Reagan T. Fondren Acting United States Attorney for the Western District Of Tennessee | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee
Assistant United States Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr. has been appointed as the Interim United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee. His appointment, which was made by the United States Attorney General, took effect on March 28, 2025.
Murphy's career began in the Memphis office in 1989 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. Previously, he served as Acting U.S. Attorney from 2021 to 2023, a role he was appointed to by the District Court. He held the position of First Assistant U.S. Attorney beginning in 2018 until his tenure as Acting U.S. Attorney. Prior to these roles, Murphy was the Criminal Chief, supervising prosecutions. His experience also includes a term as Deputy Chief of the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force. Before that, he was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the criminal division and drug task force unit.
Murphy has an extensive record with the Department of Justice, having tried over 125 felony cases to verdict in U.S. District Court. These cases encompassed crimes like illegal distribution of controlled substances, mail and wire fraud, and pension fund theft. Beyond trial courts, he has represented the government in more than 200 cases in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, arguing many appeals.
Outside of his professional life, Murphy is a native of Memphis, is married, and has two children. He holds a degree from Lambuth College and a law degree from the University of Memphis's Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. Murphy remains actively involved in both community and legal affairs.
For further information, individuals can reach out to the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov or stay updated through the U.S. Attorney’s Office's social media channels on Facebook and X, @WDTNNews.
