Eastern District of Oklahoma

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that JAVONTE SHAWN ALEXANDER, age 23, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced to 24 months 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 KAY ANN FARROW, age 69, of Eufaula, Oklahoma, pled guilty to WIRE FRAUD, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, punishable by not more than 20 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine or both.

The Indictment alleged that on or about July 11, 2014, in Eufaula, Oklahoma, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, KAY ANN FARROW, for the purpose of executing the scheme, caused to be transmitted by means of wire communication in interstate commerce writings, signs, signals, pictures, and sounds. It further alleged that on or about July 16, 2014, in Eufaula, Oklahoma, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the Defendant, for the purpose of executing the scheme, caused to be transmitted by means of wire communication in interstate commerce writings, signs, signals, pictures, and sounds. A Forfeiture Allegation is also included in the Indictment.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Eufaula Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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.

Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Harrington represented the United States.

DANIEL CASTRO, M.D., FORMERLY OF THE MEDICAL CENTER OF
SOUTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA, TO PAY $275,000.00 TO RESOLVE FALSE CLAIMS ACT LAWSUIT

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that DR. DANIEL CASTRO, an Otolaryngologist who practiced, from 2005 to 2010, at the Medical Center of Southeastern Oklahoma (MCSO), located in Durant, Oklahoma, has agreed to pay $275,000 to the United States and the State of Oklahoma to resolve allegations that he billed SoonerCare, the Oklahoma Medicaid Program, for surgical procedures that he performed  and related office services, that were not performed as claimed and/or were not medically necessary.  During the time in question, MCSO was owned by Healthcare Management Associates (HMA). In January of 2014, HMA was acquired by Community Health Systems, a nationwide acute care hospital chain.

United States Attorney Mark Green stated;  “It is one of our office’s highest priorities to protect the citizens of our district against unscrupulous health care providers who don’t play by the rules.  Performing unnecessary surgery not only harms patients but also wastes taxpayer dollars.  The False Claims Act is a valuable weapon in the government’s arsenal to combat these types of abuses.”

The settlement announced today resolves allegations that Dr. Castro submitted claims to SoonerCare for surgical procedures known as functional endoscopic sinus surgeries (FESS) which require no incisions on the face but instead involve the insertion of a nasal endoscope, a very thin fiber optic tube, into the nose for a direct visual examination and clearing of the openings into the sinuses. The related office services that were not performed as claimed are known as endoscopic debridements, procedures performed by an otolaryngologist following a FESS in which an endoscope, or fiber optic tube, is inserted into the nose for a thorough inspection and removal of dried blood and crusting.

In a related settlement, HMA paid the United States and the State of Oklahoma $1.5 million dollars to resolve allegations that MCSO billed SoonerCare, the Oklahoma Medicaid Program, for surgical procedures performed by Dr. Daniel Castro and related hospital services that were not medically necessary.

The allegations that the government has settled with Dr. Castro and HMA were raised in a lawsuit filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act.  The Act allows private citizens with knowledge of fraud to bring civil actions on behalf of the government and to share in any recovery.  The whistleblower, Sandra Simmons, will receive a share of today’s settlement.  The Act also permits the government to intervene in the whistleblower’s suit, as the government did here.

This civil settlement and the government’s intervention illustrate the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud and mark another achievement for the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT) initiative, which was announced in May 2009 by then Attorney General Eric Holder and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sibelius.  The partnership between the two departments has focused efforts to reduce and prevent Medicare and Medicaid financial fraud through enhanced cooperation.  One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act.  Since January 2009, the Justice Department has recovered a total of more than $26.7 billion through False Claims Act cases, with more than $16.8 billion of that amount recovered in cases involving fraud against federal health care programs.

This case was a coordinated effort among the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the Civil Division of the United States Department of Justice, the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General.  The lawsuit is captioned United States ex rel. Sandra Simmons v. Health Management Associates, Inc., Durant H.M.A., LLC d/b/a Medical Center of Southeastern Oklahoma, Durant HMA Physician Management, LLC and Dan J. Castro, M.D., Case No. CIV-12-043-JHP (E.D. Okla.).

Assistant United States Attorneys Susan S. Brandon and Robert Gay Guthrie represented the United States.

The claims settled or pursued by the government are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that JOHN RICHARD FLOURNOY, age 47, of Coalgate, Oklahoma, pled guilty to THEFT OF GOVERNMENT FUNDS, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641 and a FORFEITURE ALLEGATION.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General.  The defendant was indicted in December 2015.

The Indictment alleged that beginning in or about February, 2011, and continuing until on or about December 23, 2013, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did willfully and knowingly steal and purloin money of the Social Security Administration, a department or agency of the United States, namely, Social Security Administration Supplemental Security Income payments to which he knew he was not entitled, having a value in excess of $1,000.00.

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.

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 DONNIE EUGENE DREW, age 26, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, pled guilty to FELON IN POSSESSION OF FIREARM, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922 (g)(1).

The charge arose from an investigation by the Muskogee Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Eastern District of Oklahoma Violent Crime Task Force.

The Indictment alleged that on or about January 27, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, DONNIE EUGENE DREW, 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) Hopkins & Allen Arms “Safety Police”, .32 Caliber revolver handgun, 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 statutory range of punishment is not more than 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine or both.

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 DONALD RAY McCOY, Jr., age 36, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, pled guilty to Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(2) & 924(e)(1).

The charge arose from an investigation by the Tahlequah Police Department, District 27 Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The defendant was indicted in December, 2015.

The Indictment alleged that on or about July 29, 2015 and continuing until July 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 less than 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.

"OPERATION GREEN GIANT"

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that KEVIN BERNARD GREEN, age 35, and ELIJAH ALFRED MAYES, JR., age 35, both of Muskogee, Oklahoma were sentenced in federal court.

GREEN was sentenced to 132 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release for Drug Conspiracy, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A) and MAYES, JR., was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment, 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 defendants 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 hearings.  The defendants will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending transportation to the designated federal prison 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 BRITTANI M. ROSS, age 26, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, pled guilty to an Information charging her with USE OF A COMMUNICATION DEVICE IN FURTHERANCE OF DRUG TRAFFICKING, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b).

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

The Information alleged that on or about April 1, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, BRITTANI M. ROSS, knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully used a communication facility, that is: a telephone (cellular or otherwise) in committing, causing, and facilitating acts constituting a felony under Title 21, United States Code, Section 846, in that the Defendant used a telephone to discuss various matters concerning Drug Conspiracy.

The Honorable Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the defendant’s guilty plea, and ordered the completion of a presentence report.  Sentencing will be scheduled upon its completion.

The statutory range of punishment is not more than 4 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00 or both.

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 BRIAN DWAIN JORDAN, age 40, of Wilburton, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 120 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 charges are a result of an investigation by the Hartshorne Police Department, the Latimer County Sheriff’s Department and the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Department. The defendant was indicted in August, 2015 and pled guilty in September, 2015.

The Indictment alleged that on or about June 15, 2015 and continuing to on or about June 16, 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 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 Marshal Service pending transportation to the designated federal prison at which he will serve his nonparolable sentence.

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 today that RODNEY GENE BENNETT, age 25, of Wetumka, 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)(B), punishable by not less than 5 or more than 40 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00 or both.

The charge is a result of an investigation by the Seminole Nation Tribal Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The defendant was indicted in December, 2015.

The Indictment alleged that on or about August 5, 2015, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, RODNEY GENE BENNETT, 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.

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 G. E. Hammer represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that ANTONIO JUAN PAREDES, age 26, of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, pled guilty to ASSAULT WITH A DANGEROUS WEAPON, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1153, 1151 and 113(a)(3), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00 or both.

The charges are a result of an investigation by the Choctaw Nation Tribal Police, the Broken Bow Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The defendant was indicted in December, 2015.

The Indictment alleged that on or about July 21, 2012, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, at the Choctaw Travel Plaza in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, in Indian Country, within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, the defendant, ANTONIO JUAN PAREDES, an Indian, assaulted M.C. with a dangerous weapon, with the intent to do bodily harm.

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 Marshal Service pending sentencing.

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 ADRIAN MICHAEL SEAL, age 37, of Ada, Oklahoma, pled guilty to 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), punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00 or both.

The charges are a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The defendant was indicted in December, 2015.

The Indictment alleged that between in or about October 2014 and on or about July 16, 2015, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, ADRIAN MICHAEL SEAL, did knowingly possess and attempt to possess matters which contained visual depictions, as that term is defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 2256(5), the production of said visual depictions involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct and said visual depictions were of such sexually explicit conduct and had been transported in interstate commerce by computer.

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 Marshal Service pending sentencing.

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 DERRICK CASEY FRY, a/k/a Derrek Casey Fry, age 35, of Nashoba, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 50 months imprisonment and 3 year Supervised Release for ASSAULT RESULTING IN SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1153, 1151 and 113(a)(6).

The charge is a result of an investigation by the Choctaw Nation Tribal Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The defendant was indicted in July, 2015 and pled guilty in August, 2015.

The Indictment alleged that from on or about the 23rd day of June, 2015, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, the defendant, DERRICK CASEY FRY, a/k/a Derrek Casey Fry, an Indian, assaulted James Belvin, resulting in serious bodily injury.

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 Marshal 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 today that Steven Dwight McDaniel, age 27, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 35 months imprisonment and 3 years 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 Muskogee Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Indictment alleged that on or about March 18, 2015, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, STEVEN DWIGHT MCDANIEL, 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 HI-Point Firearm, Model JHP, .45 ACP caliber pistol, said firearm having been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.

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 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 KENNETH JAMES HEBERT, a/k/a Keno, age 51, of Hugo, Oklahoma was sentenced to 63 months imprisonment and 3 years Supervised Release for being a FELON IN POSSESSION OF EXPLOSIVE, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 842(i)(1), 844(a)(1) and 2.  The jury trial began on Monday, September 21, 2015 and concluded on September 22, 2015 with the guilty verdict.

The defendant was convicted in September, 2015 by a federal jury.  The evidence at trial proved that in or about January 2014, the exact date being unknown to the Grand Jury, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted in the District Court of Choctaw County, Oklahoma, 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 verdict obtained 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 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 Marshal Service pending transportation to the federal facility at which he will serve his nonparoleable sentence.

Assistant United States Attorneys Chris Wilson represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that DAKOTA LANE WILLISTON, age 20, of Idabel, Oklahoma was sentenced in federal court today to life without the possibility of release in connection with the 2013 beating death of a two-year-old girl from Idabel, Oklahoma.

WILLISTON, a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, was indicted in December 2014 with Murder in the First Degree in Indian Country Committed During the Perpetration of Child Abuse, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1111, 1151 and 1153. After a seven-day trial in June, 2015, a federal jury deliberated approximately three and one-half hours before finding Williston guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the unlawful killing of Payton Cockrell, a 2-year-old, non-Indian female, during the perpetration of child abuse, as defined by Title 18, United States Code, Section 1111(c)(3).

The charge arose from an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the McCurtain County Sheriff’s Office and the Choctaw Nation Tribal Police. The case was tried in federal court because the crime occurred at Williston’s family home located on a restricted Choctaw allotment. WILLISTON and the victim were not related.

The toddler was the daughter of WILLISTON’S live-in girlfriend.  According to testimony at trial, on the morning of July 23, 2013, WILLISTON insisted his girlfriend leave the child with him instead of taking her to day care.  The child was fine when the mother left for work and the child remained in the sole care of WILLISTON.   At about noon, Williston and his family called 911 when he claimed he awoke to find the child unresponsive.  The child was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.  Medical experts at trial testified that the toddler suffered extensive fatal injuries to her torso and head as a result on blunt force trauma.  Every internal organ was damaged and she suffered massive internal injuries and bleeding.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the sentencing and trial.  In addition to the life sentence, Judge White also imposed restitution for the funeral expense and a $20,000 fine.  Assistant United States Attorneys Dean Burris and Linda Epperley represented the United States.

The defendant was remanded into the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which he will serve his nonparoleable sentence.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that JAMES WESTLEY RADFORD, age 28, of Eufaula, Oklahoma was sentenced to 160 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release for Drug Conspiracy, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846.

Charges arose from an investigation by the Navarro County Sheriff’s Department in Texas, the District 18 District Attorney’s Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General.

The defendant was 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 defendant knowingly and intentionally agreed 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 defendant 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 defendant would recruit people to present those forged prescriptions on his 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 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 nonparolable sentence.

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

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that JESSICA SUZANNE FELIX, age 33, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 77 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release for Drug Conspiracy, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846.

The charge is a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and 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 United States Attorney’s Office.  The defendant was indicted in April, 2015 and pled guilty in June, 2015.

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 the date of the Indictment, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant did knowingly and intentionally conspire, confederate and agree together and with others, known and unknown to the Grand Jury, to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) and 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 Marshal Service pending transportation to the designated federal prison at which she will serve her nonparolable 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 today that CHRISTOPHER DEAN JONES, a/k/a Snake, age 36, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, pled guilty to FELON IN POSSESSION OF FIREARM AND AMMUNITION, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine or both. He also pled guilty to POSSESSION OF COUNTERFEIT OBLIGATIONS OR SECURITIES OF THE UNITED STATES, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 472, punishable by not more than 20 years, up to a $250,000 fine or both.

Charges arose from an investigation by the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the United States Secret Service.  The defendant was indicted in November, 2015.

The Indictment alleged that on or about October 1, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, CHRISTOPHER DEAN JONES, a/k/a Snake, 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 Indictment further alleged that on or about October 1, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, CHRISTOPHER DEAN JONES a/k/a Snake, with intent to defraud, possessed a counterfeit obligation of the United States.

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 Marshal 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 today that CLINTON LAMONT CRAWLEY, age 38, of Grant, Oklahoma, pled guilty to FELON IN POSSESSION OF FIREARM AND AMMUNITION, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine or both.

Charges arose from an investigation by the Choctaw County Police Department, Choctaw Tribal Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The defendant was indicted in November, 2015.

The Indictment alleged that On or about October 10, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, CLINTON LAMONT CRAWLEY, 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 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 Marshal Service pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office announced today the results of the November 2015 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.”

 

JOHN RICHARD FLOURNOY, age 47, of Coalgate, Oklahoma

Theft of Government Funds
Making a False Statement
Forfeiture Allegation

The Indictment alleges that beginning in or about February, 2011, and continuing until on or about December 23, 2013, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, defendant JOHN RICHARD FLOURNOY, did willfully and knowingly steal and purloin money of the Social Security Administration, a department or agency of the United States, namely, Social Security Administration Supplemental Security Income payments to which he knew he was not entitled, having a value in excess of $1,000.00. It further alleged that on or about July 10, 2012 and on or about July 8, 2013, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the Defendant, did knowingly and willfully make and cause to be made a materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statement and representation in a matter within the jurisdiction of the Social Security Administration, an agency of the United States, in that on a Social Security Administration Representative Payee Report the Defendant stated that D.F. resided with Defendant, when in truth and fact, as Defendant well knew, D.F. did not reside with the Defendant. A Forfeiture Allegation is also included in the Indictment.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General. The charges are in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641, punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment; up to a $250,000.00 fine and Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(2), punishable by not more than 5 years imprisonment; up to a $250,000.00 fine or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace

 

KAY ANN FARROW, age 69, of Eufaula, Oklahoma

Wire Fraud
Forfeiture Allegation

The Indictment alleges that on or about July 11, 2014, in Eufaula, Oklahoma, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, KAY ANN FARROW, for the purpose of executing the scheme, caused to be transmitted by means of wire communication in interstate commerce writings, signs, signals, pictures, and sounds. It further alleged that on or about July 16, 2014, in Eufaula, Oklahoma, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the Defendant, for the purpose of executing the scheme, caused to be transmitted by means of wire communication in interstate commerce writings, signs, signals, pictures, and sounds. A Forfeiture Allegation is also included in the Indictment.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Eufaula Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The charges are in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, punishable by not more than 20 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Harrington

 

BOB GENE HALL, age 35, of Cushing, Oklahoma a/k/a ROBERT GLEN HENSLEY

Drug Conspiracy
Distribution of Methamphetamine
Forfeiture Allegation

The Indictment alleges 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, BOB GENE HALL, a/k/a Robert Glen Hensley, 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. It further alleged that on or about September 1, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant did knowingly and intentionally distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II Controlled Substance.  A Forfeiture Allegation is also included in the Indictment. 

The charges are a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The charges are in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846, 841(a)(1) & 841(b)(1)(A), punishable by mandatory life imprisonment, and up to $20,000,000.00 fine; and Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) & 841(b)(1)(B), punishable by not less than 10 years imprisonment, and up to $8,000,000.00 fine. 

Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson

 

ANTONIO JUAN PAREDES, age 35,

Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

The Indictment alleges that on or about July 21, 2012, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, at the Choctaw Travel Plaza in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, in Indian Country, within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, the defendant, ANTONIO JUAN PAREDES, an Indian, assaulted M.C. with a dangerous weapon, with the intent to do bodily harm. 

The charge is a result of an investigation by the Choctaw Nation Tribal Police, Broken Bow Police Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The charge is in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1153, 1151 & 113(a)(3), punishable by no more than 10 years imprisonment, up to $250,000.00 or both. 

Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow

 

NICKOLLE DENISE DIXON, age 24, of Fort Smith, Arkansas

Embezzlement and Theft from Indian Tribal Organizations

The Indictment alleges from in or about January 2013 to on or about January 5, 2014, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, NIKOLLE DENISE DIXON, did steal, embezzle and knowingly and willfully convert to her own use monies in excess of $1,000.00 which had been entrusted to her custody and care as an employee of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, an Indian tribal organization. 

The charge is a result of 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 1163, punishable by no more than 5 years imprisonment, up to $250,000.00 or both. 

Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow

 

ALLEN MICHAEL SCOTT, age 22, of Pottsboro, Texas

DUNG THI NGOC NGUYEN, age 33, of Carrollton, Texas

Theft by Officers or Employees of Gaming Establishment on Indian Lands

The Indictment alleges from on or about February 9, 2015, to on or about February 20, 2015, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, ALLEN MICHAEL SCOTT and DUNG THI NGOC NGUYEN, defendants herein, while ALLEN MICHAEL SCOTT was 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 charge is a result of 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, Sections 1168(b) & 2, punishable by no more than 20 years imprisonment, up to $1,000,000.00 or both. 

Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow

 

RODNEY GENE BENNETT, age 25, of Wetumka, Oklahoma

Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

The Indictment alleges on or about August 5, 2015, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, RODNEY GENE BENNETT, 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. 

The charge is a result of an investigation by the Seminole Nation Tribal Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The charge is in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) & 841(b)(1)(B), punishable by not less than 5 years imprisonment, up to $5,000,000.00 or both. 

Assistant United States Attorney Tim Hammer

 

SAMMIE WAYNE COX, age 51, of Spiro, 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 on or about October 30, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, SAMMIE WAYNE COX, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute fifty (50) grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), a Schedule II controlled substance. It also alleged On or about October 30, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did knowingly possess 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 as alleged in Count One and 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 charges are a result of an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The charges are in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) & 841(b)(1)(A)(viii), punishable by not less than 10 years imprisonment, up to $10,000,000.00 or both; Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A), punishable by not less than 5 years imprisonment, up to $250,000.00 fine; and Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, up to $250,000.00 fine or both. 

Assistant United States Attorney Tim Hammer

 

DONALD RAY McCOY, Jr., age 36, of Stilwell, Oklahoma

Felon in Possession of Firearm

The Indictment alleges On or about July 29, 2015 and continuing until July 30, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, DONALD RAY McCOY, Jr., 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 charge is a result of an investigation by the Tahlequah Police Department, District 27 Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The charge is in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(2) & 924(e)(1), punishable by not less than 15 years imprisonment, up to $250,000.00 or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that DEREK ALLEN CLELL HORNEY, age 30, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 63 months imprisonment and 5 years 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)(viii).

The charges arose from an investigation by the Tahlequah Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The Indictment alleged that on or about November 14, 2014, within 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 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 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, pled guilty to an Information charging him with Felon in Possession of Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641. It also charged him with Interstate Transportation of Illegally Taken Wildlife, in violation of Title 16, United States Code, Sections 3372(a)(2)(A) and 3373(d)(2).

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

The Information 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 Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the defendant’s guilty plea, and ordered the completion of a presentence report.  Sentencing will be scheduled upon its completion.

The statutory range of punishment is 10 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $250,000.00 for Count One and 1 year imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $100,000.00 for Count Two.

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 that GEORGE WILLIAM RUSSELL, age 38, of Leon, Oklahoma, pled guilty to DISTRIBUTION OF METHAMPHETAMINE, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).

A Criminal Complaint filed in October, 2015, alleged that on or about May 29, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, GEORGE WILLIAM RUSSELL did knowingly and intentionally commit the crime of Distribution of a Controlled Substance.  The defendant was Indicted on November 3, 2015.

The charge arose from a joint investigation by the Ardmore Police Department, Carter County Sheriff’s Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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 Marshal Service pending sentencing.

The statutory range of punishment is not less than up to 20 years imprisonment, up to $1,000,000.00 fine or both.

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 today that NATHAN PHILLIP WEBSTER, age 40, of McKinney, Texas, pled guilty to MONEY LAUNDERING CONSPIRACY, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956(h), punishable by not more than 20 years imprisonment, up to a $500,000 fine or both.

Charges arose from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The defendant was indicted in April, 2015.

The Indictment alleged that beginning in or about August of 2011, the exact date being unknown and continuing until in or about January 2013, the defendant did willfully and knowingly combine, conspire, confederate, and agree together with others known and unknown, to knowingly conduct and attempt to conduct a financial transaction affecting interstate and foreign commerce, by purchasing a Green, 2001, Ford F150, truck,  with proceeds from the distribution and sale of methamphetamine, with the intent to acquire, possess and distribute methamphetamine.

The charge further alleges that the defendant deposited large sums of United States Currency into bank accounts in Dallas, Texas, knowing that the transactions were designed in whole or in part to conceal and disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the proceeds from the distribution of methamphetamine.

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 Marshal Service pending sentencing.

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 CHELBI GEORGE, age 42, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment for POSSESSION OF A COUNTERFEIT OBLIGATION, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 472.

The charge arose from an investigation by the Muskogee Police Department and the United States Secret Service.

The Indictment alleges that on or about May 5, 2015, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, CHELBI GEORGE, did with intent to defraud, possess counterfeit obligations of the United States.

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 JOSHUA JOHN KILLBLANE, age 33, of Tulsa, 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 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 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 Marshal Service pending sentencing.

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 NATHAN LEON STANLEY BENALLY-SAM, age 21, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 3 years of probation for PROVIDING CONTRABAND IN PRISON, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1791(a)(1).

The charge is a result of an investigation by the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Department and the United States Marshal Service.  The defendant was indicted in June, 2015 and pled guilty in July, 2015.

The Indictment alleged that on or about February 5, 2015, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the Defendant, NATHAN LEON STANLEY BENALLY-SAM, did knowingly and intentionally attempt to provide marijuana, to an inmate in a prison.

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.

First Assistant United States Attorney Doug Horn 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, JASON PAUL NUNLEY, age 40 and MASON NUNLEY, age 23, all of Konawa, Oklahoma and BOBBI NICOLE THOMAS, age 36, of Seminole, Oklahoma, pled guilty to CONSPIRACY, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 371, punishable by not more than 5 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine or both.

The Informations filed, alleged that beginning in or about May and June, 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 Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the guilty pleas and ordered the completion of presentence reports.  Sentencing hearings will be scheduled following their completion.  The defendants will remain in the custody of the United States Marshal 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 AMBER LYNN BRAKE, age 24, of Springfield, Missouri, pled guilty to POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE HEROIN, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), punishable by not less than 5 years or more than 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000.00 fine or both.

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 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 Marshal 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 TAMMY JEAN McDANIELS, age 56, of Gore, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 21 months imprisonment and three years of supervised release for WIRE FRAUD, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343.  McDANIELS was also ordered to pay $146,004.80 in restitution.

The defendant entered a guilty plea in June 2015 a criminal Information alleging that from on or about October 1, 2012 to on or about December 19, 2014, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant, TAMMY JEAN McDANIELS, devised and intended to devise a scheme to defraud Bacone College, and to obtain money and property by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Muskogee Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The investigation revealed that the defendant, while employed as the Human Resources Director at Bacone College, fraudulently reactivated the employment status of former adjunct professors and had the fraudulent salary paid directly into her bank account.

The Honorable James H. Payne presided over the sentencing hearing.  The defendant was ordered to self-report to the United States Bureau of Prisons on February 15, 2016 to begin serving her non-paroleable sentence.

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 SHAWN ASHLEY DEATHERAGE, a/k/a Shawn Ashley Thomas, age 39, of Seminole, Oklahoma, pled guilty to DRUG CONSPIRACY, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), punishable by not less than 10 years or more than life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000.00 fine or both.

The Indictment alleged that beginning in or about April 2015, the exact date being unknown to the Grand Jury, and continuing until on or about September 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant did knowingly and intentionally combine, conspire, confederate and agree together, and with others known and unknown to the Grand Jury, to commit offenses against the United States, 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 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 Marshal 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 BRANDON LEE DEATHERAGE, age 40, of Seminole, Oklahoma, pled guilty to DRUG CONSPIRACY, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), punishable by not less than 10 years or more than life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000.00 fine or both.

The Indictment alleged that beginning in or about April 2015, the exact date being unknown to the Grand Jury, and continuing until on or about September 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant did knowingly and intentionally combine, conspire, confederate and agree together, and with others known and unknown to the Grand Jury, to commit offenses against the United States, 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 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 Marshal 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 MALIK AIULU ANDREWS, age 19, of Oxnard, California, pled guilty to POSSESSION OF FIFTEEN OR MORE COUNTERFEIT ACCESS DEVICES, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1029(a)(3) and 2, punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine or both.

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 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 Marshal Service pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorney Melody Nelson represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office announced today the results of the November 2015 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.”

 

RICKY DALE BARRON, age 61, of Muse, Oklahoma

Felon In Possession Of Firearm

The Indictment alleges that on or about October 25, 2015 and again on or about October 29, 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, firearms which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.

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

 

CLINTON LAMONT CRAWLEY, age 38, of Grant, Oklahoma

Felon In Possession Of Firearm And Ammunition

The Indictment alleges that on or about October 10, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, CLINTON LAMONT CRAWLEY, 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 charges arose from an investigation by the Choctaw Nation Tribal Police, the Choctaw County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 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 Dean Burris

 

CHRISTOPHER DEAN JONES, age 36, of Stilwell, Oklahoma a/k/a "Snake"

Felon In Possession Of Firearm
Felon In Possession Of Firearm And Ammunition
Possession Of Counterfeit Obligations Or Securities Of The United States

The Indictment alleges that on or about July 30, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, CHRISTOPHER DEAN JONES a/k/a Snake, 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.  It further alleges that on or about October 1, 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 and ammunition which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce and the defendant, with intent to defraud, possessed a counterfeit obligation of the United States

The charges arose from an investigation by the Tahlequah Police Department, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, United States Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.  The charges are in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 472, punishable by not more than 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,00.00 or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris

 

BUDDY KENNY ROGERS, age 36, of Sayre, Oklahoma

BRITTANI M. ROSS, age 26, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma

Drug Conspiracy

The Indictment alleges that in or about June 2014 and continuing until on or about April 1, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendants, BUDDY KENNY ROGERS and BRITTANI M. ROSS, did knowingly and intentionally combine, conspire, confederate and agree together, and with others, 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 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.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, Tahlequah Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Agency.  The charge is 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 up to Life imprisonment, up to a $8,000,000.00 fine or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson

 

GEORGE WILLIAM RUSSELL, age 38, of Leon, Oklahoma  a/k/a "Willie"

Distribution Of Methamphetamine

The Indictment alleges that on or about May 29, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, GEORGE WILLIAM RUSSELL a/k/a Willie, did knowingly and intentionally distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of Methamphetamine, a Schedule II Controlled Substance.  The charge arose from an investigation by the Ardmore Police Department, the Carter County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The charge is 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.

First Assistant United States Attorney Doug Horn

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that AMANDA LEEANN TIGER, age 26, of Oklahoma City, 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)(C), punishable by not more than 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000.00 fine or both.

The Indictment alleged that on or September 1, 2015, within 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, a Schedule II Controlled Substance.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

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 Marshal 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 JONATHAN MIRANDA, age 19, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 87 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release for Drug Conspiracy, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(l) and 841(b)(1)(A).

The charge is a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The defendant was indicted in April, 2015.

The Superseding Indictment alleged that beginning in or about July 2014, the exact date being unknown to the Grand Jury, and continuing until on or about the date of the Indictment, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant, did knowingly and intentionally conspire, confederate and agree together and with others, known and unknown to the Grand Jury, to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) and 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 Marshal Service pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which he will serve his nonparolable 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 today that GILBERT ESPINOZA a/k/a "Snow", age 32, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 151 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release for Drug Conspiracy, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(l) and 841(b)(1)(A).

The charge is a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The defendant was indicted in April, 2015.

The Superseding Indictment alleged that beginning in or about July 2014, the exact date being unknown to the Grand Jury, and continuing until on or about the date of the Indictment, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant, did knowingly and intentionally conspire, confederate and agree together and with others, known and unknown to the Grand Jury, to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) and 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 Marshal Service pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which he will serve his nonparolable 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 today that DAVID DEAN CAGLE, age 33, of McAlester, Oklahoma was sentenced to 269 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release for Drug Conspiracy, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(l) and 841(b)(1)(A).

The charge is a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and 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 United States Attorney’s Office.

The Investigation revealed that while incarcerated from May 29, 2008, until the date of his indictment, in April, 2015, CAGLE, a member of a criminal gang known as the Irish Mob, was the head of a Drug Trafficking Organization operating from within the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester, Oklahoma.  While incarcerated, the defendant used his connections within the Irish Mob to obtain cell phones, and would then coordinate the acquisition of approximately 14.5 kilograms of methamphetamine which was ultimately distributed to others outside of the prison system.

The Superseding Indictment alleged that beginning in or about July 2014, the exact date being unknown to the Grand Jury, and continuing until on or about the date of the Indictment, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendants did knowingly and intentionally conspire, confederate and agree together and with others, known and unknown to the Grand Jury, to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) and 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 Marshal Service pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which he will serve his nonparolable 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 CALEB TRENT HODGINS, age 20, of Holdenville, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for USE OF TELEPHONE TO COMMUNICATE BOMB THREAT, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 844(e) and 2.

The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hughes County Sheriff’s Department.

The Information alleged that on or about May 21, 2014, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, through use of a telephone, maliciously conveyed false information knowing the same to be false concerning an attempt and alleged attempt being made to unlawfully damage and destroy a building, to-wit: the Hughes County Courthouse in Holdenville, Oklahoma, by means of an explosive, in and affecting interstate commerce.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, 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 nonparolable sentence.

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 BRANDON MICHAEL JONES, age 37 and PHILLIP EARL AMEY, a/k/a Crazy, age 34, both of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, pled guilty to DRUG CONSPIRACY, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(l) and 841(b)(l)(A), punishable by not less than 10 years or more than Life imprisonment, up to a $20,000,000.00 fine or both.

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 defendants, BRANDON MICHAEL JONES and PHILLIP EARL AMEY, a/k/a Crazy, did knowingly and intentionally conspire, confederate and agree together and with David Dean Cagle, 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 Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the guilty pleas and ordered the completion of presentence reports.  Sentencing hearings will be scheduled following their completions.  The defendants will remain in the custody of the United States Marshal 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 JEREMY DAVID STARR, age 39, of McAlester, Oklahoma, pled guilty to MANUFACTURE OF METHAMPHETAMINE, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), punishable by up to 40 years, up to a $5,000,000.00 fine or both.

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 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 Marshal Service pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wilson represented the United States.

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.

 

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that GEORGE WILLIAM RUSSELL, age 38, of Leon, Oklahoma was arraigned in federal court today on charges of Illegal Distribution of a Controlled Substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).

The Criminal Complaint alleges that on or about May 29, 2015, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, GEORGE WILLIAM RUSSELL did knowingly and intentionally commit the crime of Distribution of a Controlled Substance.

The charges arose from a joint investigation by the Ardmore Police Department, Carter County Sheriff’s Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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 was remanded into the custody of the United States Marshal Service.

The statutory range of punishment is not less than up to 20 years imprisonment, up to $1,000,000.00 fine or both.

First Assistant United States Attorney Doug Horn 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, pled guilty to an Information charging him with 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 Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the defendant’s guilty plea, and ordered the completion of a presentence report.  Sentencing will be scheduled upon its completion.  The defendant will remain on bond pending sentencing.

The statutory range of punishment is not more than 30 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00 or both.

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 ROBERT EDWARD LEE, age 41 and NICOLAS TRINIDAD CARMONA, age 29, both of Martinez, California, were sentenced in federal court today for POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE MARIJUANA, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(D) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2.

LEE was sentenced to 5 years of probation with 6 months home detention and CARMONA was sentenced to 5 years of probation with 8 months home detention.

The Indictment alleged that on or about November 20, 2014, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendants did knowingly and intentionally possess with the intent to distribute less than 50 kilograms of marijuana, a Schedule I controlled substance.

The charges arose from an investigation by the U. S. Customs and Border Protection Aviation Enforcement Agency 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 hearings.

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 ERIC WAYNE LOCKHART, age 30, of Muldrow, Oklahoma, pled guilty to USE OF TELEPHONE TO MAKE BOMB THREAT, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(e), which is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00 or both.

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 Honorable Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence report.  Sentencing will be scheduled after its completion.  The defendant will remain in the custody of the United States Marshal pending the sentencing 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 today that STEVE ARBY CHANDLER, II, age 45, 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 Muskogee Police Department and the United States Marshal 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 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 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 CARMA LYNN ELLIOTT, age 45, of Durant, Oklahoma, pled guilty to an Information charging her with 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 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, accepted the defendant’s guilty plea, and ordered the completion of a presentence report.  Sentencing will be scheduled upon its completion.  The defendant will remain on bond pending sentencing.

The statutory range of punishment is up to 5 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00 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 KENNY RAY SMITH, age 52, of Whitesboro, 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)(C), punishable by not more than 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000.00 fine or both and FELON IN POSSESSION OF AMMUNITION, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00 or both.

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 Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the guilty pleas 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 Marshal Service pending sentencing.

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 PAUL BENJAMIN STONE, age 34, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, pled guilty to 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), punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine or both.

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 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.

Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow represented the United States.