Memphis Task Force Arrests Fugitive Facing Charges of Child Sexual Abuse and Criminal HIV Exposure

MEMPHIS, TN (BuzzReport)– A coordinated operation executed by the Memphis Safe Task Force Thursday morning successfully apprehended a 46-year-old man wanted on a sweeping indictment involving severe child sexual abuse offenses and criminal exposure to HIV.

Derrick Cole, who had been sought following a grand jury indictment returned in August 2024, was taken into custody without incident, the U.S. Marshals Service confirmed. The arrest marks the resolution of an intense manhunt following highly disturbing allegations.

The Memphis Safe Task Force—a specialized unit focused on locating violent offenders—executed the planned operation early Thursday morning to ensure the swift and secure apprehension of the suspect.

Cole faces an extensive and shocking roster of felony charges stemming from the investigation. These charges underscore the gravity of the allegations, which include multiple counts of continuous sexual abuse of a child.

Crucially, the indictment includes specific charges of alleged criminal exposure to HIV. Cole is also facing charges of sexual battery by an authority figure and statutory rape by an authority figure, indicating the alleged abuse involved victims under the age of consent and a position of trust or power held by the accused.

The U.S. Marshals Service credited the collaborative effort of the task force members for the successful arrest, emphasizing law enforcement’s relentless commitment to protecting the most vulnerable citizens.

Cole is currently being held in custody pending arraignment. Authorities have stated that the investigation remains active, and they are encouraging anyone with further information related to the case to come forward.