Johnson.
According to reports, when authorities arrived, they found Johnson and around a dozen accomplices unloading pallets of chicken from an 18-wheeler. As the officers approached, the group tried to run, but agents managed to catch all of them.
This operation, which began as a warrant sweep, uncovered much more than just stolen poultry. Detectives recovered three handguns, about $110,000 worth of other stolen items, and a collection of fentanyl and cocaine, according to additional reports. Investigators determined that all the merchandise from the truck was stolen.
Memphis Safe Task Force Arrests 13 People Trying to Steal $250K Worth of Chicken from a Semi-Trailer#USMarshals https://t.co/Bpp4qhjbW8
— U.S. Marshals Service (@USMarshalsHQ) September 17, 2026
Included in those apprehended was 25-year-old Quantrivious Shavers, who is facing several charges, including theft, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and distribution of fentanyl. Another suspect, Jessie Moore, age 37, received a charge for being a felon in possession. Johnson faced the most serious charges, particularly the aggravated robbery that led to the whole operation.
In total, twelve individuals were charged as part of this bust. Those facing theft charges, regarding property valued between $60,000 and $250,000, include Johnson, Shavers, Robert Wilson, Samuel Jackson, John Shipp, Rico Jackson, Devean Hoyle, Trashawn Featherson, Robert Dishmon, and Marcellous McKinney. Additionally, Wilson and McKinney were charged with evading arrest, while Moore and 21-year-old Alexis Pike faced charges for fleeing on foot. Jackson also had a charge related to cocaine distribution.
This chicken theft incident was just one part of a very active day for the task force, which reportedly made a total of 49 arrests that Tuesday. The multi-agency unit was established by President Donald Trump in September 2025 and combines efforts from federal, state, and local law enforcement, along with members of the Tennessee National Guard.
Since its inception, the task force has resulted in 12,796 arrests and the confiscation of 2,163 illegal firearms, according to the Marshals.
