A Collierville middle school basketball coach has been arrested on multiple drug and gun charges after authorities say they discovered cocaine, marijuana, firearms, and cash during a targeted investigation.
Starry Taylor, 46, who served as the non-faculty girls basketball coach at Collierville Middle School, was taken into custody Friday, March 13, following a drug investigation.
Investigators said a suspicious package containing suspected cocaine was intercepted by Homeland Security agents and tested positive in the field. This led to a controlled delivery and a search warrant at Taylor’s home on the 400 block of S. Main Ext. Authorities reported seizing 32.8 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, and $2,390 in cash.
A second location connected to Taylor was also searched, where officers found 12.9 pounds of marijuana, three 9mm handguns, two digital scales, and a vacuum sealer in the trunk of a vehicle.
Taylor faces several felony charges, including:
Possession of a controlled substance with intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell (cocaine)
Possession of a controlled substance (marijuana)
Possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony
Unlawful possession of a handgun
Authorities noted that Taylor has a prior conviction for possession of cocaine and marijuana with intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell.
In a statement, Collierville Schools said Taylor was a non-faculty coach and not an employee of the district. Non-faculty coaches work under annual agreements and are not guaranteed future appointments. The girls basketball team’s season concluded on February 4.
Taylor is currently being held on a $125,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, March 16.
