Eastern District of Oklahoma
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Muskogee Resident Found Guilty of Attempted Sexual Abuse in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that James Michael Stewart, age 42, of Muskogee, Oklahoma was found guilty by a federal jury of one count of Attempted Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country. This crime is punishable by imprisonment for any term of years or up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, or both. The defendant was acquitted on two counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country. The jury trial began with testimony on Monday, June 7, 2021 and concluded on Thursday, June 10, 2021 with the guilty verdict.
The evidence presented at trial proved that on May 25, 2018, the defendant attempted to sexually assault a female victim in a room at the Studio 6 hotel on North 32nd Street in Muskogee. The defendant undressed and pushed the victim onto a bed. The victim was able to free herself, ran to the bathroom, locked the door, and called 911. When the police arrived, they found the defendant still nude. According to the police officer, the victim was very emotional and appeared afraid of the defendant.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District prosecuted the case because the defendant is a member of a federally-recognized Indian tribe and the crime occurred in Muskogee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The guilty verdict was the result of an investigation by the Muskogee Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma in Muskogee, presided over the trial and ordered the completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report. Stewart was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending the imposition of sentencing.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Nathaniel Walters and Department of Justice Trial Attorney Julie Finocchiaro represented the United States.
Car Wreck Fraud Defendant Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Sebron Dejuan Brown, age 35, of Muskogee, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Conspiracy to Commit Odometer Tampering, in violation of Title 49, United States Code, Sections 32703(2) and 32709(b); two counts of Odometer Fraud, in violation of Title 49, United States Code, Section 32703(2) and 32709(b); and to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343. Brown could potentially be sentenced to up to 20 years imprisonment for the multiple violations of federal laws.
The Second Superseding Indictment alleged that from in or about December 2016 and continuing through in or about May 2017, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant, and others known and unknown to the grand jury, agreed and conspired to commit offenses against the United States, to-wit: to knowingly and willfully reset and alter, and cause to be reset and altered, the odometers of motor vehicles, intending to change the mileage registered by the odometers.
The Second Superseding Indictment further alleged that on or about December 18, 2016, and continuing through March 10, 2017, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant, did knowingly and willingly reset and alter, and cause to be reset and altered, the odometer of motor vehicles from approximate high mileage to the approximate low mileage with the intent to change the number of miles registered on said odometers in vehicles.
The Second Superseding Indictment further alleged that from on or about March 3, 2017, and continuing through on or about May 2, 2017, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant, codefendant Rakyra Jones, codefendant Tracy Mahone (now dismissed from the Second Superseding Indictment), and others known and unknown to the grand jury, agreed and conspired to transmit and caused to be transmitted by means of a wire communication in interstate commerce signals and sounds for the purpose of executing a scheme to defraud insurance companies.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Muskogee Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Odometer Fraud Investigation.
The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Doug Horn, Assistant United States Attorney Jarrod Leaman, and Assistant United States Attorney Michael Cooper represented the United States.
Broken Arrow Resident Found Guilty of MurderRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that Miranda Lynne Ree, age 24, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma was found guilty by a federal jury of Murder Second Degree in Indian County.
The jury trial began with testimony on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, and concluded on Thursday, June 3, 2021 with the guilty verdict. The defendant was indicted in September 2020 on the charge of Murder I. After considering the evidence presented at trial, the jury found Ree guilty of the lesser included offense of Murder II. Murder in the Second Degree is punishable by any term of years or life in imprisonment.
The evidence presented at trial proved that on or about September 27, 2018, Ree, an Indian, unlawfully killed Bryan James Chaney with a knife. The crime occurred in Wagoner County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The guilty verdict was the result of an investigation by the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
“The defendant was originally charged in the District Court of Wagoner with Murder in the First Degree, but the case was dismissed after the Supreme Court decision in McGirt v. Oklahoma,” said Acting United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “Once the state charge was dismissed, the Federal Bureau of Investigation picked up the investigation and prosecution of the case was initiated by our office. The verdict today in federal court represents the next step in ensuring the defendant is held responsible for unlawfully killing Bryan James Chaney.”
“Craig Gestring, the lead prosecutor in the case, is an Assistant United States Attorney from the Middle District of Florida," said Wilson. “Mr. Gestring volunteered to handle cases in the Eastern District. I am appreciative of Mr. Gestring and other Department of Justice attorneys who have come to our aid after the McGirt decision dramatically increased the number of violent crime cases our office has been required to handle.”
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the trial and ordered the completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report. Ree was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending the imposition of sentencing.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Craig Gestring and Assistant United States Attorney Michael Warren represented the United States.
Okemah Resident Found Guilty of Three Counts of Sexual Abuse in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that Edmond Carl Warrington, age 71, of Okemah, Oklahoma was found guilty by a federal jury of three counts of Sexual Abuse In Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1151, 1153, 2242, 2246(2)(A), and 2246(2)(C). The jury trial began with testimony on Monday, May 24, 2021, and concluded on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 with the guilty verdicts. The defendant was acquitted on three counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country.
The evidence presented at trial proved that from in or about April 2017 to on or about May 12, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant sexually abused the victim, who was incapable of appraising the nature of the abuse.
The guilty verdicts were the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Okfuskee County Sheriff’s Department, Seminole County Sheriff’s Department, the District 24 Violent Crimes Task Force, and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable David Cleveland Joseph, U.S. District Judge out of the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, temporarily assigned to the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the trial and ordered the completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following its completion. Warrington was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending the sentencing hearing.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Kyle J. Essley and Assistant United States Attorney Sarah McAmis represented the United States.
Hartshorne Resident Sentenced to Nine Months, $80,000 Restitution for Theft Concerning Programs Receiving Federal FundsRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Meredith Dawn Dunkin, age 47, of Hartshorne, Oklahoma was sentenced to 9 months’ imprisonment in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, 2 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $80,083.35 for Theft Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 666(a)(1)(A). The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Information alleged that from on or about May 23, 2013, and continuing through August 6, 2016, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, Meredith Dawn Dunkin, being an agent of the City of Hartshorne, Oklahoma, said organization received benefits in excess of $10,000 under a Federal Program involving a grant, contract, subsidy, loan, guarantee, insurance, or other form of Federal Assistance for the calendar years of 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016, obtained by fraud, embezzlement, and otherwise without authority, property worth at least $5,000 owned by the City of Hartshorne.
The Honorable David Cleveland Joseph, U.S. District Judge out of the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, temporarily assigned to the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the sentencing hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Doug Horn represented the United States.
United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma Obtains Eighty-Two Indictments from Federal Grand JuryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced the federal grand jury sitting in Muskogee completed its May session last week and returned eighty-two felony indictments.
Seventy-six indictments were publicly filed and six remain sealed pending arrest of the charged defendants. All but one of the unsealed charges involve crimes arising out of Indian Country. Thirty-three indictments are for murder, sixteen are sexual assaults, and the balance contain allegations of child abuse/neglect, attempted murder, involuntary manslaughter, felonious assault, robbery, burglary, and kidnapping. The sole non-Indian Country indictment involves possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
The dramatic increase in Indian Country cases for federal prosecution is due to the U.S. Supreme Court decision of McGirt v. Oklahoma and recent Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals rulings. These opinions determined the reservations of the Five Civilized Tribes were never disestablished by Congress and, therefore, the United States has primary federal jurisdiction to prosecute major crimes committed by—or against—Native Americans occurring within the 26 counties of the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The following indictments were returned by the federal grand jury and filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The information listed in brackets is the county and the reservation where the crime(s) allegedly occurred.
Murder:
United States v. Coker Dean Barker and Anastacia Phillinia Little – Count 1: Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151, 1153 & 2; Count 2: Use, Carry, Brandish and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence – 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i),(ii) & (iii) & 2; Count 3: Causing the Death of a Person in the Course of a Violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) – 18 U.S.C. § 924(j)(1) & 2 [Seminole County – Seminole Nation Reservation]
United States v. Crystal Renae Berryhill - Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151 & 1153 [Marshall County – Chickasaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Kalup Allen Born (Superseding Indictment) – Count 1: Murder in Perpetration of Robbery and Kidnapping in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151, 1153; Count 2: First Degree Burglary in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2, 1151, 1153(b) & 21 O.S. § 1431; Count 3: Robbery in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2111, 1151 & 1153; Count 4: Kidnapping in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1201(a)(2), 1151 & 1153; Count 5: First Degree Burglary in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1151, 1153(b) & 21 O.S. 1431; Count 6: Arson in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1151, 1153(b) & 21 O.S. § 1431 [Pontotoc County – Chickasaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Kalup Allen Born - Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151 & 1153 [Pontotoc County – Chickasaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Aram Barak Catron - Murder in Indian Country – Second Degree – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151 & 1153 [Cherokee County – Cherokee Nation Reservation]
United States v. Jace Wayne Conger – Count 1: Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Causing the Death of a Person in the Course of a Violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) – 18 U.S.C. § 924(j)(1) [Seminole County – Seminole Nation Reservation]
United States v. Michael Ray Crawley – Murder in Perpetration of Burglary in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151 & 1152 [Pittsburg County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Kevin Leon Cross – Count 1: Murder in Perpetration of Kidnapping in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Kidnapping in Indian Country Resulting in Death – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1201(a)(2), 1151 & 1153; Count 3: Causing the Death of a Person in the Course of a Violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) – 18 U.S.C. § 924(j)(1) [Bryan County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Gregory Allen Gamblin, II - Murder in Indian Country - 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151, & 1152 [Choctaw County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Kadetrix Devon Grayson – Count 1: Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Causing the Death of a Person in the Course of a Violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) – 18 U.S.C. § 924(j)(1) [Seminole County – Seminole Nation Reservation]
United States v. Crystal Marie Haworth – Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151 & 1153 [Pittsburg County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Gunnar Mathew Hemingway – Count 1: Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Causing the Death of a Person in the Course of a Violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) – 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(j)(1) [Choctaw County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Jordan Wayne Holt – Count 1: Murder in Indian Country - Second Degree -18 U.S.C. §§1111(a), 1151, & 1153; Count 2: Use, Carry, Brandish and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence - 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i)(ii)(iii); Count 3: Causing The Death of a Person in the Course of a Violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) - 18 U.S.C. § 924(j)(1); Count 4: Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country -18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(1), 1151 and 1153 [McCurtain County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Darrell James Hummingbird – Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151 & 1153 [Adair County – Cherokee Nation Reservation]
United States v. Cody Nash James – Count 1: Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151 and 1153; Count 2: Causing the Death of a Person in the Course of a Violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c) – 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(j)(1) [Okmulgee County – Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation]
United States v. Ryan Cortlan Johnson – Count 1: Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151, & 1153; Count 2: Causing the Death of a Person in the Course of a Violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) [Okmulgee County – Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation]
United States v. John Douglas Knight – Count 1: Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151, 1153 & 2; Count 2: Causing the Death of a Person in the Course of a Violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) – 18 U.S.C. § 924(j)(1) & 2 [Seminole County – Seminole Nation Reservation]
United States v. Aaron Michael Laconsello a/k/a Aaron Michael Hooper – Count 1: Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Murder in Perpetration of Burglary in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151 & 1153 [Muskogee County – Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation]
United States v. Neil Shai-Cameron Lewis - Murder in Indian Country – Second Degree – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151, 1153 [Okmulgee County – Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation]
United States v. Brian James Mack - Murder in Indian Country - 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151, & 1153 [Pushmataha County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Robert Wayne Mitchell - Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151, & 1153 [Seminole County – Seminole Nation Reservation]
United States v. Jimmy Holmes Nace and Matthew Jennings Vermillion – Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151, 1152 & 2 [Pittsburg County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Clifton Merrill Parish – Count 1: Murder in Perpetration of Robbery in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Kidnapping Resulting in Death in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1201(a), 1151 & 1153 [Choctaw County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Thomas Raymond Phillips, III – Count 1: Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Causing the Death of a Person in the Course of a Violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) – 18 U.S.C. § 924(j)(1) [Choctaw County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Jeffrey Lyn Pierce - Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151 & 1152 [Choctaw County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Bradley Shawn Pittman - Murder in Indian Country – Second Degree – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151 & 1153 [Bryan County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Tyas Short – Count 1: Second Degree Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Causing the Death of a Person in the Course of a Violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) – 18 U.S.C. § 924(j)(1) & 2 [Pittsburg County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Devin Warren Sizemore – Count 1: Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Second Degree Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151 & 1153; Count 3: Voluntary Manslaughter in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1112(a), 1151 & 1153; Count 4: Child Abuse in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1151, 1153, 21 Okla. Stat. 843.5(A); Count 5: Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(6), 1151 & 1153; Count 6: Assault and Battery on a Police Officer in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 13, 1151 & 1152, 21 Okla. Stat. 649 [Pittsburg County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. George McEntire Smith – Count 1: Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Use, Carry, Brandish and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence – 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i),(ii) & (iii) [Wagoner County – Muscogee (Creek) Nation]
United States v. John Duncan Stubbs – Count 1: Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Use, Carry, Brandish, and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence – 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i)(ii)(iii); Count 3: Causing the Death of a Person in the Course of a Violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) – 18 U.S.C. § 924(j)(1) [Choctaw County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Chad Jon’Dale Voyles – Count 1: Conspiracy to Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1117, 1111(a), 1151 & 1152; Count 2: Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 2, 1151 & 1152; Count 3: Murder in Perpetration of Burglary in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 2, 1151, 1152; Count 4: Arson in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 81, 2, 1151, 1152 [Choctaw County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Tanner Dean Washington - Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151 & 1152 [Pontotoc County - Chickasaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Johnson Wisdom - Murder in Perpetration of Child Abuse in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1151 and 1153 [Pontotoc County – Chickasaw Nation Reservation]
Sexual Assault:
United States v. Dustin Dewayne Bristow – Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2244(a)(5), 2246(3), 1151 & 1153 [Pittsburg County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Eduardo Chapa – Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. § 2241(c), 2246(2)(A), 1151 & 1152 [Seminole County- Seminole Nation Reservation]
United States v. Wayne Robert Christman – Count 1: Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian County – 18 U.S.C. § 2241(c), 2246(2)(A), 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. § 2244(a)(5), 2246(3), 1151 & 1152; Count 3: Lewd and Indecent Acts to a Child Under 12 in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. § 1151, 1152, 13 and 21 OK Stat. § 21-1123(A)(5)(f) [Pittsburg County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Shelley J. Duncan – Count 1: Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2244(a)(3), 2246(3), 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Lewd Acts with a Child Under 16 in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1151, 1152, 13, 21 O.S. § 1123(A)(1); Count 3: Lewd Acts with a Child Under 16 in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1151, 1152, 13, 21 O.S. § 1123(A)(3); Count 4: Lewd Acts with a Child Under 16 in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1151, 115, 13, 21 O.S. § 1123(A)(4) [Johnston County – Chickasaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. David Leroy Earls – Count 1: Sexual Abuse in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2242(2)(A), 2246(2)(A), 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Sexual Abuse in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2242(2)(A), 2246(2)(C), 1151 & 1153; Count 3: Sexual Abuse in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2242(2)(A), 2246(2)(B), 1151 & 1153 [Pushmataha County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Edgar Rene Garcia-Limon (Superseding Indictment) – Count 1: Felon in Possession of Firearm – 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) & 924(a)(2); Count 2: Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2241(c), 2246(2)(D), 1151 & 1152; Count 3: Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2244(a)(5), 2246(3), 1151 & 1152; Count 4: Illegal Reentry of Previously Removed Alien – 8 U.S.C. §§ 1326(a); [Okmulgee County- Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation]
United States v. Cutter Payne Hendricks – Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. § 2244(b), 2246(3), 1151 & 1152 [McCurtain County- Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Christopher William McKane – Count 1: Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2241(c), 2246(2)(A), 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2241(c), 2246(2)(B), 1151 & 1153 [Pontotoc County – Chickasaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Bruce Lee Montes – Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2241(c), 2246(2)(A), 1151 & 1152 [Pittsburg County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Gordon Lee Myers, a/k/a Rick Lee Myers – Count 1: Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2241(c), 2246(2)(A), 1151 & 1153; Count
2: Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2243, 2246(2)(A), 1151 & 1153 [Marshall County – Chickasaw Nation Reservation]United States v. Bryan Douglas Nicholson – Count 1: Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. § 2241(c), 2246(2)(B), 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. § 2243(a), 2246(2)(B), 1151 & 1153 [McCurtain County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Roy Lee Roberts, Jr.– Count 1: Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2241(c), 2246(2)(B), 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2241(c), 2246(2)(D), 1151 & 1153 [Pittsburg County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Jimmy Ray Robinson – Count 1: Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2244(a)(5), 2246(3), 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2244(a)(5), 2246(3), 1151 & 1153 [Choctaw County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Antonio Maurice Sambrano – Count 1: Sexual Abuse in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2242(2), 2246(2)(A), 1151 & 1152; Count 2: Sexual Abuse in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2242(2), 2246(2)(B); Count 3: Sexual Abuse in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2242(2), 2246(2)(C), 1151 & 1152 [Seminole County – Seminole Nation Reservation]
United States v. Bradley Alex Tilley – Sexual Abuse in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2242(2)(A), 2242(2)(B), 2246(2)(a), 1151 & 1153 [Seminole County – Seminole Nation Reservation]
United States v. Tommy James Whitt – Count 1: Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2243(a), 2246(2)(A), 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2243(a), 2246(2)(B), 1151 & 1153; Count 3: Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2241(c), 2246(2)(A), 1151 & 1153; Count 4: Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2241(c), 2246(2)(A), 1151 & 1153 [Seminole County – Seminole Nation Reservation]
Other violent crime in Indian Country:
United States v. Joses Ric-E Beck a/k/a Ricky – Count 1: Burglary in the First Degree in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1151, 1153 & 21 Okla. Stat. § 1431; Count 2: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with the Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(3), 1151 & 1153; Count 3: Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(6), 1151 & 1153 [Johnston County – Chickasaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Mr Lee Benton, a/k/a Mister Lee Benton, a/k/a Lee Benton – Count 1: Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1112, 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine – 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) & 841(b)(1)(B); Count 3: Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crime – 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A); Count 4: Felon in Possession of a Firearm – 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) & 924(a)(2); [Seminole County – Seminole Nation Reservation]
United States v. Kristen Breann Buckner, a/k/a Kristen Breann Talamassy – Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country - 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(3), 1151, & 1153 [Hughes County – Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation]
United States v. Jory L. Bullard – Child Abuse in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1151, 1152 & 21 Okla. Stat. § 843.5(A) [McCurtain County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Paula Amber Chisholm – Count 1: Child Abuse in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1151, 1153 & 21 Okla. Stat. § 843.5(A); Count 2: Child Neglect in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1151, 1153 & 21 Okla. Stat. § 843.5(C) [Pittsburg County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Mikkah Tramain Cosar – Count 1: Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(1), 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(3), 1151 & 1152; Count 3: Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(6), 1151 & 1153; Count 4: Use, Carry, Brandish and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence – 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i),(ii),(iii) [Seminole County – Seminole Nation Reservation]
United States v. Jeramey Dill – Count 1: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(3), 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Use, Carry, and Discharge a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence – 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i)(ii)(iii) [Cherokee County – Cherokee Nation Reservation]
United States v. Joseph Brandon Ferris – Count 1: Burglary in the First Degree in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1151, 1152 & 21 O.S. § 1431; Count 2: Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(1), 1151, and 1153; Count 3: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(3), 1151 and 1153; Count 4: Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(6), 1151 and 1153 [Johnston County – Chickasaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Richard Dakota Gore and Bronson Dalton Kent Gore – Count 1: Robbery in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2111, 1151, 1153 & 2; Count 2: Use, Carry, and Brandish a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence – 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i)(ii) & 2 [Pontotoc County – Chickasaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Trab Aahrron Hatton – Count 1: Attempted Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1113, 1151, & 1153; Count 2: Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(6), 1151 & 1153; Count 3: Use, Carry, Brandish and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence – 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i),(ii) & (iii) [Pontotoc County – Chickasaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Rex Allen Hayes, Jr. – Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1112, 1151 & 1152 [McCurtain County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Jeffrey Dywane Holcomb – Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(6), 1151 & 1153 [Pittsburg County- Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Autumn Elizabeth Grace Jackson, Sabrina Deanne Orr, and Dustin John Wood – Count 1: Attempted Murder in Indian Country- 18 U.S.C. §§ 1111(a), 1113, 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Robbery in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2111, 1151, 1153 & 2; Count 3: Burglary in the First Degree in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2, 1151, 1153 & 21 Okla. Stat. § 1431; Count 4: Maiming in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 114, 1151 & 1153; Count 5: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Injury in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(3), 1151, 1153 & 2; Count 6: Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(6), 1151, 1153 & 2; Count 7: Use, Carry, and Brandish of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence – 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i) & (ii) [Seminole County – Seminole Nation Reservation]
United States v. Dawane Armone King – Count 1; Child Abuse in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. § 1151, 1153 & 21 Okla. Stat. § 843.5(A); Count 2: Child Neglect in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1151, 1153 & 21 Okla. Stat. 843.5(C) [Choctaw County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Dillon Wayne McClain – Arson of a Dwelling in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 81, 1151, & 1153 [Pontotoc County – Chickasaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Billy James Menees and Ashley Dawn Marie Schardein – Count 1: Child Abuse in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1151, 1152, 2 & Okla. Stat. 83.5(A); Count 2: Child Neglect in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1151, 1152, 2 & Okla. Stat. 843.5(C) [Pittsburg County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Johnny Dale Morris – Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(3), 1151 & 1152 [Sequoyah County – Cherokee Nation Reservation]
United States v. Abigail Perez and Dylan Tyler Neal – Count 1: Child Neglect in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2, 1151, 1153 & 21 Okla. Stat. 843.5(C); Count 2: Child Neglect in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 2, 1151, 1152 & 21 Okla. Stat. 843.5(C) [Pontotoc County – Chickasaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Timmie Lee Runnels Jr – Count 1: Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(1), 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Kidnapping in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1201(a)(2), 1151 & 1153; Count 3: Felon in Possession of Ammunition – 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) & 924(a)(2); Count 4: Use, Carry, and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence – 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i),(iii) [Pontotoc County – Chickasaw Nation Reservation/Coal County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Amber Rachelle Thurman – Child Neglect in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1151, 1153, & 21 Okla. Stat. 843.5(C) [Pontotoc County – Chickasaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. David Daniel Walker, a/k/a Boston – Count 1: Burglary in the First Degree in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1151, 1153 & 21 Okla. Stat. § 1431; Count 2: Robbery in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 1151, 1153, & 2111; Count 3: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with the Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(3), 1151 & 1153 [Pontotoc County – Chickasaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Jeremy Curtis Walker – Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(6), 1151 & 1152 [Seminole County – Seminole Nation Reservation]
United States v. Dalton Ray Wallis – Count 1: Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(1), 1151, 1153; Count 2: Use, Carry, and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence – 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i)(iii) [Adair County – Cherokee Nation Reservation]
United States v. Kevin Ray Ward and Anthony Juan Armenta – Count 1: Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(6), 2, 1151 & 1153; Count 2: Use, Carry, Brandish and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence – 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i)(ii)(iii) & 2 [McCurtain County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Roberto Carlos Wesley – Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(3), 1151 & 1153 [McCurtain County – Choctaw Nation Reservation]
United States v. Oscar Levon Luke Junior Worcester – Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Injury in Indian Country – 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(3), 1151 & 1153 [Pontotoc County – Chickasaw Nation Reservation]
Non-Indian Country offenses:
United States v. Mr Lee Benton, a/k/a Mister Lee Benton, a/k/a Lee Benton – Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine [Seminole County]
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Eleven Defendants Charged with Murder in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Oklahoma has returned separate indictments charging 11 defendants with murder and other various violent crimes arising out of Indian Country.
Over the course of a three-day grand jury session in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, trial attorneys with the Justice Department’s Organized Crime and Gang Section, working with and in support of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, obtained the indictments charging the 11 defendants. These indictments followed the reversal or dismissal of state cases as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in McGirt v. Oklahoma.
In July 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court determined in McGirt v. Oklahoma that the historical boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation were never disestablished by Congress and therefore that the State of Oklahoma did not have jurisdiction to prosecute Jimcy McGirt for first degree rape and other state crimes. On March 11, the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals ruled that the Cherokee reservation and the Chickasaw reservation were likewise never disestablished. Similar rulings affecting the Seminole and Choctaw reservations were issued by the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals on April 1. As a result of these decisions, the United States has primary federal jurisdiction to prosecute major crimes committed by—or against—Native Americans occurring within the 26 counties of the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The following indictments were returned by the federal grand jury and filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma:
United States v. Gregory Gamblin – Murder in Indian Country.
United States v. Gunnar Mathew Hemingway – Murder in Indian Country; using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; causing the death of a person.
United States v. Cody Nash James –Murder in Indian Country; causing the death of a person.
United States v. Brian Mack – Murder in Indian Country.
United States v. Robert Mitchell – Murder in Indian Country.
United States v. Clifton Parish – Murder in Indian Country; kidnapping resulting in death in Indian Country.
United States v. Jeffrey Pierce – Murder in Indian Country.
United States v. Tyas Short – Second degree murder in Indian Country; using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; causing the death of a person.
United State v. Devin Sizemore – Murder in Indian Country; second degree murder in Indian Country; voluntary manslaughter in Indian Country; child abuse in Indian Country; assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country; and assault on a police officer in Indian Country
United States v. John Duncan Stubbs – Murder in Indian Country; using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; causing the death of a person.
United States v. Johnson Wisdom – Murder in Indian Country.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson of the Eastern District of Oklahoma; and Special Agent in Charge Melissa R. Godbold of the FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI is investigating the cases.
Trial Attorneys Gerald Collins, Rebecca Dunnan, Alex Gottfried, Lisa Man, Matthew Mattis, Christina Taylor, Christopher Taylor, and Kristen Taylor of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section are prosecuting the cases with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson Recognizes Police WeekRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – In honor of National Police Week, Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Sunday, May 9 through Saturday, May 15, 2021.
“This week is a time to honor our law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” said Attorney General Garland. “I am constantly inspired by the extraordinary courage and dedication with which members of law enforcement act each day, putting their lives on the line to make our communities safer. To members of law enforcement and your families: we know that not a single day, nor a single week, is enough to recognize your service and sacrifice. On behalf of the entire Department of Justice, you have our unwavering support and eternal gratitude.”
“The citizens of the Eastern District of Oklahoma are safer because of our men and women in law enforcement who diligently protect and serve. We owe our local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement officers and agents a profound debt of gratitude, and it is only fitting we honor them this week,” said Acting United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson.
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.
Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities that they have sworn to serve.
During the Roll Call of Heroes, a ceremony coordinated by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), more than 300 officers will be honored. Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), of the law enforcement officers who died nationwide in the line of duty in 2020, nearly 60 percent succumbed to COVID-19.
Additionally, according to statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 46 law enforcement officers died as a result of felonious acts and 47 died in accidents in 2020. LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website.
The names of the 394 fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Thursday, May 13, 2021, during a Virtual Candlelight Vigil, which will be livestreamed to the public at 8:00 PM EDT. The Police Week in-person public events, originally scheduled for May, have been rescheduled due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns to October 13-17, 2021. An in-person Candlelight Vigil event is scheduled for October 14, 2021.
Those who wish to view the Virtual Candlelight Vigil on May 13, 2021, can watch on the NLEOMF at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNLEOMF. The FOP’s Roll Call of Heroes can be viewed at www.fop.net. To view the schedule of virtual Police Week events in May, please view NLEOMF’s Police Week Flyer.
To learn more about National Police Week in-person events scheduled for October, please visit www.policeweek.org.
Braggs Resident Pleads Guilty to Possession of Unregistered Destructive DeviceRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that John Leroy Pruitt, III, age 44, of Braggs, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Possession Of Unregistered Firearm (Destructive Device), in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Sections 5861(d), 5841 and 5871, punishable by not more than 120 months’ imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about January 8, 2020, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did knowingly possess a destructive device, which is a firearm, as defined in Title 26, United States Code, Section 5845, not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris and Assistant United States Attorney Cameron McEwen represented the United States.
Okmulgee County Resident Pleads Guilty to Murder in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Glen Thomas West, age 35, of Okmulgee County, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Murder in Indian Country- Second Degree, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1111(a) 1151, and 1153, punishable by death or imprisonment for life, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about July 10, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, an Indian, willfully, deliberately, maliciously, and with premeditation and malice aforethought, did unlawfully kill Edwin Dominic Reid, an Indian, with a firearm.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Henryetta Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney David Youll represented the United States.
Eastern District of Oklahoma Federal Grand Jury Hands Down Record Number of IndictmentsRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced the Federal Grand Jury sitting in Muskogee completed a four-day session last Friday and returned ninety felony indictments. Acting United States Attorney Christopher Wilson called the session “historic.”
“The Eastern District of Oklahoma normally prosecutes around one hundred to one hundred-ten felony cases each year,” said Wilson. “During this last grand jury session alone, Assistant United States Attorneys from our office presented ninety cases and the grand jury returned ninety indictments, fourteen of which remain sealed pending arrest of the charged defendants. This is an unprecedented and historic number of indictments for the Eastern District.”
The vast majority of the new filings are crimes arising out of Indian Country. In July 2020, the United States Supreme Court determined in McGirt v. Oklahoma the historical boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation were never disestablished by Congress and the State of Oklahoma did not have jurisdiction to prosecute Jimcy McGirt for First Degree Rape by Instrumentation, Lewd Molestation and Forcible Sodomy. On March 11, 2021, the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals ruled the Cherokee reservation and the Chickasaw reservation were likewise never disestablished. Similar rulings affecting the Seminole and Choctaw reservations were issued by the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals on April 1, 2021. As a result of these decisions, the United States has primary federal jurisdiction to prosecute major crimes committed by Native Americans or against Native Americans occurring within the twenty-six counties of the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
“It has been our priority to transition defendants in state custody whose charges are being dismissed or convictions set aside as a result of McGirt into federal custody to stand trial in federal court,” said Wilson. “We were able to accomplish that with Jimcy McGirt and he was convicted by a federal jury for his crimes. This same goal has led to the record number of recent indictments.”
Of the seventy-six publicly filed indictments, all but six are violent crimes arising out of Indian Country. Thirty-four are murder charges, fourteen involve sexual assault or exploitation of minors, and the balance contain allegations of child abuse, attempted murder, involuntary manslaughter, felonious assault, robbery, and kidnapping. The six non-Indian Country cases involve illegal possession of narcotics, firearms offenses and failure to register as a sex offender.
The following indictments were returned by the federal grand jury and filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma:
Murder:
United States v. Dana Marie Barker - Murder in Indian Country
United States v. Melvin James Battiest – Murder in Perpetration of Robbery in Indian Country
United States v. Cory Dean Boykin – Murder in Indian Country
United States v. Kalup Allen Born – Count 1: Murder in Perpetration of Robbery & Kidnapping in Indian Country, Count 2: First Degree Burglary in Indian Country, Count 3: Robbery in Indian Country, and Count 4: Kidnapping in Indian Country
United States v. Byron Jerome Burton, a/k/a Bryon Burton, a/k/a Byron J. Burton – Count 1: Murder in Perpetration of Robbery in Indian Country and Count 2: Causing the Death of a Person in the Course of a Violation of Title 18, U.S.C. 924(c)
United States v. K C Cole – Count 1: Murder in Indian Country and Count 2: Causing the Death of a Person in the Course of a Violation of Title 18, U.S.C. 924(c)
United States v. Tyrik Da’Shon Cohee – Murder in Indian Country
United States v. Christopher Lynn Collins – Murder in Indian Country – Second Degree
United States v. Charles Michael Cooper – Count 1: Murder in Indian Country, Count 2: Murder in Indian Country in Perpetration of Burglary and Aggravated Sexual Abuse, Count 3: Burglary in the First Degree in Indian Country, Count 4: Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country, and Count 5: Arson in Indian Country
United States v. Andrew Duncan – Count 1: Murder in Indian Country, Count 2: Use, Carry, Brandish and Discharge a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence and Count 3: Causing the Death of a Person in the Course of a Violation of Title 18, U.S.C. 924(c)
United States v. Scott Eagle – Count 1: Murder in Indian Country and Count 2: Use, Carry and Brandish a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence
United States v. Carlton Dion Franklin – Count 1: Murder in Indian Country, Count 2: Use, Carry, Brandish and Discharge a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence and Count 3: Causing the Death of a Person in the Course of a Violation of Title 18, U.S.C. 924(c)
United States v. Stormy Seth Gann – Count 1: Murder in Indian Country and Count 2: Causing the Death of a Person in the Course of a Violation of Title 18, U.S.C. 924(c)
United States v. Glen Gore – Count 1: Murder in Indian Country and Count 2: Murder in Perpetration of Rape in Indian Country
United States v. Denise Grass – Murder in Indian Country
United States v. Bobby Joe Hector, Jr. – Murder in Indian Country
United States v. Joseph Allen Hernandez – Count 1: Murder in Indian Country, Count 2: Murder in Indian Country and Count 3: Arson in Indian Country
United States v. Shawn Thomas Jones – Count 1: Murder in Indian Country – Second Degree, Count 2: Murder in Indian Country – Second Degree and Count 3: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Other Intoxicating Substance Resulting in Great Bodily Injury
United States v. Laurie Jean Martin – Murder in Indian Country
United States v. Earl McAlister, Edmon Lee McAlister, Jessie Wayne Hansen Jason Matthew Armstrong, Vanessa Mae Gregory, and Johnatan Allan Caldwell – Count 1: Murder in Indian Country, Count 2: Use, Carry, Brandish and Discharge a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, Count 3: Causing the Death of a Person in the Course of a Violation of Title 18, U.S.C. 924(c), Count 4: Accessory After the Fact and Count 5: Conspiracy
United States v. Jessica Tyan Moore – Count 1: Murder in Indian Country and Count 2: Murder in Perpetration of Robbery in Indian Country
United States v. Tyler Jay Mullins – Murder in Indian Country
United States v. Jimmy Louis Northcutt, Jr. (Superseding Indictment) – Count 1: Murder in Indian Country, Count 2: Use, Carry, Brandish and Discharge a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, Count 3: Causing the Death of a Person in the Course of a Violation of Title 18, U.S.C. 924(c), Count 4: Burglary in the Second Degree in Indian Country, Count 5: Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Count 6: Possession of Stolen Firearm
United States v. Delila Pacheco – Murder in Perpetration of Child Abuse in Indian Country
United States v. James Eric Parker – Count 1: Murder in Indian Country, Count 2: Murder in Perpetration of Kidnapping in Indian Country, Count 3: Use, Carry, Brandish and Discharge a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, Count 4: Causing the Death of a Person in the Course of a Violation of Title 18, U.S.C. 924(c) and Count 5: Kidnapping in Indian Country
United States v. Tyler Presley – Count 1: Murder in Indian Country in Perpetration of Kidnapping, Count 2: Kidnapping in Indian Country Resulting in Death, Count 3: Use, Carry, Brandish and Discharge a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence and Count 4Interstate Transportation of a Stolen Vehicle
United States v. Cainey Roberts Jr. – Murder in Indian Country
United States v. Clayton Joe Roberts – Murder in Perpetration of Child Abuse in Indian Country
United States v. Richard Wayne Jr. – Murder in Indian Country – Second Degree
United States v. David Glen Thompson – Murder in Indian Country
United States v. Keith Bruno Titsworth – Murder in Indian Country
United States v. Stephen Tanner Vineyard – Count 1: Murder in Indian Country and Count 2: Causing the Death of a Person in the Course of a Violation of Title 18, U.S.C. 924(c)
United States v. Tonya Ann Watie – Count 1: Murder in Indian Country and Count 2: Murder in Perpetration of Burglary in Indian Country
United States v. Brandon Lee White – Count 1: Murder in Indian Country - Second Degree, Count 2: Use, Carry, Brandish and Discharge a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, Count 3: Causing the Death of a Person in the Course of a Violation of Title 18, U.S.C. 924(c) and Count 4: Possession of Unregistered Firearm; Felon in Possession of a FirearmSexual Assault:
United States v. Ricky Don Ables, Jr. – Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country
United States v. Lucas James Blackbird – Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country
United States v. Keith Elmo Davis - Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country
United States v. J.D. Hooper Jr. – Count 1: Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country, Count 2: Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country, Count 3: Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country and Count 4: Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country
United States v. Garrett Joseph Hurst - Sexual Abuse in Indian Country
United States v. Ronnie Lee Lamb – Count 1: Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country, Count 2: Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country, Count 3: Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country, Count 4: Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country, Count 5: Possession Of Certain Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and Count 6: Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor
United States v. Matthew Roy Lawson (Superseding Indictment) – Count 1: Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country, Count 2: Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country, Count 3:Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country, Count 4: Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country, Count 5: Lewd Acts with a Child in Indian Country, Count 6: Sexual Exploitation of a Child/Use of a Child to Produce a Visual Depiction and Count 7: Possession of Certain Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
United States v. Jay Leon McMillan – Count 1: Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country, Count 2: Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country, Count 3: Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country and Count 4: Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country
United States v. Santiago “Jimmy” Perez III – Count 1: Coercion and Enticement of a Minor, Count 2: Kidnapping in Indian Country and Count 3: Lewd Acts with a Child Under the Age of 12 in Indian Country
United States v. Danny Ray Reisman – Sexual Abuse in Indian Country
United States v. Levi Cody Root, Sr. – Count 1: Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country, Count 2: Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country and Count 3: Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country
United States v. Christopher Cody Eugene Space – Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child Age 12 to 16 Years
United States v. Philip Ryan Stanley – Counts 1-12: Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country
United States v. Lance Whelchel – Count 1: Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country and Count 2: Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian CountryOther violent crime in Indian Country:
United States v. Aaron Wayne Adams – Attempted Robbery in Indian Country
United States v. Nika Daniel Alexander – Count 1: Robbery in Indian Country, Count 2: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country, Count 3: Use, Carry, and Brandish a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, Count 4: Robbery in Indian Country, Count 5: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country and Count 6: Use, Carry, and Brandish a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence
United States v. Bryce Alan Benshoof – Count 1: Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country, Count 2: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country and Count 3: Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country
United States v. Kristy Lynn Bitar – Count 1: Attempt to Commit Murder in Indian Country and Count 2: Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country
United States v. Chaland Teddie Lee Caldwell – Count 1: Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country, Count 2: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country and Count 3: Use, Carry, Brandish and Discharge a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence
United States v. Phabian Raphael Flores – Count 1: Robbery in Indian Country and Count 2: Use, Carry, and Brandish a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence
United States v. Dion Shane Gilbert – Count 1: Assault of a Spouse, Intimate Partner and Dating Partner by Strangling, Suffocating and Attempting to Strangle and Suffocate in Indian Country, Count 2: Assault by Striking, Beating and Wounding in Indian Country, Count 3: Assault by Striking, Beating and Wounding in Indian Country and Count 4: Assault by Striking, Beating and Wounding in Indian Country
United States v. Nicholas Hammer – Count 1: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country and Count 2: Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country
United States v. Geoffry Hitcher – Count 1: Kidnapping in Indian Country, Count 2: Robbery in Indian Country, Count 3: Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country and Count 4: Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country
United States v. Jonathon Linder – Child Abuse in Indian Country
United States v. Dalton Dwayne Livesay - Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country
United States v. Joseph Eugene Meyer (Superseding Indictment) – Count 1: Kidnapping in Indian Country, Count 2: Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country, Count 3: Use, Carry and Brandish a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence and Count 4: Felon in Possession of Firearm
United States v. James Russell Parker – Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian Country
United States v. Daniel Cruz Perez – Manslaughter in Indian Country
United States v. Philip Lee Ramos, a/k/a Phillip Lee Ramos – Robbery in Indian Country
United States v. Robert Dwayne Roberts – Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian Country
United States v. Scotty Lafay Russell – Count 1: Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country, Count 2: Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country, Count 3: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country, Count 4: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country, Count 5: Use, Carry, Brandish and Discharge a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence and Count 6: Felon in Possession of a Firearm
United States v. Robert Dean Smith II – Count 1: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country and Count 2: Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country
United States v. Justin Keith Taylor – Count 1: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country, Count 2: Attempted Robbery in Indian Country and Count 3: Simple Assault in Indian Country
United States v. Nawllah S. Tiger and Jason Buck – Count 1: Child Abuse in Indian Country, Count 2: Child Abuse in Indian Country, Count 3: Child Neglect in Indian Country and Count 4: Child Neglect in Indian Country
United States v. Heather Nicole White – Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian Country
United States v. Tanya Michelle Wilson – Kidnapping in Indian CountryNon-Indian Country offenses:
United States v. Eduardo Angel and Jose Ramon Gutierrez, a/k/a Jose Ramon Gutierez – Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
United States v. Regina Ballard - Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
United States v. Jeremy Chad Gilliland – Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted in any Court of a Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence
United States v. Mario Salazar-Mendez - Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
United States v. Timothy Allen Stacy, II – Count 1: Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Count 2: Possession of Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crime, Count 3: Possession of Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crime, Count 4: Possession of Unregistered Firearm and Count 5: Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition
United States v. Woodrow Michael Wisdom – Failure to Register as Sex OffenderAn indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Weleetka Resident Sentenced to 13 Months for Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Kyle Elliott Leitka, age 31, of Weleetka, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 13 months’ imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release for Abusive Sexual Contact In Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1151, 1153, 2244(b) and 2246(3). The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Indictment to which the defendant previously entered a guilty plea alleged that on or about June 22, 2020, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant knowingly engaged and attempted to engage in abusive sexual contact with the victim.
Acting United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson said, “Touching a child for sexual gratification is inexcusable. It is criminal and morally repugnant. Seeing our most vulnerable being preyed upon is heartbreaking, and it is the goal of the justice system to identify, prosecute and punish those responsible for these reprehensible crimes.”
The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah McAmis represented the United States. Leitka was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal to await commitment to a United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve his non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Felon Sentenced to 188 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing Firearm, Threatening an FBI Task Force OfficerRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Hurley Dewayne Pitts, age 46, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release for Felon In Possession Of Firearm & Ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(2) and 924(e)(1) and Influencing Federal Official By Threatening Family Member, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 115(a)(1)(A) and 115(b)(4). The charges arose from an investigation by the Tahlequah Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Superseding Indictment to which the defendant previously entered a guilty plea alleged that on or about January 18, 2020, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and knowing of said conviction, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm and ammunition which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.
The Superseding Indictment further alleged that on or about February 22, 2020, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did threaten to assault, kidnap, and murder the immediate family members of T.C., a Task Force Officer for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with intent to impede, intimidate, and interfere with T.C. while he was engaged in the performance of his official duties, and to retaliate against T.C. on account of the performance of his official duties.
Acting United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson said, “The investigation and prosecution of Defendant Pitts is the result of strong working relationships law enforcement agencies have in the Eastern District. Law enforcement have difficult and often dangerous jobs. They put their lives on the line to protect our citizens on a daily basis. When defendants choose to target law enforcement officers or their families with threats and intimidation, this office will stand shoulder to shoulder with the victims to ensure this type of conduct is not tolerated and defendants are held accountable.”
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Clay Compton represented the United States. Pitts was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal to await commitment to United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve his non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Broken Bow Resident Sentenced to 72 Months for Ammunition PossessionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Darin Dawayne Tate, age 42, of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 72 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release for Felon In Possession Of Ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). The charges arose from an investigation by the Idabel Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Indictment to which the defendant previously entered a guilty plea alleged that on or about March 4, 2020, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma the defendant, having previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and knowing of such conviction, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, ammunition which had been shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce.
Acting United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson said, “Federal law is very clear – felons should not possess firearms or ammunition. Enforcement of this law has long been a priority of the Department of Justice, and this case is a classic example of how local, state and federal law enforcement can work together to accomplish this mission.”
The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Clay Compton represented the United States. Tate was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal to await commitment to a United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve his non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Broken Arrow Resident Sentenced to 60 Months, $14,000 Restitution for Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian Country, Driving Under the InfluenceRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Addison Paige Clark, age 30, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release for Involuntary Manslaughter In Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1112, 1151 and 1153; and Driving Under The Influence Of Alcohol Or Other Intoxicating Substance Resulting In Great Bodily Injury, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 13, 1151 and 1152. Clark was also ordered to pay $14,326.26 in restitution. The charges arose from an investigation by the Muskogee Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Information to which the defendant previously entered a guilty plea alleged that on or about June 21, 2019, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, an Indian, did unlawfully kill Joshua Ray Jackson in the commission of an unlawful act not amounting to a felony, that is operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and a controlled substance, contrary to Title 47, Oklahoma Statutes Annotated, Section 11-902, without due caution and circumspection and with a wanton and reckless disregard for human life, and knew and should have known that her conduct imperiled the lives of others.
The Information further alleged that on or about June 21, 2019, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, an Indian, did cause an accident in which E.J. suffered great bodily injury while driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and a controlled substance that made defendant incapable of safely driving a motor vehicle.
Acting United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson said, “Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is a serious offense and poses a grave danger to the public. Any loss of life is tragic, but it is even more so when the situation could have been avoided by making proper choices. The defendant’s senseless decision to drive her vehicle under the influence of alcohol and cannabinoids resulted in a motorcyclist being killed and the motorcycle passenger being seriously injured. This office is committed to not only holding criminals responsible for their actions, but also supporting the survivors of their needless actions.”
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Clay Compton and Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States. Clark was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal to await commitment to a United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve her non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma Files More Than 20 Indian Country Murder CasesRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today it has filed forty (40) violent crime in Indian Country cases since the March 11, 2021, Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals opinions in Bosse v. Oklahoma and Hogner v. Oklahoma. The cases include twenty-two murders, four manslaughters, and six sexual abuse offenses involving minor victims. The following cases have been filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma by Criminal Complaint:
United States v. K.C. Cole – Murder in Indian Country
United States v. Tonya Ann Waite – Murder in Indian Country
United States v. Earl McAlister – Murder in Indian Country
United States v. Johnatan Caldwell, Jason Armstrong, Jessie Hansen and Edmon McAlister – Murder in Indian Country
United States v. Scott Tate Eagle – Murder in Indian Country
United States v. Denise Grass – Murder in Indian Country
United States v. Joseph Allen Hernandez – Murder in Indian Country
United States v. David Glen Thompson – Murder in Indian Country
United States v. Tyrik D. Cohee – Murder in Indian Country
United States v. James Eric Parker – Murder in Indian Country
United States v. Laurie Martin – Murder in Indian Country
United States v. Tyler Mullins – Murder in Indian Country
United States v. Charles Cooper – Murder in Indian Country
United States v. Russell Williford – Murder in Indian Country
United States v. Jessica Tyan Moore – Murder in Indian Country
United States v. Bobby Joe Hector, Jr. – Murder in Indian Country
United States v. Glen Gore – Murder in Indian Country
United States v. Cory Boykin – Murder in Indian Country
United States v. Stormy Gann – Murder in Indian Country
United States v. Tyler Presley – Murder in Perpetration of Kidnapping in Indian Country
United States v. Delila Ann Pacheco – Murder in Perpetration of Child Abuse in Indian Country
United States v. Brandon White – Murder in Second Degree Indian Country
United States v. Heather Nicole White – Manslaughter in Indian Country
United States v. Shawn Jones – Manslaughter in Indian Country
United States v. James Russell Parker – Manslaughter in Indian Country
United States v. Robert Dwayne Roberts – Manslaughter in Indian Country
United States v. Tanya Michelle Wilson – Kidnapping in Indian Country
United States v. Christopher Space – Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child in Indian Country
United States v. J.D. Hooper – Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child in Indian Country
United States v. Philip Ryan Stanley – Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country
United States v. Lance Whelchel – Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country
United States v. Lucas James Blackbird – Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country and Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country
United States v. Santiago Perez III – Lewd Acts with a Child in Indian Country
United States v. Geoffrey Hitcher – Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country
United States v. Nicholas Hammer – Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country
United States v. Justin Taylor - Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country
United States v. Chavio Balderas – Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country
United States v. Chalad Teddie Lee Caldwell – Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country
United States v. Bryce Alan Benshoof – Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country
United States v. Clarence Wesley Sands – Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country“Our goal has been and will continue to be protecting the people of the Eastern District of Oklahoma by focusing all of our available resources on ensuring that violent offenders are transitioned from state custody to federal custody to be tried for the violent crimes they have been charged with committing,” said Acting United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “Our staff has been working many long and stress-filled hours reviewing law enforcement reports and preparing charging documents. The logistics of handling this volume of cases has been challenging and has required the cooperation of District Attorney Offices, Sheriff Offices, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Marshals Service, and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections.”
Many of the recent federal charges filed by the Eastern District of Oklahoma involve defendants previously convicted in state court. The Supreme Court decision in McGirt v. Oklahoma and the recent Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals rulings in Bosse and Hogner held that Congress never disestablished the reservations of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Chickasaw Nation and the Cherokee Nation, and the State of Oklahoma lacked jurisdiction to prosecute major crimes involving Native Americans occurring on these reservation lands. Based on these rulings, many state convictions have and will be vacated. It will be the responsibility of the federal government and/or tribal governments to prosecute the offenders. It is anticipated additional decisions impacting the Choctaw and Seminole Nations will be issued by the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals in the coming days.
“As I stated when the recent Hogner and Bosse opinions came down, the Eastern District U.S. Attorney’s Office has been identifying cases of violent offenders currently in custody within the areas of the Cherokee and Chickasaw reservations which could be impacted by a change in Indian Country jurisdiction. The collective efforts of our state, local, tribal, and federal partners have enabled our office to have federal charges in place to avoid these violent offenders from being released from custody. The forty cases filed to date are only the beginning. We are reviewing and making charging decisions on additional cases daily. In addition, we have already discovered approximately 150 violent offender cases in the Choctaw and Seminole areas over which we anticipate assuming federal criminal jurisdiction if the OCCA renders similar rulings,” said Wilson.
“I am keenly aware of the hardship the jurisdictional change has placed on so many victims,” said Wilson. “As the previous state convictions are being vacated for lack of jurisdiction, victims and victim families are being forced to relive the entire process. We are committed to assisting the victims of these violent crimes as their cases navigate through the federal criminal justice system.”
A criminal complaint does not constitute evidence of guilt. A criminal complaint is only a method of bringing formal charges against a defendant. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and may not be found guilty unless evidence establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Haskell Resident Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement from A Labor OrganizationRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Brenda G. Walters, age 60, of Haskell, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Embezzlement from a Labor Organization, in violation of Title 29, United States Code, Section 501(c), punishable by not more than 5 years’ imprisonment, a fine up to $10,000.00, or both.
From in or about January 2012, and continuing until in or about July 2020, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant, while serving as the Secretary-Treasurer of American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO, Muskogee Local Area 7, a labor organization engaged in an industry affecting commerce, did embezzle, steal, abstract, and convert to her own use, money, funds, property, securities, and other assets of the labor organization in the approximate amount of $95,100.00.
The charges arose from an investigation by the United States Department of Labor - Office of Labor-Management Standards.
The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael Cooper represented the United States.
Oklahoma Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
An Oklahoma man pleaded guilty today to producing and possessing child pornography.
According to court documents, Hunter Jacob James Hope, 21, of Muldrow, engaged in a pattern of conduct that involved threatening to share sensitive (typically undressed or partially undressed) images of minors unless the minors either engaged in sexual acts with him or provided him over the internet with sexually explicit images of themselves.
Hope pleaded guilty to seven counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. According to his written plea agreement, he will face a term of imprisonment between 262 to 327 months. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The plea agreement also requires that Hope pay restitution.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson of the Eastern District of Oklahoma; and Special Agent in Charge Ryan L. Spradlin of U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Dallas made the announcement.
HSI investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Gwendelynn Bills of the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Muskogee Resident Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse of A Minor in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Demarco Latrel Patterson, age 25, of Muskogee, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1151, 1153, 2243(a), and 2246, punishable by not more than 15 years’ imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about June 22, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, an Indian, did knowingly engage in a sexual act as defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 2246(2)(A), with a minor female who at that time had attained the age of 12 years, but had not attained the age of 16 years, and who was at least four years younger than defendant.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Kyle J. Essley represented the United States.
Muldrow Resident Pleads Guilty to Production and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Hunter Jacob James Hope, age 21, of Muldrow, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to seven counts of production of child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2251, and one count of possession of child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252. According to the plea agreement, he will face a term of imprisonment between 262 and 327 months and a fine up to $250,000.00.
According to court documents, Hope engaged in a pattern of conduct that involved threatening to share sensitive (typically undressed or partially undressed) images of minors unless the minors either engaged in sex acts with him or provided him with sexually explicit images of themselves over the internet.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Sallisaw, Oklahoma Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Gwendelynn Bills represented the United States.
Mounds Resident Pleads Guilty to Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Richard Lloyd Jack, Jr., age 57, of Mounds, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 113(a)(6), 2, 1151 and 1153, punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about September 29, 2020, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, Richard Lloyd Jack, Jr., an Indian, did assault G.W. resulting in serious bodily injury.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin D. Traster represented the United States.
Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma Issues Statement Regarding OCCA Decisions of Hogner and BosseRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – Since the United States Supreme Court decision in McGirt v. Oklahoma was handed down in July 2020, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma has been committed to ensuring that public safety is our top priority. The opinions released today by the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals in Hogner v. Oklahoma and Bosse v. Oklahoma only reinforce that commitment, said Acting United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “The Hogner and Bosse cases expand federal criminal jurisdiction to prosecute crimes committed by Indians or upon Indian victims in the territorial boundaries of the Cherokee and Chickasaw Nations.”
“In anticipation of today’s rulings, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has partnered with the district attorneys and tribal prosecutors within the Eastern District to identify cases which will be impacted by these decisions, said Acting United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “We have also forged strong working relationships with local, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies to investigate crimes occurring within Indian Country. Our office will be building on the framework we set in place to address crimes occurring within the Muscogee (Creek) Nation after the McGirt opinion. This framework includes creating Indian Country prosecution teams, securing attorneys and support staff from other U.S. Attorney’s offices to serve terms in the Eastern District, as well as establishing case intake and referral procedures in cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.”
“The expansion of federal criminal jurisdiction resulting from the Hogner & Bosse rulings will no doubt dramatically increase our caseload, but I am confident the men and women of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District will rise to the challenge,” said Wilson.
Okmulgee Resident Pleads Guilty to Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Ronald Weslee Spears, age 58, of Okmulgee, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury In Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 113(a)(6), 1151 and 1152, punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
On November 24, 2020, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, the defendant shot B.P., in the hip, with a black powder pistol. As a result of being shot, B.P. suffered extreme physical pain, was at risk of death, and required hospitalization for several days. The shooting took place within the territorial boundaries of the Muskogee Creek Nation and the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The victim, B.P., is a member of the Muskogee Creek Nation.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Okmulgee Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Nalani Ching represented the United States.
Tulsa Resident Pleads Guilty to Assault with Dangerous Weapon in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Polly Anne Sanders, age 37, of Tulsa, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 113(a)(3), 1151 and 1153, punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about August 18, 2020, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, an Indian, did assault D.L., with a dangerous weapon, with intent to do bodily harm.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Henryetta Police Department, the Okmulgee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Special Assistant United States Attorney L.C. Wright represented the United States.
Porter Resident Sentenced to 60 Months Probation, $68,885 Restitution for Theft, Embezzlement or Misapplication by Bank EmployeeRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Deborah Kay Jenkins, age 48, of Porter, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 5 years probation and ordered to pay $68,885.00 in restitution for Theft, Embezzlement or Misapplication by Bank Employee, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 656. The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Information to which Jenkins previously entered a guilty plea alleged that from in or about May 2017 through in or about February 2019, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, being an employee of, and connected in a capacity with First Bank in Porter, Oklahoma, a bank whose deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, with intent to injure and defraud the said First Bank, willfully misapplied, embezzled, abstracted, and purloined more than $1,000.00 of the moneys, funds, assets and securities entrusted to the custody and care of First Bank, in that the defendant withdrew cash and transferred funds from the bank and misapplied, embezzled, abstracted and purloined the funds.
“Financial institutions are vital components of our everyday economy. Banking customers expect their deposits to be secure in the hands of their local banks,” said Acting United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “Bank employees who embezzle and steal funds undermine that confidence, and it is the role of the criminal justice system to hold them accountable. I appreciate the investigative work of the FDIC-OIG and the FBI to insure the defendant was identified and brought to justice.”
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson represented the United States.Oktaha Resident Found Guilty of Abusive Sexual Contact with A Child Age 12 to 16 YearsRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that Robert Dale Ogden, age 45, of Oktaha, Oklahoma was found guilty by a federal jury of Count Two - Abusive Sexual Contact with a Child Age 12 to 16 Years, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1151, 1153, 2244(a)(3), and 2246(3). The jury trial began with testimony on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 and concluded on Thursday, March 4, 2021 with the guilty verdict on Count Two. The jury returned a not guilty verdict on Count One - Abusive Sexual Contact with a Child Age 12 to 16 Years, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1151, 1153, 2244(a)(3), and 2246(3).
Evidence presented at trial proved that on or about June 26, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, an Indian, did knowingly engage in and cause sexual contact as defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 2246, with A.P., a person who had attained the age of 12 years but had not attained the age of 16 years and is at least four years younger than the person so engaging, to wit: intentionally touching, directly and not through the clothing, of the inner thigh, with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, arouse, and gratify the sexual desire of any person.
The verdict was the result of an investigation by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the trial and ordered the completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following its completion. Ogden was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending the imposition of sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Sarah McAmis and Special Assistant United States Attorney Erin Cornell represented the United States.
Okmulgee Resident Sentenced to 36 Months for Failure to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Derrick Leron Jordan, age 49, of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment, and 5 years of supervised release for Failure to Register as Sex Offender, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2250(a)(1), 2250(a)(2)(B) and 2250(a)(3). The charges arose from an investigation by the Okmulgee Police Department and the United States Marshals Service.
The Indictment to which Jordan previously entered a guilty plea alleged that from on or about December 14, 2018, until on or about March 24, 2020, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, and elsewhere, the defendant, an individual required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, after having received a felony conviction from the State of Oklahoma on or about April 22, 1999, for Rape First Degree and Oral Sodomy, traveled in interstate commerce and knowingly failed to register and update his registration as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
Acting United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson said, “Ensuring that sex offenders register and update their registration is an important way law enforcement can promote public safety. In 2006, Congress passed the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) which made it a federal offense for any person required to register as sex offender who travels in interstate or foreign commerce to fail to register and/or update their registration. Defendants, like Mr. Jordan, who attempt to thwart the registration system will be located and brought to justice.”
“As part of our efforts to keep our communities safe, it is with great pride that the United States Marshals Service works alongside state, local and tribal law enforcement to ensure that convicted sex offenders comply with the requirements of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act” said, United States Marshal Kerry Pettingill.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served. Assistant United States Attorney Nalani Ching represented the United States.Muskogee Resident Sentenced to 18 Months for Mail Fraud, $560,000 RestitutionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Kenneth Gene Morgan a/k/a Kenny Morgan, age 44, of Muskogee, Oklahoma was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment and 3 years’ supervised release for Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341 and Tax Fraud, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(1). Morgan was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $442,883.66 to Direct Traffic Control, Inc. and restitution in the amount of $119,467.87 to the Internal Revenue Service. The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service.
The Information to which Morgan entered a guilty plea alleged in Count One that from August 15, 2016 through on or about March 22, 2017, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, Morgan devised a scheme to defraud Direct Traffic Control, Inc. by diverting insurance claim funds received by Direct Traffic Control, Inc. through the U.S. Mail into his personal bank account. Specifically, on February 15, 2017, Morgan knowingly took and received from an authorized depository for mail an envelope, containing a check in the amount of $303,619.55, addressed to Direct Traffic Control, Inc. and Kenny Morgan.
The Information further alleged that on or about April 15, 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant, willfully made and subscribed a false 2017 Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, which contained and was verified by a written declaration that it was made under the penalties of perjury, and which he did not believe to be true and correct as to every material matter, in that he knowingly reported Adjusted Gross Income of $176,564.00, whereas, he then and there knew that the Adjusted Gross Income failed to report approximately $208,563.35 of income.
Morgan was ordered to surrender to the United States Bureau of Prisons by noon on May 1, 2021 to begin serving his sentence of imprisonment at a facility to be designated by BOP.
The Honorable David C. Joseph, U.S. District Judge from the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, who is temporarily assigned to the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the sentencing hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Douglas Horn represented the United States.
Muskogee Resident Sentenced to 12 Months for Child Neglect in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Brandon Edward Bridges, age 24, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, and 2 years of supervised release for Child Neglect in Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1151, 1153 and Title 21, Oklahoma Statutes, Section 843.5(C). The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Indictment to which Defendant Bridges previously entered a guilty plea alleged that on or about December 7, 2019, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, Brandon Edward Bridges, willfully and maliciously failed and omitted to provide six children with adequate food, clothing, shelter, sanitation and hygiene and appropriate care and supervision and failed to protect those children from exposure to the use and possession of illegal drugs and illegal activities all while responsible for the children's health, safety and welfare.
“Exposing children to the use and possession of illegal narcotics is inexcusable criminal conduct which cannot be tolerated,” said Acting United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “It has been and will continue to be a priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to see to it our most vulnerable are protected.”
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served. Assistant United States Attorney Jarrod Leaman represented the United States.
Idabel Resident Sentenced to 30 Months for Possession of Firearm, AmmunitionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Robert L. Lemons, age 33, of Idabel, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment for Felon In Possession of Firearm & Ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(2), and 924(e)(1). The charges arose from an investigation by the Idabel Police Department, the McCurtain County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The single-count Indictment to which Lemons previously entered a guilty plea alleged that on or about January 13, 2019, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, Robert L. Lemons, having previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and knowing of said conviction, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm and ammunition which had been shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce.
“The investigation in this case began with a report of a person exhibiting suspicious behavior. A citizen doing the right thing led to removing a firearm out of the hands of a convicted felon. If you see something unusual or suspicious, contact law enforcement immediately,” said Acting United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson.
“Felons and firearms don’t mix, Mr. Lemons now knows this. The streets are safer because of the hard work of all our law enforcement partners,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served. Assistant United States Attorney Ben Gifford represented the United States.United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester Announces Submission of ResignationRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – Today United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester announced that he has submitted his resignation to President Biden, to be effective 11:59 PM on February 28, 2021. It is customary for newly elected presidents to ask for the resignations of United States Attorneys appointed by the previous administration. Kuester was nominated by President Trump and confirmed by the United States Senate in 2017. He took office on September 25, 2017. Immediately prior to his appointment, he was serving his second term as District Attorney for Oklahoma’s 27th District, which serves Adair, Cherokee, Sequoyah, and Wagoner Counties.
As the United States Attorney, Kuester served as the chief federal law enforcement officer in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and was thereby responsible for all federal criminal prosecutions and civil litigation involving the United States in the district. Twenty-six of Oklahoma’s counties are within the Eastern District as well as the headquarters of each of the Five Civilized Tribes – the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek), and Seminole Nations.
During his term, Kuester led the United States Attorney’s Office through several unprecedented challenges, including the longest federal government shutdown in history, a worldwide pandemic, and the impact of the U. S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision, McGirt v. Oklahoma. Despite these extraordinary circumstances, the office indicted more cases and defended more cases in which the United States had an interest than it had in previous administrations.
“I am proud of the quality and quantity of the work our office has accomplished. We have made the Eastern District a safer place to live, work, and raise a family, and protected the interests of the United States. But I am more proud that we accomplished this work by adherence to the enduring core values of the Department of Justice – Equal Justice Under the Law; Honesty and Integrity; Commitment to Excellence; and Respect for the Worth and Dignity of Each Human Being – and a renewed emphasis on our working relationships with federal, state, and tribal law enforcement agencies,” said Kuester. “Our relationships with our law enforcement partners have never been stronger. We have seen unprecedented team work by the law enforcement community serving the people of this district.”
Although the McGirt decision was decided in July 2020, the full impact of the decision has not yet been felt. It is anticipated decisions by the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals in the coming weeks may extend the rationale of the McGirt decision, which currently applies only to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, to the remaining four of the Five Civilized Tribes. If that occurs, the entire Eastern District will be recognized as Indian Country, greatly expanding federal criminal jurisdiction. The United States Attorney’s Office has been a leader in preparing the district for that potential. The re-recognition of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation has led to over a 1,500% increase in Violent Crime in Indian Country matters referred to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the seven months since the decision.
“We have worked closely with federal, state, and tribal agencies to prepare for the exponential increase in criminal cases over which the federal government will have primary jurisdiction. We have offered training on Indian Country Jurisdiction throughout the district; we have restructured our office – historically one of the smallest U.S. Attorney’s Office in the country – to better manage the drastic caseload increase; we have worked closely with the FBI to streamline the case intake process; we have transparently shared and received information with our law enforcement partners; and we have indicted many more defendants than ever before in such a short period of time,” said Kuester. “The response by the men and women in this office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation has been nothing short of heroic. I am not surprised by that, it’s what I have come to expect of them. I have no doubt that great service will continue.”
By virtue of the Vacancies Reform Act, Christopher J. Wilson, the current First Assistant United States Attorney, will serve as the Acting United States Attorney upon Kuester’s departure from the office.
“I am thankful to President Trump, Senators Inhofe and Lankford, and other members of the Senate for entrusting me with this office and the sacred mission it is responsible for,” said Kuester. “As I drive away from the office for the final time I’ll do so with the utmost confidence, trust, and respect for the men and women who will continue to carry out the most vital roles in government – upholding the Constitution, the administration of justice, and protecting the fiscal interests of our great Nation. Having had an opportunity to work alongside them in that very important work for nearly 3 ½ years has been the highlight of my professional career.”
Oklahoma City Resident Pleads Guilty to Drug and Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Lilliana Alvarez Soto, age 22, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Drug Conspiracy in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846, punishable by not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment, a fine up to $10,000,000.00, or both; and to Money Laundering Conspiracy, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956(a)(2)(A), punishable by not more than 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine up to $500,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleged that beginning on November 4, 2016 and continuing until on or about the date of Indictment, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, LILLIANA ALVAREZ SOTO did willfully and knowingly combine, conspire, confederate, and agree with others known and unknown, including Enrique Pacheco, to violate federal drug laws by acquiring kilograms of heroin and distributing it for money.
The Indictment further alleged that from on or about July 15, 2019 through on or about the date of Indictment, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant, did knowingly combine, conspire, and agree with others, persons known and unknown to the Grand Jury, to commit offenses against the United States in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956, to wit: to transport, transmit and transfer and attempt to transport, transmit and transfer a monetary instrument and funds from a place in the United States to and through a place outside the United States with the intent to promote the carrying on of specified unlawful activity.
The charges arose from a joint investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office, the Muskogee Police Department, and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, many prominent agencies which are members of the DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (“HIDTA”), contributed to this investigation, including: the Tulsa Police Department, the Broken Arrow Police Department, the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department, the Miami Police Department, the Moore Police Department, the El Reno Police Department, the Yukon Police Department, the Duncan Police Department, the Norman Police Department, the Choctaw Police Department, the Edmond Police Department, the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, the Canadian County Sheriff’s Office, the Rogers County District Attorney’s Office, and the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office. The investigation was coordinated by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) of the Eastern District of Oklahoma. OCDETF is an initiative led and coordinated by the Office of the United States Attorney.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace and Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Conway represented the United States.
Broken Arrow Resident Pleads Guilty to Robbery in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Conrad Edward Nedd, age 36, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Robbery In Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2111, 1151 and 1153, punishable by not more than 15 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about May 29, 2020, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, an Indian, by force, violence, and intimidation, did take and attempt to take items of value from K.H.’s person and presence.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office the Broken Arrow Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Robert Reeves represented the United States.
Weleetka Resident Pleads Guilty to Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Stanley Wayne Zackery, Jr, age 38, of Weleetka, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Assault Resulting In Substantial Bodily Injury To A Spouse, Intimate Partner And Dating Partner In Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1151, 1153 and 113(a)(7), punishable by not more than 5 years’ imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about August 20, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant did assault a spouse, intimate partner, and dating partner, resulting in substantial bodily injury.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Okfuskee County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Craig Gestring represented the United States.
Muskogee Resident Pleads Guilty to Child Neglect in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Megan Leanne Tillery, age 28, of Muskogee, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Child Neglect In Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1151, 1153, and 21 Oklahoma Statute § 843.5(G), punishable by any period of any term of years of imprisonment or for life, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about August 2020, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant willfully and maliciously failed and omitted to provide adequate medical care, supervision, appropriate caretakers, and special care made necessary by the physical and mental condition of a child under the age of eighteen, all while the defendant was responsible for the health, safety and welfare of the child.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Sarah McAmis represented the United States.
Muskogee County Resident Pleads Guilty to Attempted Robbery in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Phillip Lemont Jones, Jr., age 19, of Muskogee County, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Attempted Robbery In Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2111, 1151, 1153, and 2, punishable by up to 15 years’ imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about July 30, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, by force and violence and by intimidation, did attempt to take items of value from the person and presence of D.L., an Indian.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, the Haskell Police Department, the Muskogee Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Conway represented the United States.
Henryetta Resident Pleads Guilty to Abusive Sexual Contact of A Child in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Michael Eco Hutke Haney, age 23, of Henryetta, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Attempted Sexual Abuse in Indian Country, Sexual Abuse in Indian Country, and Abusive Sexual contact of a child in Indian Country. Each count is punishable by any period of any term of years of imprisonment or for life, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Information alleged that on or about January 29, 2017, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the Defendant, an Indian, did knowingly engage and attempt to engage in sexual acts with the victim, who was, as the defendant well knew, at that time incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct, physically incapable of declining participation in the aforementioned sexual acts, and who was physically incapable of communicating unwillingness to engage in the aforementioned sexual acts.
The Information further alleged that on or about January 29, 2017, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, an Indian, did knowingly engage in and cause sexual contact with the victim, a person who had not yet attained the age of 12 years, with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, and arouse and gratify the sexual desire of any person.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin D. Traster represented the United States.
Jeffrey Lowe and Tiger King LLC Ordered to Relinquish Big Cat Cubs to United States for Placement in Suitable FacilitiesRead the Press Release
On Jan. 15, 2021, a federal court issued a preliminary injunction in favor of the United States and against Jeffrey and Lauren Lowe, Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park LLC, and Tiger King LLC based on claimed violations of the Endangered Species Act and the Animal Welfare Act.
U.S. District Court Judge John F. Heil III ordered the Lowes to immediately surrender all Big Cat cubs under the age of one year and their mothers to the government for the pendency of the injunction. The court also ordered the defendants to retain an attending veterinarian and to provide records accounting for all animals acquired and disposed of since June 2020. The court further ordered the defendants and anyone acting on their behalf, including Eric Yano and Stephens Lane LLC, to cease exhibiting animals without a valid U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) license.
“The Lowes have showed a shocking disregard for both the health and welfare of their animals, as well as the law,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jonathan D. Brightbill of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “We are gratified the court agrees and ordered Mr. Lowe to stop ignoring his obligations under the Animal Welfare Act and the Endangered Species Act.”
“This decision sends a clear message to both licensed and unlicensed exhibitors of the Animal Welfare Act’s reach,” said USDA Acting General Counsel Tyler S. Clarkson. “USDA looks forward to continuing its close partnership with the Justice Department to litigate these cases and enforce the Animal Welfare Act.”
The court found that the Lowes’ failure to provide safe conditions, proper nutrition, and timely veterinary care resulted in harm to a number of animals, including the death of two tiger cubs less than a week apart. Such evidence indicated that the defendants’ remaining Endangered Species Act protected animals are at risk of harm and convinced the court to grant the government’s motion for temporary restraining order and motion for preliminary injunction. The court also found that the defendants’ pattern and practice of providing substandard care and their failure to employ a qualified attending veterinarian placed the health of the defendants’ animals in serious danger under the Animal Welfare Act, requiring injunctive relief. Although long authorized by statute, this case marks the first time that the government sought civil judicial injunctive relief under the Animal Welfare Act.
The court was not persuaded by the defendants’ argument that they were not “exhibitors” under the Animal Welfare Act because the zoo was still under construction. The court found that the Lowes’ prior licensure and exhibition of animals, promoting Tiger King Park’s grand opening, making their animals available to the public through online platforms for compensation, and allowing camera crews onto the property to film for a show to appear on Netflix constituted “exhibiting” as contemplated by the Animal Welfare Act.
Trial attorneys from the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Wildlife and Marine Resources are handling the case. They are assisted by attorneys from the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The case is being investigated by USDA’s Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service and the Department of the Interior’s Fish and Wildlife Service.
The case is United States v. Lowe, et al., No. 20-423 (E.D. Okla.).
Quinton Resident Pleads Guilty to Laundering Monetary InstrumentsRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Choice Lynn Needham, age 46, of Quinton, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Laundering Monetary Instruments, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956(a)(1)(A)(i) and (2), punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine up to $500,000.00 or twice the amount of the illicit transaction, whichever is greater, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on January 2, 2018, Needham transferred $1,200.00 in United States Currency via MoneyGram from a Walmart Store in McAlester, Oklahoma to another coconspirator in Palm Springs, California. Needham knew that the $1,200.00 was proceeds from the distribution of methamphetamine, and conducted the transaction with the intent to promote the continued distribution of methamphetamine.
The charges arose from a joint investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), along with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (“BIA”), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”), the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), the United States Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”), the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (“OBN”), the National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, the Haskell County Sheriff’s Office, the District 18 District Attorney’s Drug Task Force, the Seminole Nation Lighthorse Police, the Choctaw Nation Tribal Police, the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office, the McAlester Police Department, and the Stigler Police Department. The investigation was part of and include members of the DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking (“HIDTA”) Task Force.
The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Schroeder and Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Conway represented the United States.
Muskogee County Resident Pleads Guilty to Attempted Robbery in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jaysea Markara Williams, age 19, of Muskogee County, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Attempted Robbery In Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2111, 1151, 1153, and 2, punishable by up to 15 years’ imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about July 30, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, by force and violence and by intimidation, did attempt to take items of value from the person and presence of D.L.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Haskell Police Department, the Muskogee Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Conway represented the United States.
Wagoner Man Pleads Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jerry Wayne Dick, age 27, of Wagoner, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1112, 1151 and 1153, punishable by up to 8 years’ imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about July 18, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, an Indian, did unlawfully kill Zachary O’Connell. in the commission of an unlawful act not amounting to a felony, that is, operating a motor vehicle in violation of lawful speed limits, in a careless and wanton manner, contrary to Title 47, Oklahoma Statutes, Section 11-901, without due caution and circumspection and with a wanton and reckless disregard for human life, and knew and should have known that his conduct imperiled the lives of others.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Wagoner Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Cory Ortega represented the United States.
Two Muskogee Residents Plead Guilty to Attempted Robbery in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Muskogee County residents Colton Delain Edwards, age 19, and Jakeyvious Dune Lee Key, age 19, each entered guilty pleas to Attempted Robbery In Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2111, 1151, 1153, and 2, punishable by up to 15 years’ imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about July 30, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendants, by force and violence and by intimidation, did attempt to take items of value from the person and presence of D.L.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Haskell Police Department, the Muskogee Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the pleas and ordered the completion of the presentence investigation reports.
Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Conway represented the United States.
Three Individuals Indicted in January 2021 Federal Grand JuryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester today announced the results of the January 2021 Federal Grand Jury. The grand jury returned 3 unsealed and 5 sealed indictments on crimes ranging from federal firearms offenses, robbery, sexual abuse, child exploitation, and murder in Indian country.
The following named individuals have been charged with a federal crime or crimes by the return of an indictment by the Grand Jury. A grand jury Indictment does not constitute evidence of guilt. A grand jury Indictment is a method of bringing formal charges against the defendant. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and may not be found guilty unless evidence establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. United States Sentencing Guidelines may be considered, upon conviction, by the sentencing court. Federal prison sentences are non-parolable.
DERVIN WARD FOSTER
Assault Of An Intimate Partner And Dating Partner By Strangling, Suffocating, And Attempting To Strangle And Suffocate In Indian Country (2 Counts)
Assault Resulting In Substantial Bodily Injury To An Intimate Partner And Dating Partner In Indian Country (2 Counts)
Simple Assault Against A Victim Who Has Not Attained The Age Of Sixteen Years In Indian Country (Misdemeanor)Foster, 30, of Muskogee, is charged with assaulting his female partner on multiple occasions in 2019, causing substantial bodily injury by strangulation.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
ANTHONY ROY SPAIN
Murder In Indian Country
Causing The Death Of A Person In The Course Of A Violation Of Title 18
Use, Brandish, Discharge, And Carry Of Firearm During And In Relation To A Crime Of ViolenceSpain, 36, of Okemah, is charged with brandishing and using a shotgun to kill Teresa Smith after a verbal altercation on or about January 5, 2019.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
JAMES ALLEN FARROW
Abusive Sexual Contact With A Child In Indian Country
Farrow, 31, of Henryetta, is charged with having sexual contact with a minor, female child in December 2017.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
Forty Nine Individuals Indicted in October, November, and December 2020 Federal Grand JuriesRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester today announced the results of the October, November, and December 2020 Federal Grand Juries. The combined grand jury sessions returned 41 unsealed and 11 sealed indictments on crimes ranging from kidnapping, federal firearms offenses, robbery, drug trafficking/distribution, child exploitation, aggravated sexual assaults in Indian Country, manslaughter, and murder in Indian Country.
The following named individuals have been charged with a federal crime or crimes by the return of an indictment by the Grand Jury. A grand jury Indictment does not constitute evidence of guilt. A grand jury Indictment is a method of bringing formal charges against the defendant. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and may not be found guilty unless evidence establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. United States Sentencing Guidelines may be considered, upon conviction, by the sentencing court. Federal prison sentences are non-parolable.
HUNTER JACOB JAMES HOPE
Sexual Exploitation Of A Child / Use Of A Child To Produce A Visual Depiction
Possession Of Certain Material Involving The Sexual Exploitation Of A MinorHope, 20, of Muldrow, Oklahoma, is charged with willfully coercing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct and using a child to produce visual depictions of a sexual nature.
Homeland Security Investigations is the primary investigative agency.
MARVIN LEVERNE ARNETT, JR.
Sexual Exploitation Of A Child / Use Of A Child To Produce A Visual Depiction
Possession Of Certain Material Involving The Sexual Exploitation Of A MinorArnett, 30, of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, is charged with willfully persuading a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct and using a child to produce visual depictions of a sexual nature.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
BRANDON ALLEN HOWE
First Degree Burglary In Indian Country (2 Counts)
Theft In Indian Country (3 Counts)Howe, 38, of Wagoner, is charged with burglarizing motor vehicles of multiple victims. The vehicles included a Braggs Public School bus.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
SEBRON DEJUAN BROWN
TRACY LADON MAHONEConspiracy To Commit Odometer Tampering
Odometer Fraud
Conspiracy To Commit Wire FraudMuskogee residents Brown, 35, and Mahone, 30, are charged with conspiring to defraud insurance companies through sophisticated means, including wire fraud. Mahone is charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud only.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
RICKY DEWAYNE STONE
Sexual Abuse Of A Minor In Indian Country (2 Counts)
Stone, 47, of Holdenville, is charged with two counts of sexual abuse of a minor. Stone allegedly engaged in sexual acts with a child under the age of 16.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
MICHAEL DAVID JACKSON
Aggravated Sexual Abuse In Indian Country (2 Counts)
Abusive Sexual Contact With A Child Under 12 Years
Sexual Exploitation Of A Child / Use Of A Child To Produce A Visual Depiction
Possession Of Certain Material Involving The Sexual Exploitation Of A Minor (2 Counts)Jackson, 38, of Tahlequah, is charged with multiple counts of sex crimes in relation to the sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country. The Indictment alleges that in 2019, Jackson knowingly engaged in aggravated sexual activity with a child under the age of 12.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
ASHLEY ALYSSA JOHNSON
DOUGLAS LEE SAIL, JR.Conspiracy To Interfere With Commerce By Robbery
Attempted Interference With Commerce By Robbery
Use, Carry, Brandish And Discharge Of Firearm During And In Relation To A Crime Of Violence (2 Counts)
Conspiracy To Commit Robbery In Indian Country
Attempted Robbery In Indian Country
Felon In Possession Of Firearm (2 Counts)Porum residents Johnson, 47, and Sail, 42, are charged with conspiring to commit robbery of a jewelry store owner with the use of a firearm.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
CHAD HEATH FIELDS
Assault Resulting In Serious Bodily Injury In Indian Country
Assault By Striking, Beating, Or Wounding (Misdemeanor)Fields, 34, of Muskogee, is charged with the beating of a female, resulting in serious bodily harm in Indian Country.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
JOSHUA TOWNSLEY
MEGAN LEANNE TILLERYAggravated Sexual Abuse In Indian Country (Townsley Only)
Child Neglect In Indian Country (Tillery Only)Muskogee residents Townsley, 29, and Tillery, 28, are charged with the sexual abuse and neglect of a minor under the age of 12 in Indian Country. Tillery is only charged with Child Neglect in Indian Country.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
PATRICK DWAYNE MURPHY
Murder In Indian Country
Murder In Indian Country In Perpetration Of Kidnapping
Kidnapping Resulting In Death (2 Counts)Murphy, 51, of Vernon, is charged with the kidnapping and premeditated murder of George Jacobs, on August 28, 1999, with a knife.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
WILLIAM CLAYTON BROWN
Murder In Indian Country
Brown, 37, of Eufaula, is charged with the September 2017 premeditated stabbing murder of Damion Martin.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
FLOYD JOSEPH BALL, JR.
Kidnapping In Indian Country
Aggravated Sexual Abuse In Indian CountryBall, 35, of Checotah, is charged with kidnapping and sexually assaulting a victim at knifepoint on May 5, 2018.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
AMY LEANN HALL
Murder In Indian Country (2 Counts)
Assault With Intent To Commit Murder In Indian CountryHall, 40, of Okemah, is charged with the premeditated shooting murder of Kayson Toliver and Kloee Hall, two of her children. Hall is also charged with intent to commit murder in Indian Country on a third child.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
JERRY WAYNE DICK
Involuntary Manslaughter In Indian Country
Dick, 27, of Wagoner, is charged with involuntary manslaughter after striking and causing the death of Zachary O’Connell while traveling at a rate of speed in a motor vehicle.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
COURTNEY EUGENE ELLIOTT
Involuntary Manslaughter In Indian Country
Elliott, 40, of Red Oak, is charged with involuntary manslaughter after causing a car accident while driving impaired, resulting in the death of Taylor Renee Littleman Daniel.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
SEAN ELLIS
Assault With Intent To Commit Murder In Indian Country
Assault With A Dangerous Weapon In Indian CountryEllis, 47, of Muskogee, is charged with shooting towards law enforcement officers and assaulting a family member with a dangerous weapon.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
GLEN THOMAS WEST
ROBERT CODY ATKINSMurder In Indian Country (West Only)
Murder In Perpetration Of Burglary In Indian Country (2 Counts – 1 Count Each)
First Degree Burglary In Indian Country (2 Counts – 1 Count Each)
Use, Carry, Brandish, And Discharge Of Firearm During And In Relation To A Crime Of Violence
ConspiracyWest, 35, of Weleetka, and Atkins, 31, of Okmulgee, are charged with burglarizing and conspiring to murder Edwin Dominic Reid.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
TIMOTHY DON REED
Felon In Possession Of Firearm & Ammunition
Possession Of Stolen FirearmReed, 40, of Seminole, is charged with unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition as a prior convicted felon.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is the primary investigative agency.
JOSEPH EUGENE MEYER
Kidnapping In Indian Country
Felon In Possession Of FirearmMeyer, 37, of Muskogee, is a prior convicted felon charged with the kidnapping of a female at gunpoint in December 2019.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
JAMES MICHAEL STEWART
Aggravated Sexual Abuse In Indian Country (2 Counts)
Stewart, 42, of Muskogee, is charged with two counts of sexual abuse of a female while patronizing a tavern in Muskogee County.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
JEANNIE RENE WELCH
Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine
Welch, 35, of Oklahoma City, is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute while traveling through the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The Drug Enforcement Administration is the primary investigative agency.
RICHARD LLOYD JACK, JR.
KENDALL WHITLOW
ALEXANDER HARRISONAssault Resulting In Serious Bodily Injury In Indian Country
Mounds residents Jack, 57, Whitlow, 23, and Harrison, 23, are charged with the stabbing of one of Mr. Jack’s family members.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
JOHN EDWARD CHASE
Felon In Possession Of Firearm & Ammunition (2 Counts)
Chase, 61, of Muskogee, is charged with two counts of unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition as a prior convicted felon.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
MARCUS ALLEN HETHERINGTON
Felony Child Abuse In Indian Country
Child Neglect In Indian CountryHetherington, 37, of Okmulgee County, is charged with willfully throwing a minor child to the ground and failing to seek medical attention for the injuries sustained by the child.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
JAMES MICHAEL STEWART
Aggravated Sexual Abuse In Indian Country (2 Counts)
Attempted Aggravated Sexual Abuse In Indian CountryIn this superseding indictment, Stewart, 42, of Muskogee, is additionally charged with one count of attempted aggravated sexual abuse of a female, in a Muskogee County hotel.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
STANLEY WAYNE ZACKERY, JR.
Assault Resulting In Substantial Bodily Injury To Spouse, Intimate Partner, Or Dating Partner In Indian Country
Assault Resulting In Serious Bodily Injury In Indian CountryZackery, 38, of Weleetka, is charged with assaulting his female partner by beating her, resulting in substantial bodily injury.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
DAMAREA WAYNE BELL
Felon In Possession Of Firearm
Bell, 20, of Muskogee, is charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm as a prior convicted felon.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is the primary investigative agency.
KENDALL LEN BURGESS
POLLY ANNE SANDERSAggravated Sexual Abuse In Indian Country
Abusive Sexual Contact In Indian Country
Assault With A Dangerous Weapon With Intent To Do Bodily Harm In Indian Country
Assault By Striking, Beating, Or Wounding In Indian Country (Misdemeanor)Burgess, 21, of Henryetta, and Sanders, 36, of Tulsa, are charged with evading law enforcement apprehension in relation to alleged crimes committed by Burgess involving the sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12 years old. Sanders is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm in Indian Country only.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
EDMOND CARL WARRINGTON
Aggravated Sexual Abuse In Indian Country (3 Counts)
Sexual Abuse In Indian Country (3 Counts)Warrington, 71, of Okemah, is charged with multiple counts of sexual abuse involving a mentally-handicapped minor female.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
KEVIN MARVELL JACKSON
Murder In Indian Country
Murder In Indian Country In Perpetration Of Robbery
Robbery In Indian Country (2 Counts)
Use, Carry, Brandish, And Discharge Of Firearm During And In Relation To A Crime Of ViolenceJackson, 19, of Muskogee, is charged with the robbing and shooting murder of Bradley Dillon, on October 18, 2020.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
CONRAD EDWARD NEDD
Hobbs Act Robbery
Robbery In Indian CountryNedd, 36, of Broken Arrow, is charged with robbing an EZ Mart convenience store located in Broken Arrow on May 29, 2020.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
DUSTIN KYLE MARRIS
Assault With Intent To Commit Murder In Indian Country
Assault With A Dangerous Weapon With Intent To Do Bodily Harm In Indian Country
Use, Carry, Brandish And Discharge Of Firearm During And In Relation To A Crime Of Violence
Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine
Felon In Possession Of FirearmMarris, 39, of Okmulgee County, a prior-convicted felon, is charged with discharging a fireman towards a law enforcement officer in attempts to evade apprehension while in possession of methamphetamine.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
NACOLE RYAN BAIN
a/k/a NACOLE RYAN SPEARSMurder In Indian Country
Use, Carry, Brandish And Discharge Of Firearm During And In Relation To A Crime Of ViolenceBain, 39, of Schulter, is charged with the premeditated shooting murder of Addison Waddell, on June 24, 2018.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
MARVIN LEE BURLESON
Felon In Possession Of Firearm
Possession Of Firearm By Prohibited Person
False Statement During Purchase Of A Firearm
Aggravated Identity Theft During Purchase Of A Firearm (3 Counts)Burleson, 49, a prior convicted felon of Welling, is charged with using a false statement and committing identity theft on multiple occasions to illegally acquire firearms.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is the primary investigative agency.
TRENTON ROSS
Robbery In Indian Country
Use, Carry, And Brandishing Firearm During And In Relation To A Crime Of ViolenceRoss, 19, of Okmulgee, is charged with robbing two separate victims of jewelry and a firearm at gunpoint.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is the primary investigative agency.
JIMMY RAY MENDENHALL, JR.
Transportation Of Certain Material Involving Sexual Exploitation Of A Minor
Possession Of Certain Material Involving Sexual Exploitation Of A Minor (2 Counts)Mendenhall, 42, of Warner, is charged with willfully transporting and possessing multitudes of images of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
WESLEY ALLAN HAHN
Assault With Dangerous Weapon With Intent To Commit Bodily Harm In Indian Country
Maiming In Indian CountryHahn, 37, of Broken Arrow, is charged with repeatedly striking a female victim and dousing her with a caustic substance.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
RONALD WESLEE SPEARS
Assault With Intent To Commit Murder In Indian Country
Spears, 58, of Okmulgee, is charged with the shooting of a male victim during an altercation.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
DERRICK LERON JORDAN
Assault With Dangerous Weapon With Intent To Commit Bodily Harm In Indian Country
Assault Resulting In Serious Bodily Injury In Indian CountryJordan, 50, of Okmulgee County, is charged with using a dangerous weapon in an assault on an a fellow male Indian inmate at the Okmulgee County Jail.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
RACHEL JEAN STEVENS
KAYLA ANN JONESChild Abuse In Indian Country
Child Neglect In Indian CountryMuskogee residents Stevens, 33, and Jones, 30, are both charged with beating and causing harm to a child under the age of 18, and ultimately failing to provide as appropriate caretakers for the well-being of the child.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
JOSHUA LEE PURDOM
Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country (2 Counts)
Kidnapping In Indian Country
Use, Carry, And Brandish Of Firearm During And In Relation To A Crime Of ViolencePurdom, 41, of Hughes County, is charged with raping and kidnapping a former partner of an intimate nature at gunpoint.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the primary investigative agency.
Waldron, Arkansas Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Megan Marie Rogers, age 34, of Waldron, Arkansas entered a guilty plea to Drug Conspiracy, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), punishable by not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment, a fine up to $10,000,000.00, or both.
The Superseding Indictment alleged that beginning in November 2019, and continuing until February 2020, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, Rogers willfully and knowingly agreed with Kyle Lee Hamby, Marty Ray Campbell, Chelsea Lynne Cox, and others to acquire large amounts of methamphetamine and distribute it for money, and that specifically, on February 21, 2020, Rogers was arrested in Waldron, Arkansas in possession of methamphetamine and firearms.
The charges arose from a joint investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), and the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office. Numerous other agencies played important roles, including HSI task force members from the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office, the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tulsa Police Department, and DEA McAlester HIDTA Task Force members, Bureau of Indian Affairs and the DA District 18 Drug Task Force. The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, Poteau Police Department, DA District 16 Drug Task Force, Arkoma Police Department, LeFlore County Sheriff’s Office, and Choctaw Nation Tribal Police also assisted.
This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program. The OCDETF program is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s drug supply reduction strategy. OCDETF was established to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illicit drug supply.
The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Schroeder represented the United States.
Muskogee County Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Robbery in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jobe Anthony Terronez, age 19, of Muskogee County, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Attempted Robbery In Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2111, 1151, 1153, and 2, punishable by up to 15 years’ imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about July 30, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, an Indian, by force and violence and by intimidation, did attempt to take items of value from the person and presence of D.L.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Haskell Police Department, the Muskogee Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Conway represented the United States.
Fort Gibson Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Joshua Wade Frazier, age 39, of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), punishable by not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment, a fine up to $10,000,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about May 3, 2020, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), a Schedule II controlled substance.
The charges arose from a joint investigation by the Fort Gibson Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Honorable Amanda G. Maxwell, U.S. Magistrate Judge out of the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, temporarily assigned to the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing and accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Conway represented the United States.
Broken Arrow Man Pleads Guilty to Assault with A Dangerous Weapon in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Wesley Allan Hahn, age 37, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Assault With A Dangerous Weapon With Intent To Do Bodily Harm In Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 113(a)(3), 1151, and 1153, punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about June 1, 2020, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, an Indian, did assault K.T. with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Broken Arrow Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Amanda G. Maxwell, U.S. Magistrate Judge out of the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, temporarily assigned to the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing and accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin D. Traster represented the United States.
Tulsa Man Pleads Guilty to Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Wesley Michael Rollings, age 32, of Tulsa, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Drug Conspiracy, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846, punishable by not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment, a fine up to $10,000,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleged that beginning in October 2018 and continuing until July 2019, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, Rollings did willfully and knowingly combine, conspire, confederate, and agree with others to commit Drug offenses against the United States by acquiring large amounts of methamphetamine and distributing it for money. On July 14, 2019, Oklahoma State Troopers arrested Rollings and his girlfriend Jamie Denise McDonald in Tulsa in possession of one kilogram of methamphetamine (actual) that they had just purchased from Lannie Jo Carter.
The charges arose from a joint investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office, the Muskogee Police Department, and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, many prominent agencies which are members of the DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (“HIDTA”), contributed to this investigation, including: the Tulsa Police Department, the Broken Arrow Police Department, the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department, the Miami Police Department, the Moore Police Department, the El Reno Police Department, the Yukon Police Department, the Duncan Police Department, the Norman Police Department, the Choctaw Police Department, the Edmond Police Department, the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, the Canadian County Sheriff’s Office, the Rogers County District Attorney’s Office, and the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office. The investigation was coordinated by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) of the Eastern District of Oklahoma. OCDETF is an initiative led and coordinated by the Office of the United States Attorney.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace, Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Conway, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Schroeder represented the United States.
Investigation Related to Drug Trafficking Activity in the McAlester Area Results in Indictment of Ten DefendantsRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that ten defendants have been indicted for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere. Drug Conspiracy is punishable by not less than 10 years imprisonment, and up to a $10,000,000 fine or both. One of the ten defendants indicted is also charged with firearm offenses carrying punishment of not more than 10 years imprisonment, and up to a $250,000 fine or both. A coordinated law enforcement operation to arrest the defendants charged in the indictment is complete. A copy of the full indictment can be found online at https://go.usa.gov/xAbth.
The indictment alleges the defendants conspired to acquire and distribute amounts of heroin and methamphetamine in Eastern Oklahoma as well as other locations. All ten defendants were indicted for Drug Conspiracy with some indicted for other charges related to the conspiracy such as Possession of Heroin and Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute, Distribution of Heroin, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. The indictment alleges the conspiracy began in July 2019.
The defendants indicted are Dennis Dewayne Cantrell, age 30, of McAlester, Oklahoma; Dennis Edward Cantrell, age 54, of McAlester, Oklahoma; Randall Brent Cook, age 41, of Sayre, Oklahoma; Jason Nathaniel Holland A/K/A Shogun, age 39, of McAlester, Oklahoma; Paul Casey Craig, age 46, of McAlester, Oklahoma; Bree Angelica Osburn, age 24, of McAlester, Oklahoma; Michael Moses George, age 40, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Christina Michelle Ketchum, age 31, of McAlester, Oklahoma; Stacie Renee Borrenkott, age 29, of McAlester, Oklahoma; and Parker Bolin Mathiews, age 25, of McAlester, Oklahoma. Cook was an inmate at the North Fork Correctional Center in Sayre, Oklahoma and Holland an inmate at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester, Oklahoma. Cook and Holland are alleged to be members of the Universal Aryan Brotherhood (‘UAB”) prison gang. Paul Craig was employed by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections during the time in question.
The charges arose from a joint investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), along with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (“BIA”), the United States Marshals Service, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (“OBNDD”), the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office, the McAlester Police Department, and the District 18 District Attorney’s Drug Task Force. The investigation was part of and included members of the McAlester & Oklahoma City DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (“HIDTA”) Task Force, which includes several of the above mentioned agencies.
United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “This investigation involves many public safety concerns – distribution of heroin and methamphetamine, gang members, including members of the Universal Aryan Brotherhood operating from inside a prison, and firearms used to further criminal activity. Drug dealers will go to great lengths to further their illegal business interests including, as this indictment alleges, enlisting the assistance of prison guards. Combatting such organizations cannot be done without the cooperation of law enforcement agencies from federal, state, local, and tribal jurisdictions. This investigation has truly been a team effort.”
“The arrest of Mr. Cantrell and his associates have undoubtedly made our communities safer and prevented the further destruction that heroin can bring to our neighborhoods in Eastern Oklahoma. The DEA will continue to work hand in hand with our law enforcement partners across the state to ensure justice is served,” said Eduardo A. Chavez, DEA Special Agent in Charge, Dallas Field Division.
“I’m so very grateful for the collaborative efforts of these state and federal agencies. For all of us the bottom line is the safety of our citizens. This investigation will go a long way in ensuring the safety of our communities for a long time,” said District 18 District Attorney Chuck Sullivan.
Pittsburg County Sheriff Chris Morris said, “We are thankful to have the opportunity to work in conjunction with the DEA on a high profile drug case such as this one. This will definitely make an impact on our continued fight against illegal drug activity. It is always a pleasure to assist the DEA in any way possible to help fight the drug problem in Pittsburg County.”
“The McAlester Police Department is proud to work alongside the DEA and the other local law enforcement agencies in helping to get drugs and the people that supply them out of our community. We will continue to work diligently to make our city a safe place to live,” said McAlester Chief of Police Kevin Hearod.
A Grand Jury Indictment does not constitute evidence of guilt. A Grand Jury Indictment is a method of bringing formal charges against a defendant. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and may not be found guilty unless evidence establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.