Former Memphis Police Officer Michael Sinnock Sentenced to 48 Months in Drug Case
| U.S. Attorney’s Office October 31, 2012 |
MEMPHIS—Michael Shane Sinnock, 37, of Memphis, Tennessee, was sentenced today to 48 months in prison by U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson, after pleading guilty on June 13, 2012, to one count of attempted possession with the intent to distribute hydrocodone (21 U.S.C. 846).
Sinnock approached a confidential informant (CI) and asked about the possibility of purchasing one pound of marijuana. When the CI informed Sinnock of an upcoming trip to Texas to pick up 200 pounds of marijuana, Sinnock increased his order to two pounds. He also asked the CI to provide him with 20 Lortabs.
On December 14, 2011, Sinnock was contacted by the CI for a meeting. Sinnock arrived at the meeting on duty, dressed in his uniform, and in his patrol car. The CI showed two large duffle bags to Sinnock and asked him to follow so the drugs could be hidden in a safe location. Sinnock complied with the request, following in his patrol car.
On December 16, 2011, the CI called and agreed to meet Sinnock at the Eastgate Shopping Center. When at the meeting, Sinnock was again on duty, in uniform, and in his patrol car. When Sinnock exited his patrol car, the CI handed 20 Lortab pills to Sinnock. Immediately following the transaction, Sinnock was arrested.
“Mr. Sinnock brazenly abused the trust placed in him by the citizens of our community and today he faced the consequences of his actions,” said Edward L. Stanton, III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee. “We will continue to bring to justice those who hide behind their badges and disgrace the integrity of their oath to protect and serve.”
“This sentencing should send a strong message that law enforcement officers who breach the public trust, choose to disregard their sworn oath, and disgrace the uniform so proudly worn by trustworthy law enforcement officers will be brought to justice,” said Aaron T. Ford, Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. “Public corruption investigations such as this continue to be a priority for the FBI due to the immeasurable harm they can cause to our community and the reputations of all law enforcement officers, the majority of which are honest, hardworking men and women who serve with honor, integrity, and professionalism.”
“I am dedicated to rid this department of those who choose to be criminals and not officers,” said Memphis Police Department Director Toney Armstrong. “As a police officer, we take an oath to serve and protect the citizens of Memphis and I expect my officers to uphold that oath.”
This crime was investigated by the Tarnished Badge Task Force, which is composed of investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Memphis Police Department, and Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian K. Coleman on behalf of the government.