Eastern District of Oklahoma

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that  CHANCE ADRIAN GRIFFIN, age 21, of Allen, Oklahoma pled guilty to DOMESTIC ASSAULT BY STRANGULATION, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1153, 1151 and 113(a)(8), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine or both.

The Indictment alleged that on or about January 20, 2016, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, the defendant, CHANCE ADRIAN GRIFFIN, an Indian, assaulted an intimate partner, by strangulation.

The charge is a result of an investigation by the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.  Sentencing will be scheduled following its completion.  The defendant will remain in the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending sentencing.

Special Assistant United States Attorney Shelly Harrison represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that BRODIE ROPE BOOTH, age 40, of Konawa, Oklahoma and BOBBI NICOLE THOMAS, age 36, of Seminole, Oklahoma, were sentenced in federal court for CONSPIRACY, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 371.

BOOTH was sentenced to 41 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release and THOMAS was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

The Informations alleged that beginning in or about the summer of 2015, and continuing until on or about July 29, 2015, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendants, did knowingly and intentionally conspire, confederate and agree with others both known and unknown to commit offenses against the United States, namely, distribution of methamphetamine.

The charges arose from an investigation by the McAlester Police Department, District 18 District Attorney’s Drug Task Force, Seminole Nation Lighthorse Police, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, Seminole Police Department, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, United States Marshal Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The Honorable James H. Payne, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearings.  The defendants will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which they will serve their nonparoleable sentences.

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 BOB GENE HALL, a/k/a Robert Glen Hensley, age 35, of Cushing, Oklahoma, pled guilty to DRUG CONSPIRACY, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A).

The Indictment alleged that beginning in or about February 2015, the exact date being unknown to the Grand Jury, and continuing until on or about September 1, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant did knowingly and intentionally combine, conspire, confederate and agree with others, both known and unknown to the Grand Jury, to commit offenses against the United States in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846, as follows: to possess with intent to distribute and 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 McAlester Police Department, District 18 District Attorney’s Drug Task Force, Seminole Nation Lighthorse Police, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, Seminole Police Department, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, United States Marshal Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The defendant was indicted in December, 2015.

The Honorable Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the guilty plea and ordered the completion of a presentence report.  Sentencing will be scheduled following its completion.  The defendant will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

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 today that MARK BRANDON WEEKS, age 41, of Van Buren, Arkansas, pled guilty to POSSESSION OF A COUNTERFEIT OBLIGATION, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 472 and 2, punishable by not more than 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00 or both.

The charges are a result of an investigation by the Muskogee Police Department, the Sallisaw Police Department and the United States Secret Service. The defendant was indicted in January, 2016.

The Indictment alleged that on or about August 10, 2015, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, MARK BRANDON WEEKS, did with intent to defraud, possess counterfeit obligations of the United States, that is: Seventy (70) counterfeit $100 Federal Reserve Notes, which he knew to be falsely made, forged and counterfeited.

The Honorable Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing.  The defendant will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Hammer represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that WAYNE SCOTT HARRINGTON, age 67, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, pled guilty to an Information filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, charging him with MONEY LAUNDERING, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1957, punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine not to exceed $250,000.00 or twice the amount of the criminally derived property, 3 years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.

The Information alleged that on or about June 5, 2012 HARRINGTON, a former dentist, laundered monies obtained from fraudulent billing to Medicaid during his practice of dentistry.

The scope of the federal investigation was limited to violations of federal law in relation to health care fraud. The fraudulent billing to Medicaid that provided the basis of the money laundering charge was based upon HARRINGTON billing for anesthesia services that were not administered by him.

Under Oklahoma Dental Board regulations, in order to administer general anesthesia or deep sedation, a dentist had to meet specific educational or certification requirements. Harrington met the requirements and was approved by the Oklahoma Dental Board to administer general anesthesia and deep sedation.  Under Board regulations, a dental assistant cannot, under any circumstances, administer injectable local anesthesia or general anesthesia.

In order to bill Medicaid for anesthesia services, the administration of the anesthesia must be provided by a qualified medical professional.  The Medicaid fraudulent billing alleged in the plea agreement occurred from April 3, 2012 through March 19, 2013. HARRINGTON billed Medicaid as though he administered the anesthesia when he did not.

The charge is a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigative Services, Department of Defense – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration and the Oklahoma Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

The Honorable Gregory K Frizzell, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, accepted the defendant’s guilty plea, and ordered the completion of a presentence report.  Sentencing will be scheduled upon its completion.

Assistant United States Attorney Melody Nelson and Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that PHILLIP EARL AMEY, a/k/a Crazy, age 34, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 188 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release for DRUG CONSPIRACY, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(l) and 841(b)(l)(A).

The Indictment alleged that beginning in or about July 2014, the exact date being unknown to the Grand Jury, and continuing until on or about April 7, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant, PHILLIP EARL AMEY, a/k/a Crazy, did knowingly and intentionally conspire, confederate and agree together and with David Dean Cagle, Brandon Michael Jones, Gilbert Espinoza, a/k/a Snow, Jonathan Miranda, Jessica Suzanne Felix, a/k/a Sarah, and others, to possess with intent to distribute and 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 City Police Department, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, McAlester Police Department, Checotah Police Department, McIntosh County Sheriff’s Department, District 18 District Attorney’s Drug Task Force, Bureau of Indian Affairs, United States Marshal Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, 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 the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which he will serve his nonparoleable sentence.

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 RICKY DALE BARRON, age 61, of Muse, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 48 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release for Felon in Possession of Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641 and 12 months imprisonment, followed by 1 year of supervised release for Interstate Transportation of Illegally Taken Wildlife, in violation of Title 16, United States Code, Sections 3372(a)(2)(A) and 3373(d)(2).  The sentences will be served concurrently.

The charges arose from an investigation by the United States Forest Service.

The Information filed in December, 2015, alleged that on or about October 25, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, RICKY DALE BARRON, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm, to-wit: One (1) Remington Model 1100, 12 gauge, shotgun, serial number N280403V, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce. It further alleged that From on or about December 14, 2014 to on or about April 2, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, and elsewhere, the defendant, knowingly transported wildlife, to wit: a black bear and parts thereof, in interstate commerce from Oklahoma to Arkansas, when in the exercise of due care, the defendant should have known that said wildlife was taken and possessed in a violation of and in a manner unlawful under the laws and regulations of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.

Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wilson represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that CARMA LYNN ELLIOTT, age 45, of Durant, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, followed by 36 months of supervised release for EMBEZZLEMENT FROM INDIAN TRIBAL ORGANIZATIONS, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1163.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Choctaw Nation Tribal Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Information filed in October, 2015, alleged that from on or about March 26, 2005 and continuing through April 2, 2011, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant with intent to convert them to her use, did knowingly retain $585,397.15 of moneys, funds and credits belonging to the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, a tribal organization.

The Honorable James H. Payne, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that an Information was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma charging WAYNE SCOTT HARRINGTON, age 67, of Tulsa, Oklahoma with MONEY LAUNDERING, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1957.  Money Laundering is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine not to exceed $250,000.00 or twice the amount of the criminally derived property, 3 years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.

The Information alleges that on or about June 5, 2012 HARRINGTON, a former dentist, laundered monies obtained from fraudulent billing of Medicaid and Medicare during his practice of dentistry.

The charges are a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigative Services, Department of Defense – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration and the Oklahoma Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

Assistant United States Attorney Melody Nelson and Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow represent the United States.

“The above named individual has been charged with a federal crime or crimes.  An Information does not constitute evidence of guilt.  An Information is a method of bringing 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.”

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office announced today the results of the April 2016 Federal Grand Jury.

“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.”

 

JASON WAYNE CAREY, age 36, of Wagoner, Oklahoma

Felon In Possession Of Explosive
Felon In Possession Of Firearm And Ammunition

The Indictment alleges that on or about March 29, 2016, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, an explosive, to-wit: Hexamethylene triperoxide diamine (HMTD), a firearm, to-wit: Seekins Precision Model SP223, .223 cal. semi-automatic rifle and ammunition, in which all had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce. 

The charges arose from an investigation by the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and are in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 842(i)(1) and 844(a)(1) and Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment; up to a $250,000.00 fine or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Wilson

 

MARQUE DESHARD THOMAS, age 40, of Austell, Georgia

Possession Of A Counterfeit Obligation Of The United States
Possession Of A Counterfeit Security Of An Organization

The Indictment alleges that on or about February 28, 2016, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the Defendant, MARQUE DESHARD THOMAS, did with intent to defraud, possess counterfeit obligations and securities of the United States, which he knew to be falsely made, forged and counterfeited and did knowingly possess counterfeited securities from organizations which operate in interstate commerce, with intent to deceive another. 

The charges arose from an investigation by the Davis Police Department and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and are in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 472 and 2, punishable by not more than 20 years imprisonment; up to a $250,000.00 fine or both and Title 18, United States Code, Sections 513(a) and 2, punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment; up to a $250,000.00 fine or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris

 

LEON RICHARD AUTRY, age 42, of Cookson, Oklahoma

Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine
Possession Of A Firearm In Furtherance Of A Drug Trafficking Crime
Felon In Possession Of Firearm

The Indictment alleges that on or about March 2, 2016, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, LEON RICHARD AUTRY, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.  It is further alleged that on that same date, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, firearms, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce and did possess those firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime for which he may be prosecuted in a court of the United States, that is, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, the Tahlequah Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.  The charges are in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), punishable by not less than 10 years imprisonment or more than Life, up to a $8,000,000.00 fine or both; Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A), punishable by not less than 5 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine or both and Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, up to $250,000.00 fine or both .

Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson

 

LUKE AUSTIN HOMER, age 35, of McAlester, Oklahoma

Felon In Possession Of Firearm
Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine

The Indictment alleges that on or about March 5, 2016, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, LUKE AUSTIN HOMER, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and 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.  The charges arose from an investigation by the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The charges are in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), punishable by not more than 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000.00 fine or both and Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that CHARLES BLAIR SMALLWOOD, age 24, of Durant, Oklahoma, pled guilty to THEFT BY OFFICERS OR EMPLOYEES OF GAMING ESTABLISHMENT ON INDIAN LANDS, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2250(a)(1), 2250(a)(2)(B) and 2250(a)(3).

The charge arose from an investigation by the Choctaw Nation Tribal Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The defendant was indicted in March, 2016.

The Indictment alleged that from in or about December 2014, to on or about August 17, 2015, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, while an employee of the Choctaw Nation Casino and Resort, in Indian Country, did embezzle, abstract, purloin, willfully misapply, and take and carry away with intent to steal any moneys, funds, assets, or other property in excess of $1,000.00 belonging to the Choctaw Nation Casino and Resort, an Indian gaming establishment operated by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma pursuant to an ordinance or resolution approved by the National Indian Gaming Commission.

The Honorable Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the guilty plea and ordered the completion of a presentence report.  Sentencing will be scheduled following its completion.  The defendant will remain on bond pending sentencing.

The statutory range of punishment is not more than 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Harrington represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that RANDALL LEON GIRDNER, age 48, of Park Hill, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release for FELON IN POSSESSION OF FIREARM, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).

The charge arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Indictment alleges that on or about February 14, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, RANDALL LEON GIRDNER, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm, to-wit: One (1) Herman Weihrauch, Model Regent, .22 caliber revolver, serial number 32796, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, 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 the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which he will serve his nonparoleable sentence.

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that JAZZ ELLINGTON PIERCE, age 28, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 33 months of imprisonment, followed by 4 years of supervised release for Drug Conspiracy, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B).

The Indictment alleged that the defendant and others coordinated and orchestrated the transportation of cocaine from source locations to the Eastern District of Oklahoma and used telephones, cellular and otherwise, to conduct and carry out the organization’s objectives.

The charges arose from a joint investigation by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the Muskogee Police Department, the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Department and the United States Marshal Service.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, 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 the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which she will serve her nonparoleable sentence.

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 PAUL BENJAMIN STONE, age 34, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 87 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release for POSSESSION OF CERTAIN MATERIAL INVOLVING THE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF MINORS, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and 2252(b)(2).

The Indictment alleged that between on or about August 1, 2013, and on or about April 16, 2014, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, PAUL BENJAMIN STONE, did knowingly possess and attempt to possess matters which contained visual depictions and the production of said visual depictions involved the use of minors engaging in 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 defendant pled guilty in September, 2015.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, 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 the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which he will serve his nonparoleable sentence.

Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that ALLEN MICHAEL SCOTT, age 22, of Pottsboro, Texas, pled guilty to THEFT BY OFFICERS OR EMPLOYEES OF GAMING ESTABLISHMENT ON INDIAN LANDS, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1168(b) and 2.

The Indictment alleged that from on or about February 9, 2015, to on or about February 20, 2015, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, an employee of the Choctaw Nation Casino and Resort, did embezzle, abstract, purloin, willfully misapply and take and carry away in excess of $1,000.00 of moneys belonging to the Choctaw Nation Casino and Resort, an Indian gaming establishment operated by the Choctaw Nation in Indian Country, pursuant to an ordinance or resolution approved by the National Indian Gaming Commission.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Choctaw Nation Tribal Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The statutory range of punishment is up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000.00 fine or both.

The Honorable Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing.

Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that CHARLES RAY BENEFIELD, age 32, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, pled guilty to FELON IN POSSESSION OF FIREARM, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).

The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Violent Crime Task Force.  The defendant was indicted in March, 2016.

The Indictment alleged that on or about December  30, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, 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.

The Honorable Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the guilty plea and ordered the completion of a presentence report.  Sentencing will be scheduled following its completion.  The defendant will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

The statutory range of punishment is not more than 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Tim Hammer represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that CHARLES ALBERT GRINDLE, age 42, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, pled guilty to 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 charge arose from an investigation by the United States Marshals Service.  The defendant was indicted in March, 2016.

The Indictment alleged that from in or October 2014 to on or about January 26, 2016, 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 Texas on or about August 25, 1997, for the felony offense of Aggravated Sexual Assault to a Child, traveled in interstate commerce and knowingly failed to register and update his registration as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

The Honorable Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the guilty plea and ordered the completion of a presentence report.  Sentencing will be scheduled following its completion.  The defendant will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

The statutory range of punishment is not more than 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that EDWARD ROBERT SALDANA II, age 30, of Muldrow, Oklahoma, pled guilty to FELON IN POSSESSION OF FIREARM, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2); POSSESSION OF FIREARM IN FURTHERANCE OF A DRUG TRAFFICKING CRIME, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A) and POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE METHAMPHETAMINE AND OXYCODONE, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).

The charge arose from an investigation by the Sallisaw Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The defendant was indicted in February, 2016.

The Indictment alleged that on or about December 10, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of oxycodone, Schedule II controlled substances.

It further alleges on the same date, 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 and did so in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the guilty plea and ordered the completion of a presentence report.  Sentencing will be scheduled following its completion.  The defendant will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

The statutory range of punishment is not less than 5 years or more than Life imprisonment, up to a $1,500,000.00 fine or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that JASON PAUL NUNLEY, age 40 and MASON NUNLEY, age 23, both of Konawa, Oklahoma were sentenced in federal court for CONSPIRACY, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 371.  JASON NUNLEY was sentenced to 48 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release and MASON NUNLEY was sentenced to 33 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

The Informations filed, alleged that beginning in or about May 20, 2015, and continuing until on or about June 4, 2015 and July 29, 2015, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendants, did knowingly and intentionally conspire, confederate and agree with others both known and unknown to commit offenses against the United States, namely, distribution of methamphetamine.

The charges arose from an investigation by the McAlester Police Department, District 18 District Attorney’s Drug Task Force, Seminole Nation Lighthorse Police, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, Seminole Police Department, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, United States Marshals Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The Honorable James H. Payne, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearings.  The defendants will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which they will serve their nonparoleable sentences.

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 JOSHUA JOHN KILLBLANE, age 33, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release for FELON IN POSSESSION OF FIREARM, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).

The Indictment alleged that on or about May 21, 2015, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the Defendant, JOSHUA JOHN KILLBLANE, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, firearms, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Muskogee Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The defendant pled guilty in November, 2015.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, 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 the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which he will serve his nonparoleable sentence.

Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Harrington represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that AMBER LYNN BRAKE, age 24, of Springfield, Missouri, was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release for POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE HEROIN, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B).

The Indictment alleged that on or about December 2, 2014, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of Heroin, a Schedule I Controlled Substance.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Atoka County Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The defendant pled guilty in November, 2015.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, 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 the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which she will serve her nonparoleable sentence.

Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson represented the United States.

“The following named individuals have been charged with a federal crime or crimes.  An Indictment does not constitute evidence of guilt.  An Indictment is a method of bringing 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.  United States Sentencing Guidelines may be considered, upon conviction, by the sentencing court.  Federal prison sentences are non-parolable.”

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that the following individuals were indicted on charges stemming from a drug conspiracy.  All defendants are charged with DRUG CONSPIRACY, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846; and various defendants are charged with related crimes, including, CONTINUING CRIMINAL ENTERPRISE, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 848(a), 848(b), 848(c), 848(d) and 848(s); POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE METHAMPHETAMINE, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1); DISTRIBUTION OF METHAMPHETAMINE, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1); USE OF A COMMUNICATION DEVICE IN FURTHERNACE OF DRUG TRAFFICKING, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b); POSSESSION OF FIREARM IN FURTHERANCE OF A DRUG TRAFFICKING CRIME, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A) and 2; and FELON IN POSSESSION OF FIREARM, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(2) and 2 and a DRUG FORFEITURE allegation:

CODY McCLENDON, age 35, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma

MICHAEL LINCOLN, age 39, of Tulsa, Oklahoma

AMBER CLAPHAN, age 33, of Stilwell, Oklahoma

DONALD TRAMMEL, age 40, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma

SAMANTHA SMITH, age 21, of Muskogee, Oklahoma

TERESA CHAGOLLA, age 54, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma

JACOB HORTON MASTERS JR, age 54, of Tulsa, Oklahoma

NATHAN ROWDEN GREEN, age 27, of Hulbert, Oklahoma

DUSTY ALLEN DRYWATER, age 33, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma

ASHLEY NOEL STEELE, age 29, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma

JIMMY W. SEQUICHIE JR., age 24, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma

REGINA ANN BALLARD, age 37, of Stilwell, Oklahoma a/k/a REGINA HUMMINGBIRD

MATILDA KAY BIRDTAIL, age 20, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma

FREDERIC PETERSEN BECK JR., age 53, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma

GARY WAYNE WILDER, age 35, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma

BRENDA AILEEN AIRINGTON, age 54, of Kellyville, Oklahoma

BRYAN STEVEN LAFAVOR, age 34, of Checotah, Oklahoma

The Superseding Indictment alleges that from beginning in or about the end of 2013, the exact date being unknown to the Grand Jury, and continuing until on or about January 27, 2016, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the Defendants did knowingly and intentionally conspire, confederate and agree with each other, and with others known and unknown to the Grand Jury, to possess with intent to distribute and distribute methamphetamine.

The Investigation revealed that Cody McClendon III, a/k/a Cody-Mac, an Indian Brother Hood (IBH) gang member, while an inmate with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections in McAlester, Oklahoma, was utilizing a contraband cellular phone that he kept hidden on his person and inside his prison cell to facilitate the sale and distribution of methamphetamine. McClendon was doing this by using the cellular phone to communicate with co-conspirators via audio phone calls, text messages, and by communicating on the social media website Facebook.  The Defendants, through their affiliation with the IBH prison gang, promoted a climate of fear through threats of violence and attempted to commit acts of violence to protect and expand the drug organization’s criminal operations.

The charges arose from a joint investigation entitled “Home of the Brave” 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 agencies involved in the investigation were the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the McAlester Police Department, the Tahlequah Police Department, the Muskogee Police Department, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department, Districts 13, 18, 25 and 27 District Attorney’s Drug Task Forces and Violent Crime Task Forces, the Muskogee County District Attorney’s Office, the Seminole Nation Lighthorse Police Department, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the McAlester and Tulsa Offices of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The Honorable Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearings.  All defendants were remanded into the custody of the United States Marshals Service.

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 BRANDON MICHAEL JONES, age 37, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 210 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release for DRUG CONSPIRACY, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(l) and 841(b)(l)(A).

The Indictment alleged that beginning in or about July 2014, the exact date being unknown to the Grand Jury, and continuing until on or about April 7, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant did knowingly and intentionally conspire, confederate and agree together with others, to possess with intent to distribute and 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 City Police Department, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, McAlester Police Department, Checotah Police Department, McIntosh County Sheriff’s Department, District 18 District Attorney’s Drug Task Force, Bureau of Indian Affairs, United States Marshal Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, 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 the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which he will serve his nonparoleable sentence.

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 DUNG THI NGOC NGUYEN, age 33, of Carrollton, Texas, pled guilty to THEFT BY OFFICERS OR EMPLOYEES OF GAMING ESTABLISHMENT ON INDIAN LANDS, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1168(b) and 2.

The Indictment alleged that from on or about February 9, 2015, to on or about February 20, 2015, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant did embezzle, abstract, purloin, willfully misapply and take and carry away in excess of $1,000.00 of moneys belonging to the Choctaw Nation Casino and Resort, an Indian gaming establishment operated by the Choctaw Nation in Indian Country, pursuant to an ordinance or resolution approved by the National Indian Gaming Commission.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Choctaw Nation Tribal Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The statutory range of punishment is up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000.00 fine or both.

The Honorable Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. 

Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that JAMES RODNEY SIMS, age 27, of Douglasville, Georgia, was sentenced to 2 years of probation for POSSESSION OF FIFTEEN OR MORE COUNTERFEIT ACCESS DEVICES, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1029(a)(3) and 2.

The Indictment alleged that on or about April 24, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant knowingly possessed fifteen (15) or more access devices, which were counterfeit or unauthorized access devices, with said activity affecting interstate commerce.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the United States Secret Service.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing.

Assistant United States Attorney Melody Nelson represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that KERENSA KAELENE MARA, age 38 and MARQUIS WAYNE BRANDT a/k/a Mark Brandt, age 40, both of Eufaula, Oklahoma and REBEL LYNN CRABTREE, age 47, of Checotah, Oklahoma, were sentenced for Drug Conspiracy, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846.

The defendants were sentenced as follows:

                    BRANDT:  21 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

                    CRABTREE:  21 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

                    MARA:  72 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

Charges arose from an investigation by the Navarro County Sheriff’s Department in Texas, the District 18 District Attorney’s Drug Task Force, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General.  The defendants were indicted in July, 2015 and pled guilty in August, 2015.

The Indictment alleged that beginning in or about October 2014 and continuing to in or about January 2015, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendants knowingly and intentionally agreed together, with each other, and with other persons known and unknown to the Grand Jury, to illegally obtain Schedule II and IV controlled substances by means of presenting fraudulent prescriptions to pharmacies and conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute Schedule II and IV controlled substances. 

As part of the conspiracy the defendants would obtain stolen prescription pads, legitimate DEA numbers and copies of doctor’s signatures from the Jack C. Montgomery Veterans Affairs Medical Center, for the purpose of forging prescriptions of controlled substances.  The defendants would recruit people to present those forged prescriptions on their behalf in return for pay and then distribute the fraudulently obtained illegal drugs or trade illegal drugs for other drugs.

The Honorable James H. Payne, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearings.

Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that DIXIE ANN MORPHIS, age 36, of Sayre, Oklahoma, pled guilty to POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE METHAMPHETAMINE, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A)(viii).

The charge arose from an investigation by the McAlester Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The Indictment alleges that on or about December 5, 2015, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute fifty (50) grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), a Schedule II controlled substance.

The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the guilty plea and ordered the completion of a presentence report.  Sentencing will be scheduled following its completion.  The defendant will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

The statutory range of punishment is not less than 10 years or more than Life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000.00 fine or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that HARVEY LEE STONE, age 52, of Ferris, Texas, pled guilty to FELON IN POSSESSION OF FIREARM, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).

The charge arose from an investigation by the Choctaw Nation Tribal Police, the Durant Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Indictment alleges that on or about January 23, 2016, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, firearms, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.

The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the guilty plea and ordered the completion of a presentence report.  Sentencing will be scheduled following its completion.  The defendant will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

The statutory range of punishment is not more than 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that DAVID ALLEN EDWARDS, age 69, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 37 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release and a $300 special assessment fee for WIRE FRAUD, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343; TAX FRAUD, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(1) and FAILURE TO ACCOUNT FOR AND PAY EMPLOYMENT TAXES OWED, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7202.

It was also ordered that the defendant pay restitution in the amounts of $143,272.88 to Children’s Clinic, PLLC; $18,000.00 to Ron Wright and $534,342.90 to the Internal Revenue Service.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Muskogee Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation Division.

The Information filed on July 6, 2015, alleged that on or about January 9, 2014, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant devised and intended to devise a scheme and artifice to defraud Children's Clinic, PLLC to obtain money and property in the amount of $403,307.09 by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises.

Further investigation revealed that on or about June 2, 2011, the defendant willfully made and subscribed a false 2010 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 a false Adjusted Gross Income by failing to report $116,610.00 in additional income that was fraudulently obtained from Children’s Clinic, PLLC.

Agents also discovered that Office Medic, Inc., which is owned and operated by the defendant, withheld payroll taxes from its employees' paychecks, including federal income taxes, Medicare and social security taxes but failed to send $534,342.09 in withholdings to the Internal Revenue Service.

The Honorable Frank H. Seay, Senior District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.  The defendant will report to the Bureau of Prisons on April 8, 2016, where he will serve his nonparoleable sentence.

First Assistant United States Attorney Doug Horn represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office announced today the results of the March 2016 Federal Grand Jury.

“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.”

 

CHARLES ALBERT GRINDLE, age 42, of Muskogee, Oklahoma

Failure To Register As Sex Offender

The Indictment alleges that from in or October 2014 to on or about January 26, 2016, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, and elsewhere, CHARLES ALBERT GRINDLE, defendant herein, 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 Texas on or about August 25, 1997, for the felony offense of Aggravated Sexual Assault to a Child, traveled in interstate commerce and knowingly failed to register and update his registration as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. 

The charge arose from an investigation by the United States Marshals Service.  The charge is in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2250(a)(1), 2250(a)(2)(B) and 2250(a)(3), punishable not more than 10 years imprisonment; up to a $250,000.00 fine or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow

 

CHARLES BLAIR SMALLWOOD, age 24, of Durant, Oklahoma

Theft By Officers Or Employees Of Gaming Establishment On Indian Lands

The Indictment alleges that from in or about December 2014, to on or about August 17, 2015, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, CHARLES BLAIR SMALLWOOD, defendant herein, while an employee of the Choctaw Nation Casino and Resort, in Indian Country did embezzle, abstract, purloin, willfully misapply, and take and carry away with intent to steal any moneys, funds, assets, or other property in excess of $1,000.00 belonging to the Choctaw Nation Casino and Resort, an Indian gaming establishment operated by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma pursuant to an ordinance or resolution approved by the National Indian Gaming Commission. 

The charges arose from an investigation by the Choctaw Nation Tribal Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The charge is in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1168(b), punishable by not more than 20 years imprisonment; up to a $1,000,000.00 fine or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Harrington

 

JADE LaRUE OBREGON, age 38, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma

Wire Fraud
Mail Fraud
Theft Of Federal Program Funds

The Indictment alleges that on or about December 29, 2010, through January 28, 2013, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, JADE LaRUE OBREGON, defendant herein, knowingly, and with the intent to defraud, devised and executed a scheme to defraud Sequoyah Memorial Hospital by ordering excess Durable Medical Equipment, including diabetic test strips, and selling the same to outside customers without Sequoyah Memorial Hospital’s approval and did so with a PayPal debit card that was ordered on May 12, 2012, by the defendant, through the mail and directed the card to be delivered to her address.  The Indictment further alleges that on or about January 1, 2012, and continuing through December 31, 2013, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant, being an agent of Sequoyah Memorial Hospital, said organization receiving in the one year period beginning January 1, 2012, benefits in excess of $10,000 from federal health care programs, embezzled, stole, obtained by fraud, and knowingly converted to the use of a person not the rightful owner, property worth at least $5,000 and owned by such organization, that is diabetic test strips. 

The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The charges are in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine or both; Title 18, United States Code, Section 666(a)(1)(A), punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine or both and Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341, punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment, up to $250,000.00 fine or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Melody Nelson

 

CHARLES RAY BENEFIELD, age 32, of Muskogee, Oklahoma

Felon In Possession Of Firearm
Felon In Possession Of Ammunition

The Indictment alleges that on or about December  30, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, CHARLES RAY BENEFIELD, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm and ammunition, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce. 

The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Violent Crime Task Force.  The charge is in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Tim Hammer

 

EDWARD ROBERT SALDANA II, age 29, of Muldrow, Oklahoma

Felon In Possession Of Firearm
Possession Of Methamphetamine And Oxycodone With Intent To Distribute
Possession Of Firearm In Furtherence Of A Drug Trafficking Crime

The Superseding Indictment alleges that on or about December 10, 2015 and January 5, 2016, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, EDWARD ROBERT SALDANA II, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, firearms, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.  The Indictment further alleges that on or about December 10, 2015, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of Oxycodone, Schedule II controlled substances and did so while possessing a firearm. It’s further alleged that on or about January 5, 2016, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute five (5) grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), a Schedule II controlled substance. 

The charges arose from an investigation by the Sallisaw Police Department, the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The charges are in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine or both; Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C) and 841(b)(1)(B)(viii), punishable by not less than 5 years or more than 40 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00 or both and Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c), punishable by not less than 25 years imprisonment, to be served consecutively, up to a $250,000.00 fine or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that  MALCOLM DEWAYNE ELLIS, age 38, of McAlester, Oklahoma pled guilty to FELON IN POSSESSION OF FIREARM, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine or both.

The charge is a result of an investigation by the McAlester Police Department.  The defendant was indicted in January, 2016.

The Indictment alleged that on or about April 6, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, MALCOLM DEWAYNE ELLIS, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm, to-wit: One (1) Bersa, Model Mini 9 Firestorm, 9mm caliber semi-automatic pistol, serial number 621726, manufactured in Argentina, Imported by “RSA Enterprises INC”, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.

The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the guilty plea and ordered the completion of a presentence report.  Sentencing will be scheduled following its completion.  The defendant will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that BRANDON JAMES DEAN, age 33, of Porter, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment, followed by 36 months of supervised release for FELON IN POSSESSION OF FIREARM, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1) & 924(a)(2).

The charges arose from an investigation by Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Violent Crimes Task Force.

The Indictment alleged that on or about May 24, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, 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.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing.

Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that LONNIE DALE JOHNSON, age 58, of Durant, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 2 years of probation and was ordered to pay $49,570 in restitution for BANK THEFT, EMBEZZLEMENT & MISAPPLICATION, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 656.

The charges arose from an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Information alleged that from in or about 2005, the exact date unknown, until on or about May 28, 2015, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, being an officer, director, agent, or employee of, or connected in a capacity with, First Texoma National Bank of Durant, Oklahoma, a bank whose deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, with intent to injure and defraud the said First Texoma National Bank of Durant, Oklahoma, willfully misapplied, embezzled, abstracted, and purloined more than $1,000.00 of the moneys, funds, assets or securities entrusted to the custody or care of First Texoma National Bank of Durant, Oklahoma, in that the defendant withdrew cash from the vault of the bank and misapplied, embezzled, abstracted and purloined the funds for his own use or benefit.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing.

Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that WILLIAM LYNN BURROUGH, age 45, of Spiro, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 168 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release for POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE METHAMPHETAMINE, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A).

The charge arose from an investigation by the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The Indictment alleges that on or about June 9, 2015, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, WILLIAM LYNN BURROUGH, did knowingly and intentionally possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), a Schedule II controlled substance.

The Honorable James H. Payne, 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 the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which he will serve his nonparoleable sentence.

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that MICHAEL DANGELO JOHNSON, age 27, and LACEY SHARELL FREEMAN, age 27, both of Hugo, Oklahoma, were sentenced in federal court.

JOHNSON was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release for POSSESSION OF FIREARM IN FURTHERANCE OF DRUG TRAFFICKING CRIME, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c).

FREEMAN was sentenced to 32 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release for POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE METHAMPHETAMINE, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).

The charges are a result of an investigation by the Choctaw County Sheriff’s Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The defendants were indicted in August, 2015 and pled guilty in September, 2015.

The Indictment alleged that beginning on or about June 30, 2015, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, LACEY SHARELL FREEMAN, did knowingly and intentionally possess with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

It was also alleged that on or about June 30, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, MICHAEL DANGELO JOHNSON, did knowingly possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The Honorable James H. Payne, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing.  The defendants will remain in the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which they will serve their nonparoleable sentences.

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that KENNY RAY SMITH, age 52, of Whitesboro, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release for POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE METHAMPHETAMINE, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841 (b)(1)(C) and FELON IN POSSESSION OF AMMUNITION, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).

The Indictment alleged that on or about February 13, 2015, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant did knowingly and intentionally possess with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

It was further alleged that on or about February 13, 2015, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, ammunition which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and the District 16 District Attorney’s Drug Task Force.

The Honorable James H. Payne, 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 the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which he will serve his nonparoleable sentence.

Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Wilson represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that STEVE ARBY CHANDLER, II, age 45, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment, followed by 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 charge arose from an investigation by the Muskogee Police Department and the United States Marshals Service.

The Indictment alleges that from on or about April 3, 2014 until on or about July 3, 2014, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, and elsewhere, STEVE ARBY CHANDLER, II, defendant herein, 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 Michigan on or about January 31, 1990, for the felony offense of Criminal Sexual Conduct 2nd Degree, traveled in interstate commerce and knowingly failed to register and update his registration as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

The Honorable James H. Payne, 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 the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which he will serve his nonparoleable sentence.

Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Wilson represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that  CARNEY SCOTT HOOD, age 26, of Hugo, Oklahoma was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release for POSSESSION OF EXPLOSIVE WHILE UNDER INFORMATION OR INDICTMENT, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 842(i)(1), 844(a)(1) and 2. 

The Indictment alleged that in or about January 2014, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, while under an Information in the District Court of Choctaw County, State of Oklahoma, Case No. CF-2011-152, for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, an explosive, to-wit: ATLAS SF Electric Blasting Caps, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.

The charge was the result of an investigation by the Hugo Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The Honorable James H. Payne, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing.  The defendant was remanded into custody of the United States Marshals Service pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which he will serve his nonparoleable sentence.

Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher Wilson represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that  NATASHA DAWN POAFPYBITTY, age 29, of Stilwell, Oklahoma pled guilty to POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE METHAMPHETAMINE, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A)(viii), punishable by not less than 10 years imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000.00 fine or both.

The charge is a result of an investigation by the Cherokee Nation Marshals Service, the District 27 District Attorney’s Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The defendant was indicted in February, 2015.

The Indictment alleged that that on or about November 20, 2014, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, NATASHA DAWN POAFPYBITTY, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute fifty (50) grams or more of Methamphetamine (actual), a Schedule II controlled substance.

The Honorable Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the guilty plea and ordered the completion of a presentence report.  Sentencing will be scheduled following its completion.  The defendant will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

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  BUDDY KENNY ROGERS, age 36, of Sayre, Oklahoma pled guilty to DRUG CONSPIRACY, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B) and 841(b)(1)(C), punishable by not less than 5 years and not more than 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000.00 fine or both.

The charge is a result of an investigation by the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, Tahlequah Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The defendant was indicted in November, 2015.

The Indictment alleged that that in or about June 2014 and continuing until on or about April 1, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant, BUDDY KENNY ROGERS did knowingly and intentionally combine, conspire, confederate and agree together, and with others, known and unknown to commit offenses against the United States to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of Methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance and a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of Heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance.

Rogers was a California state inmate incarcerated within the Oklahoma Department of Corrections.  While incarcerated within the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Rogers utilized a cellular telephone to contact others in California to coordinate the delivery of methamphetamine and heroin to others outside the prison system but within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the guilty plea and ordered the completion of a presentence report.  Sentencing will be scheduled following its completion.  The defendant will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

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 today that PAUL DANIEL MORRISON, age 55, of Poteau, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 3 years of probation for THEFT OF GOVERNMENT FUNDS, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.  MORRISON was also ordered to pay $25,955.06 in restitution.

The charge is a result of an investigation by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General.  The defendant was indicted in August, 2015.

The Indictment alleged that beginning in or about December, 2011, and continuing until on or about July 9, 2013, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did willfully and knowingly steal and purloin money of the Department of Veterans Affairs, a department or agency of the United States, namely, Department of Veterans Affairs Monthly Non-Service Connected Pension Benefits payments to which he knew he was not entitled, having a value in excess of $1,000.00.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing.

Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that TIMOTHY CRAIG BOXFORD, age 43, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 262 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release for POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE METHAMPHETAMINE, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A).  Due to the defendant’s prior criminal history, BOXFORD was considered a career criminal offender, therefore enhancing his sentence.

The charge arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The Indictment alleges that on or June 21, 2014, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant did knowingly and intentionally possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, 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 the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which he will serve his nonparoleable sentence.

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that WILLIAM JAMES SMITH, Jr., a/k/a Jimmy, age 35, of Okay, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 54 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release for FELON IN POSSESSION OF FIREARM & AMMUNITION, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).

The charges are a result of an investigation by the United States Marshals Service, the District 27 Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.  The defendant was indicted in August, 2015 and pled guilty in September, 2015.

The Indictment alleged that on or about February 26, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, WILLIAM JAMES SMITH, Jr., a/k/a Jimmy, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm and ammunition, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, 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 the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which he will serve his nonparoleable sentence.

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office announced today the results of the February 2016 Federal Grand Jury.

“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.”

 

CODY McCLENDON, age 35, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma

MICHAEL LINCOLN, age 39, of Tulsa, Oklahoma

AMBER CLAPHAN, age 33, of Stilwell, Oklahoma

DONALD TRAMMEL, age 40, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma

SAMANTHA SMITH, age 21, of Muskogee, Oklahoma

TERESA CHAGOLLA, age 54, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma

JACOB MASTERS, age 54, of Tulsa, Oklahoma

NATHAN GREEN, age 27, of Hulbert, Oklahoma

Drug Conspiracy

The Indictment alleges that from in or about June 2015 and continuing up to and including January 27, 2016, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendants, did willfully and knowingly combine, conspire, confederate and agree together, and with other persons known and unknown, to Possess with Intent to Distribute and the Distribution of 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of Methamphetamine, and 50 grams of Methamphetamine (actual), a Schedule II Controlled Substance.

The charges arose from a joint investigation by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the Tahlequah Police Department, the Muskogee Police Department, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  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 charges are 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 $10,000,000.00 fine or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson

 

DEAUNDRE DEANGELO CHATMAN, age 30, of Muskogee, Oklahoma

Felon In Possession Of Firearm

The Indictment alleges that on or about November 13, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, DEAUNDRE DEANGELO CHATMAN, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm and ammunition, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce. 

The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Violent Crime Task Force. 

The charges are in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable not more than 10 years imprisonment; up to a $250,000.00 fine or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow; Special Assistant United States Attorney Shelly Harrison

 

DIXIE ANN MORPHIS, age 35, of Sayre, Oklahoma

Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine
Possession Of Firearm In Furtherance Of A Drug Trafficking Crime
Felon In Possession Of Firearm

The Indictment alleges that on or about December 5, 2015, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant did knowingly possess with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime after having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. 

The charges arose from an investigation by the McAlester Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration Drug Task Force.

The charges are in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A)(viii), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment or more than Life; up to a $10,000,000.00 fine or both and Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A), punishable by not less than 5 years imprisonment and up to Life; up to a $250,000.00 fine or both and Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00 or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Hammer

 

SCOTT MATHEW REID, age 44, of Beverly, West Virginia

Fraud And False Statements Involving Aircraft Parts
Forfeiture

The Indictment alleges that between September 14, 2012, and November 19, 2012, the exact date unknown to the Grand Jury, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant knowingly and with the intent to defraud made and used a materially false writing, entry, certification, document and record concerning aircraft parts in and affecting interstate commerce.  In particular, the defendant made, caused to be made, and used false entries in a logbook regarding the left engine of a twin-engine, Beechcraft Baron aircraft that represented that the subject engine had received a major overhaul within an approximate period of the previous 300 hours of engine operation, when he knew in fact that no such major overhaul of the engine had occurred within an approximate period of the previous 1300 hours of engine operation. 

The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General.

The charges are in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 38(a)(1)(C) and 38(b)(1), punishable by not more than 15 years imprisonment, up to a $500,000.00 fine or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace

 

HARVEY LEE STONE, age 52, of Ferris, Texas

Felon In Possession Of Firearm

The Indictment alleges that on or about January 23, 2016, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, firearms, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce. 

The charge arose from an investigation by the Durant Police Department, the Choctaw Nation Tribal Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

The charge is in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris

 

EDWARD ROBERT SALDANA II, age 29, of Muldrow, Oklahoma

Felon In Possession Of Firearm

The Indictment alleges that on or about December 10, 2015 and January 5, 2016, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, EDWARD ROBERT SALDANA II, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, firearms, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce. 

The charges arose from an investigation by the Sallisaw Police Department, the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. 

The charges are in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that the United States District Court, after a non-jury trial, has entered judgment against JOHN DEFELICE of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, for $119,218.00, which represents a sum of Social Security benefits paid to Janet DeFelice, his mother, who went missing in northern California and has never been found.  On June 1, 2007, Mrs.Defelice wandered off from her son’s home in Templeton, California, in the middle of the night.  After a concerted search by her family and authorities, and the passing of five years, a certificate of death was issued for her by the State of California on June 1, 2012.  During those five years the money was paid into an account jointly owned by Janet DeFelice and her son, John DeFelice, by the Social Security Administration.  The Social Security Administration had not been notified that Mrs.DeFelice’s whereabouts were unknown.

This investigation that lead to this civil prosecution is an example of the work that various federal agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, do to prevent financial loss to the taxpayer through federal programs.  Federal investigative agencies present the results of their efforts to the Department of Justice, usually through the appropriate United States Attorney’s office, to be prosecuted as Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) matters.  This case was a result of that effort to prevent financial loss and was prosecuted by the ACE Unit of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

United States Attorney Mark Green stated:  “It is Important that actions like this be brought and tried to the Court, if necessary, so that money mistakenly paid out from government programs such as Social Security is recovered.”

This case was a coordinated effort by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma and the Office of the Inspector General of the United States Social Security Administration.  The lawsuit is captioned United States of America  v. John DeFelice, Case No. CIV-14-415-RAW (E.D. Okla.). Assistant United States Attorney Robert Gay Guthrie represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that ERIC WAYNE LOCKHART, age 30, of Muldrow, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 13 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release for USE OF TELEPHONE TO MAKE BOMB THREAT, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(e).

The Indictment alleged that on or about June 15, 2015, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the Defendant, ERIC WAYNE LOCKHART, did, through use of a telephone, make a threat to kill, injure and intimidate an individual by means of an explosive, in and affecting interstate commerce.

The charges are a result from an investigation by the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Department and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The defendant pled guilty in October, 2015.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, 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 the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending transportation to the designated federal prison at which he will serve his nonparolable sentence.

Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Wilson represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that JEREMY DAVID STARR, age 39, of McAlester, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment, followed by 4 years of supervised release for MANUFACTURE OF METHAMPHETAMINE, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B).

The Indictment alleged that on or about June 21, 2015, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, JEREMY DAVID STARR, did knowingly and intentionally manufacture 50 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 McAlester Police Department and the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Department.  The defendant pled guilty in October, 2015.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, 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 the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending transportation to the designated federal prison at which he will serve his nonparolable sentence.

Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Wilson represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office announced today the results of the January 26, 2016 Federal Grand Jury.

"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-paroleable.”

 

KALVIN KYLE McCOWN, age 42, of Longview, Texas a/k/a "RAINMAN"

BRIAN THOMAS GREEN, age 43, of Mount Pleasant, Texas a/k/a "COUNTRY"

TRAVIS LEE HILL, age 26, of Ore City, Texas

Kidnapping In Aid Of Racketeering
Murder In Aid Of Racketeering
Kidnapping

The Indictment alleges that on or about July 13, 2011, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant and others, aiding and abetting each other, did unlawfully and willfully kidnap and murder Kenneth Earl Ayers, for the purpose of maintaining and increasing position in the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT), an enterprise engaged in racketeering activity. 

The charges are in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1959(a)(1) and 2, punishable by any term of years up to Life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00 or both; Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1959(a)(1) and 2, punishable by Death or Life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00 or both and Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1201(a)(1) and 2, punishable by any term of years up to Life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00 or both. 

The charges arose from a joint investigation by the Longview Texas Police Department, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

 

TRAVIS LEE HILL was arraigned in federal court today and entered a plea of not guilty on each charge.  The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing.  The defendant was remanded into the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending a jury trial scheduled for April 5, 2016.           

Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace represented the United States.

The following named individuals have been charged with a federal crime or crimes.  A Criminal Complaint does not constitute evidence of guilt.  A Criminal Complaint is a method of bringing 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-paroleable.

"OPERATION HOME OF THE BRAVE"

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that the following individuals were arraigned on January 27, 2016, on charges of Drug Conspiracy, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A).

CODY McCLENDON, age 35, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, MICHAEL LINCOLN, age 39, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, AMBER CLAPHAN, age 33, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, DONALD TRAMMEL, age 40, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, SAMANTHA SMITH, age 21, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, TERESA CHAGOLLA, age 54, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, JACOB MASTERS, age 54, of Tulsa, Oklahoma and NATHAN GREEN, age 27, of Hulbert, Oklahoma.

The Criminal Complaint filed on January 25, 2016, alleges that from in or about June 2015 and continuing up to and including the time of this Complaint, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendants, did willfully and knowingly combine, conspire, confederate and agree together, and with other persons known and unknown, to Possess with Intent to Distribute and the Distribution of 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of Methamphetamine, a Schedule II Controlled Substance.

The Investigation revealed that Cody McClendon, an Indian Brotherhood (IBH) gang member, currently an inmate with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections in McAlester, Oklahoma was utilizing a contraband cellular phone that he kept hidden on his person and inside his prison cell to facilitate the sale and distribution of methamphetamine. McClendon was doing this by using the cellular phone to communicate with co-conspirators via audio phone calls, text messages, and by communicating on the social media website Facebook.

The charges arose from a joint investigation by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the Tahlequah Police Department, the Muskogee Police Department, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  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, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearings.  All defendants were remanded into the custody of the United States Marshals Service.

The statutory range of punishment for a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), is not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment up to a  $10,000,000.00 fine or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson represented the United States.

“OPERATION GREEN GIANT”

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that ANDREANA LYNN HILL, age 38, of Muskogee, Oklahoma was sentenced to 41 months imprisonment, followed by 4 years of supervised release for Drug Conspiracy, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B).

The Indictment alleged that the defendant and others coordinated and orchestrated the transportation of cocaine from source locations to the Eastern District of Oklahoma and used telephones, cellular and otherwise, to conduct and carry out the organization’s objectives.

The charges arose from a joint investigation by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the Muskogee Police Department, the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Department and the United States Marshals Service.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, 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 the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending transportation to the designated federal prison at which she will serve her nonparoleable sentence.

Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson represented the United States.