Knoxville TN, September 14, 2025
News Summary
Two gang members from Knoxville have been sentenced to a combined total of over 90 years in prison for their roles in drug trafficking and violent crimes. Travei Dietz Pryor and Bryan Cornelius each received 45-year sentences without parole for a range of offenses, including possession of fentanyl and firearms. This case highlights ongoing law enforcement efforts to combat gang-related violence and drug distribution in the area.
Knoxville Gang Members Sentenced to Combined 90+ Years for Drug Trafficking and Violent Crimes
Knoxville, TN – Two prominent gang members have been sentenced to a combined sum of 90 years in prison for their involvement in drug trafficking and violent crimes in the Knoxville area. Travei Dietz Pryor, 33, and Bryan Cornelius, 34, received identical sentences of 45 years each without the possibility of parole.
Sentencing Details
Pryor was convicted on charges including possession with intent to sell fentanyl and cocaine, unlawful possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. His trial took place over two days in July following his arrest on October 12, 2022, when Knox County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant on Western Avenue. During this operation, deputies found over one and a half ounces of fentanyl, digital scales, drug packaging materials, a blender with drug residue, and $8,000 in cash in Pryor’s apartment. Two loaded firearms were also discovered. Notably, Pryor has 17 prior felony convictions, which include serious offenses such as aggravated kidnapping and robbery.
Cornelius, sentenced after his conviction in April 2022, was found guilty of conspiring to distribute controlled substances, which notably included methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and marijuana. He operated a wide-ranging drug trafficking operation using multiple addresses for storing narcotics and firearms. Cornelius was also linked to a drive-by shooting in November 2019. Furthermore, he faced charges of money laundering concerning his drug operations and was identified as a leader of the “Gangster Disciples” street gang, with 22 others charged as co-conspirators in his drug scheme.
Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy
Additionally, six other Knoxville men received sentences for their collective involvement in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy associated with the Tree Top Piru Bloods street gang. Sentences for these individuals varied, ranging from eight years to life plus 25 years in prison. Authorities began investigating cocaine trafficking near the Walter P. Taylor Homes in 2017. Seized evidence included cocaine, firearms, cell phones, and items that connected the defendants to gang activity.
Prosecutors used conspiracy and racketeering statutes under the RICO laws to pursue charges against the gang organization. Several defendants faced charges of first-degree murder, linked to the death of Antoine Antonio Washington, an individual who defied gang orders. Decoiso Jacques Clark was sentenced to life after a guilty plea for first-degree murder. Raffell Malik Griffin Jr. received life plus 25 years due to murder and drug-related charges, while Sidarius Travon Jackson was handed a 53-year sentence for facilitation of first-degree murder along with drug offenses. Other defendants in this case, including Zephaniah Xavier Nyane, Robert Lee Cody III, and Thakelyn Jaquez Tate, received varying sentences dependent on their specific charges.
Background Context
The sentences mark a significant effort by law enforcement in Knoxville to combat drug-related violence and gang activity over the past several years. The Knox County Sheriff’s Department has been actively addressing increasing crime rates in these areas through targeted operations and investigations. These efforts are part of broader initiatives aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks and reducing violence associated with gang activities.
Organizational Summary of Sentences
| Individual | Sentence | Charges |
|---|---|---|
| Travei Dietz Pryor | 45 years without parole | Fentanyl and cocaine trafficking, firearm possession |
| Bryan Cornelius | 45 years without parole | Drug conspiracy, drive-by shooting involvement |
| Decoiso Jacques Clark | Life imprisonment | First-degree murder |
| Raffell Malik Griffin Jr. | Life plus 25 years | Murder, drug charges |
| Sidarius Travon Jackson | 53 years | Facilitating first-degree murder, drugs |
| Others | Varied | Miscellaneous gang-related charges |
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the main charges against Travei Dietz Pryor?
Travei Dietz Pryor was convicted of possession with intent to sell fentanyl and cocaine, firearm possession, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
How long is Bryan Cornelius’s sentence?
Bryan Cornelius was sentenced to 45 years in prison without parole.
How many individuals were charged in the cocaine trafficking conspiracy?
A total of 22 individuals were charged as co-conspirators in the cocaine trafficking operation linked to the Tree Top Piru Bloods street gang.
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: Knoxville Gang Member Sentenced 45 Years
- WATE: Knoxville Gang Leader Sentenced to Life
- Knox News: Gang Members Prosecuted for Racketeering
- WBIR: Six Gang Members Sentenced on Homicide Charges
- WATE: Knoxville Man Sentenced to 30 Years
- Wikipedia: Drug Trafficking
- Google Search: Gang Violence Intervention
- Google Scholar: RICO Law
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Racketeering
- Google News: Knoxville Crime
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox 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 area—with 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 Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
