Pastor and Restaurateur Greg Diaz Arrested for DUI
The church leader and business owner faces charges after a traffic stop in Memphis early Saturday morning.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Corruption
Greg Diaz, a local pastor and business owner, was arrested in Memphis on charges of driving under the influence, speeding, and improper lane changing. A Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper stopped Diaz after observing him driving erratically near Poplar Pike.
Why it matters
The arrest marks the latest legal entanglement for Diaz, whose business operations have previously been the subject of a 2024 Department of Labor investigation regarding labor practices.
Greg Diaz faces misdemeanor charges of DUI, speeding, and improper lane changing, with his initial court appearance scheduled for November 5. He secured his release after posting a $500 bail.
The players
Greg Diaz
He is the pastor of Nueva Direccion church and the owner of several Memphis-based businesses, including TacoNGanas and Uncle Goyo's.
Tennessee Highway Patrol
This is the state law enforcement agency responsible for patrolling highways and responding to traffic violations in Tennessee.
The details
A state trooper observed Diaz traveling 69 mph and turning into oncoming traffic at a railroad crossing between Poplar Pike and Massey Road. During the field sobriety test at the scene, the trooper reported signs of impairment, including slurred speech and balance difficulties.
Timeline
The Department of Labor conducted an investigation into labor allegations throughout 2024.
Diaz held meetings with public officials in Washington, DC, in September 2026.
A trooper spotted the vehicle speeding at 12:47 a.m. on October 19, 2026.
Greg Diaz was officially arrested and charged on October 19, 2026.
The scheduled court report date for the charges is November 5, 2026.
Legal Context
This arrest follows a pattern of heightened legal scrutiny established by the 2024 Department of Labor investigation into labor importation and wage theft. The incident adds to the growing public attention surrounding the business and community activities of local figures.
The incident occurred in high-traffic corridors at Poplar Pike and Kirby Parkway, reminding residents to remain alert to potential road hazards late at night. No immediate changes to local patrol density or business operations have been announced following the arrest.
The takeaway
Authorities advise that any individual observing erratic driving should maintain a safe distance and contact law enforcement immediately. This case highlights the importance of adhering to road safety standards regardless of an individual's public standing.
Further reading
For more local developments, see the Memphis Corruption page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Commercial Appeal.
