Eastern District of Oklahoma

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.

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.
 

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.

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. 

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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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, 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, 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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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, 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, 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. 

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.

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.).

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, 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. 

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. 

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. 

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 Violence

Spain, 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.

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 Minor

Hope, 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 Minor

Arnett, 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 MAHONE

Conspiracy To Commit Odometer Tampering
Odometer Fraud
Conspiracy To Commit Wire Fraud

Muskogee 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 TILLERY

Aggravated 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 Country

Ball, 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 Country

Hall, 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 Country

Ellis, 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 ATKINS

Murder 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
Conspiracy

West, 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 Firearm

Reed, 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 Firearm

Meyer, 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 HARRISON

Assault 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 Country

Hetherington, 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 Country

In 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 Country

Zackery, 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 SANDERS

Aggravated 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 Violence

Jackson, 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 Country

Nedd, 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 Firearm

Marris, 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 SPEARS

Murder In Indian Country
Use, Carry, Brandish And Discharge Of Firearm During And In Relation To A Crime Of Violence

Bain, 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 Violence

Ross, 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 Country

Hahn, 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 Country

Jordan, 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 JONES

Child Abuse In Indian Country
Child Neglect In Indian Country

Muskogee 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 Violence

Purdom, 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.

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, 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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Feather Cheyenne Pacheco, age 24, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Distribution of Heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine up to $1,000,000.00, or both. 

The Indictment alleged that on or about February 1, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, defendant, did knowingly and intentionally distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. 

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.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Lannie Jo Carter, age 19, of Muskogee, 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(h) and 1956(a)(2), 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, the defendant, did willfully and knowingly combine, conspire, confederate, and agree with others known and unknown to the Grand Jury, to commit offenses against the United States. 

The Indictment further alleged that from on or about July 15, 2019 through on or about the date of this indictment, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant, did knowingly combine, conspire, and agree with other 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, i.e. the felonious importation, receiving, concealment, buying, selling, or otherwise dealing in methamphetamine.

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.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Tommy Ryan Gouge, age 41, of Clearview, 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 any term of years up to life imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.

The Information  alleged that on or about February 14, 2020, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, an Indian, willfully, deliberately, maliciously and with malice aforethought, did unlawfully kill the victim with an edged weapon and a blunt object. 

The charges arose from an investigation by the Okemah Police Department, 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.

Assistant United States Attorney Ben Gifford represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jamie Denise McDonald, age 31, 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 on November 4, 2016 and continuing until on or about the date of the Indictment, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, McDonald did willfully and knowingly combine, conspire, confederate, and agree with others known and unknown, including Enrique Pacheco, Wesley Michael Rollings, and Lannie Jo Carter, to violate federal drug laws by acquiring large amounts of methamphetamine and distributing it for money.  Specifically, on July 14, 2019, law enforcement officers arrested McDonald and Rollings in Tulsa in possession of one kilogram of methamphetamine that they 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.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Bobby James Sanders, age 34, of Tulsa, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Felon In Possession Of Firearm And Ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both. 

The Indictment alleged that on or about February 1, 2020, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted of a felony offense punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, and knowing of such conviction, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm and ammunition which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce. 

The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Okmulgee County Sheriff’s Office. 

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.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Rafael Torres, age 35, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma was sentenced to 209 months’ imprisonment, and 5 years of supervised release for Kidnapping, Interference With Commerce By Robbery, Use, Carry, And Brandish A Firearm During And In Relation To A Crime Of Violence, and to Felon In Possession Of Firearm. Torres was also ordered to pay $1,200.00 in restitution.  When on supervised release, Torres will not be able to possess a firearm or any controlled dangerous substances, he must submit to DNA testing, and he must participate in treatment for drugs, alcohol, and mental health issues.  The charges arose from an investigation by the Morrilton Police Department (Arkansas), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.   

The Indictment alleged that on February 3, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant unlawfully and willfully seized, confined, inveigled, kidnapped, abducted and carried away J.S., and held J.S. for the purpose of acquiring transportation, and willfully transported J.S. in interstate commerce from Oklahoma to Arkansas. 

Additional counts in the Indictment alleged the defendant unlawfully obstructed, delayed and affected, and attempted to obstruct, delay and affect, commerce as that term is defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951, and the movement of articles and commodities in such commerce, by robbery; that he knowingly brandished, carried and used a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence for which he may be prosecuted in a court of the United States, that is, Interference with Commerce by Robbery; and that the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.

United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “The defendant in this case forced his way into the victim’s vehicle and for hours forced him to drive around at gun point with no apparent destination in mind – a truly horrific situation for the victim. Fortunately the victim took advantage of an opportunity to separate from the defendant and was able to alert law enforcement. The victim’s night of terror ended with the defendant being taken into custody. The memories of that night may fade slowly, but hopefully justice served will be another step toward fully recovering from the emotional trauma the defendant inflicted.”

“The FBI and its partners will continue to aggressively investigate violent crimes such as the ones committed by Mr. Torres”, said Melissa Godbold, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Oklahoma City Division. “We are grateful for the partnership of the United States Attorney’s Office, and its successful prosecution of this case which removed a violent criminal from the community.”

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 Sarah McAmis represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Charles P. Hendricks, age 32, of McAlester, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 160 months’ imprisonment, and 5 years of supervised release for Drug Conspiracy, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846. The charges arose from an investigation by the Tahlequah Police Department, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The Indictment alleged that from in or about April, 2017, and continuing until on or about June 26, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the Defendant knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, and agreed with others, to commit offenses against the United States in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1) & 841(b)(1)(A), by distributing 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of Methamphetamine, a Schedule II Controlled Substance.

United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “This defendant had been orchestrating the sale of methamphetamine in eastern Oklahoma for years. This sentence, which will begin when he completes his time in the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, has put an end to his business. As a result, the communities he was poisoning are safer.”

“ATF and its partners are committed to helping keep our communities safe. Our neighborhoods are now safer because Mr. Hendricks will not be able to poison it with illegal narcotics,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II.
                
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 Shannon Henson represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Timothy Don Reed, age 40, of Seminole, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Possession Of Stolen Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(j) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both. 

The Indictment alleged that on or about April 28, 2020, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, knowingly possessed a stolen firearm which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce, knowing and having reasonable cause to believe the firearm was stolen. 

The charges arose from an investigation by the Holdenville Police Department, the Hughes County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 

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 Michael Cooper represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jeannie Rene Welch, age 35, of Oklahoma City, 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 October 15, 2020, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. 

The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and the Drug Enforcement Administration. 

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.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Dorion Martin, age 29, of Muskogee, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Assault With A Dangerous Weapon With Intent To Commit Bodily Harm 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 of imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.

The Indictment alleged that on or about July 30, 2020, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, an Indian, did assault D.N., T.S., and K.N. with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm. 

The charges arose from an investigation by 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.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Richard Lee King, age 60, of Chouteau, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to three counts of Distribution of Certain Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(2) and 2252(b)(1), punishable by not less than 5 years and not more than 20 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both for each count; and to one count of Possession of Certain Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and 2252(b)(2), punishable by not more than 20 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both. 

The Indictment alleged that on three separate occasions, on or about June 22, 2019, June 24, 2019, and June 26, 2019 in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did knowingly distribute and attempt to distribute any visual depiction, as that term is defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 2256(5), of a prepubescent minor under the age of twelve engaging in sexually explicit conduct, using any means and facility of interstate and foreign commerce, and the production of such visual depiction involved the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct and the visual depiction of such conduct.

The Indictment further alleged that on or about April 3, 2020, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did knowingly possess and access with the intent to view and attempt to possess and access with the intent to view a visual depiction, as that term is defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 2256(5), of a prepubescent minor under the age of twelve engaging in sexually explicit conduct, and said visual depiction was of such sexually explicit conduct and had been transported in interstate commerce by computer. 

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, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Brandon Allen Howe, age 38, of Wagoner, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to two counts of Burglary In The First Degree In Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1151, 1153, and Title 21, Oklahoma Statutes, Section 1431, punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both for each count. 

The Indictment alleged that on or about September 11, 2020, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, an Indian, did break and enter, into the dwelling house of V.T., in which there was at the time some human being, with intent to commit some crime therein, while armed with a dangerous weapon. 

The Indictment further alleged that on or about September 11, 2020, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, an Indian, did break and enter, into the dwelling house of S.R., in which there was at the time some human being present, with intent to commit some crime therein.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Wagoner 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.