Memphis, August 28, 2025
News Summary
DeAndre Brown, executive director of the Shelby County Office of Reentry, has been indicted on 12 felony charges including theft and money laundering. Arrested recently, he faces serious allegations that date back several years, affecting his career and community initiatives aimed at helping former inmates. His wife is also facing similar charges, and both are awaiting court dates while the investigation continues.
Memphis
DeAndre Brown, the executive director of the Shelby County Office of Reentry and a pastor, has been indicted on 12 felony charges, including serious allegations of theft and money laundering. The 50-year-old was arrested on Wednesday after a Shelby County grand jury issued the indictment on August 26, 2025. He is being held on a bond of $1.1 million.
Charges Filed Against Brown
Brown’s indictment includes multiple counts of theft of property, with three counts exceeding $250,000 and three others falling between $60,000 and $250,000. In addition, he faces four counts related to computer crime, including two counts with amounts between $10,000 and $60,000 and two counts exceeding $60,000. The indictment also includes two counts of money laundering and one count of official misconduct.
Although the specific allegations have not been disclosed, they stem from charges filed back in 2020. A spokesperson confirmed that the case involves accusations dating back several years and details regarding the alleged crimes are currently under investigation.
Impact on Brown’s Career
Due to the serious nature of the charges, Brown has been suspended from his position at the Shelby County Office of Reentry with no compensation, in accordance with county policy. Brown’s wife, Vinessa Brown, was also indicted on charges similar to her husband’s and is being held on a bond of $400,000. Court dates for both individuals have yet to be announced.
Community Impact
Brown, recognized for his contributions to his community, has led initiatives aimed at helping former inmates reintegrate into society, such as assisting them in finding jobs and reducing recidivism rates. He was publicly honored in a town hall meeting in Frayser just days prior to his arrest for his community service efforts. His work earned him the Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service Benefitting the Disadvantaged, as well as an Emmy in 2019 for a short documentary.
Notably, Brown was pardoned by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee in December 2023 for past state convictions before the current indictment. His background includes time spent in both state and federal prisons, which further complicates his current legal predicament.
Ongoing Investigation
The Shelby County Office of Reentry has not released additional statements regarding the ongoing investigation or the future of its programs, which may be affected by this situation. As the investigation continues, more information is expected to emerge about the circumstances surrounding the indictment.
The serious nature of the charges brought against DeAndre Brown has raised concerns in the community about the integrity of leadership positions within the countyโs reentry programs, especially those designed to support vulnerable individuals reintegrating into society.
Summary of Key Points
- DeAndre Brown, 50, arrested on 12 felony charges including theft and money laundering.
- Brown faces multiple counts of theft related to property values over $250,000.
- His wife, Vinessa Brown, also indicted; both are awaiting court dates.
- Brown has been suspended without pay from his position as executive director.
- Allegations relate back to charges filed in 2020.
- Brown has a history of community work and was recently recognized for it.
FAQ
What are the charges against DeAndre Brown?
DeAndre Brown has been indicted on 12 felony charges, which include theft, computer crime, money laundering, and official misconduct.
What is the bond amount for DeAndre Brown?
His bond is set at $1.1 million.
Is DeAndre Brown still employed by the Shelby County Office of Reentry?
No, he has been suspended from his position without pay following the indictment.
What role did DeAndre Brown have in the community?
He was involved in initiatives to help former inmates reintegrate into society, including finding employment and reducing recidivism rates.
When is the court date for DeAndre Brown?
As of now, court dates have not yet been established for either DeAndre or Vinessa Brown.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | DeAndre Brown |
| Age | 50 |
| Position | Executive Director, Shelby County Office of Reentry |
| Charges | 12 Felony Charges – Theft, Computer Crime, Money Laundering, Official Misconduct |
| Bond Amount | $1.1 Million |
| Involvement in Community | Program founder for former offenders, recipient of community service awards |
| Indicted | August 26, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Action News 5
- Wikipedia: Criminal Law
- WREG
- Google Search: DeAndre Brown
- Local Memphis
- Google Scholar: DeAndre Brown theft
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Felony
- Daily Memphian
- Google News: Shelby County Office of Reentry
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
