Northern District of Oklahoma
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
10 Members of a Drug Trafficking Organization IndictedRead the Press Release
A federal indictment has been unsealed charging 10 defendants with drug conspiracy.
“Federal prosecutors and our law enforcement partners continue the fight to reduce the flow of deadly narcotics into northeastern Oklahoma,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Months of work conducted by special agents and officers resulted in eight arrests and the seizure of illicit guns, drugs, and profits. My office will now seek to hold these alleged drug traffickers accountable in federal court.”
Eight suspects were arrested early Wednesday in Tulsa as part of a law enforcement operation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Defendants Keni Garcia-Soberanis, 29, and Madeline Pearl Lavalley, 28, remain at large. The two are alleged to be long time leaders and sources of supply of a drug trafficking organization operating out of Mexico that distributes methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl in the Tulsa area. Garcia-Soberanis is a citizen of Mexico and Lavalley is alleged to have fled to Mexico after being indicted in a 2017 drug trafficking case in the Northern District of Oklahoma.
Eight other members of the organization were arrested in Tulsa Wednesday and included couriers responsible for delivering or picking up the illicit drugs and proceeds; distributors; and a money launderer.
While executing the arrests and search warrants, federal agents and Tulsa police officers seized approximately:
- 5,000 fentanyl pills;
- 810 grams of black tar heroin;
- 550 grams of suspected cocaine;
- 280 grams of methamphetamine;
- 8 firearms
“The success of Operation Dirt Stain, including the arrest of eight alleged drug-trafficking conspirators and the seizure of various quantities of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and deadly fentanyl fake pills throughout Oklahoma, is a testament to DEA Tulsa’s resolve to keep our families and neighborhoods safe,” said Eduardo A. Chávez, DEA Dallas Special Agent in Charge, who oversees operations in Oklahoma. “Our partners in both Tulsa and the greater northeastern Oklahoma were instrumental in this success. We are stronger together and that should be a warning to other drug traffickers and distribution organizations in Oklahoma. You’re next.”
Defendants include:
-Keni Garcia-Soberanis, 29, of Acapulco, Mexico
- Madeline (Maddie) Pearl Lavalley, 28, of Collinsville
-Rafael Torres-Palacios, 42, of Tulsa
-Pablo Garcia, birthdate unknown, of Tulsa
-Kalin Marie Campbell, 35, of Tulsa
-Anita Lynn Oslin, 56, of Tulsa
-Brandon James Roberson, 39, of Pocola
-Ashlee Lynn Trousdale, 33, of Tulsa
-Melissa Hope Sawyer, 46, of Tulsa
-Jimmy Dewayne Jenkins, 33, of Tulsa
Operation Dirt Stain is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Tonkin is prosecuting the case.
Vinita Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Attempting to Sexually Entice a MinorRead the Press Release
A Vinita man was sentenced in federal court for attempting to sexually entice an individual he believed to be a 14-year-old boy, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced John William Thomas Flechs, 37, to ten years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release.
“Thankfully, an undercover officer posing as a 14-year-old caught John Flechs before he could reach his intended target- a teenage boy,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Flechs will spend 10 years in federal prison as a consequence of his crime.”
Starting on Jan. 15, 2021, Flechs unknowingly initiated a conversation with the undercover officer, believing he was a minor. In Kik messages, Flechs complimented the “teenager” and asked him to send photographs on three occasions. Flechs further described sexual encounters he had with male relatives, introduced graphic sexual topics that would allude to sexual acts on the boy, discussed the boy’s penis size, and asked if he had ever had anal sex. He then suggested they meet.
Still posing as the 14-year-old boy, the undercover agreed to meet Flechs at a skate park. Flechs was taken into custody when he arrived at the park.
The Rogers County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie A. Childress and Edward Snow are prosecuting the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identity and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
Tulsa Man Pleads Guilty After Chasing a Store Clerk while Wielding a KnifeRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man who chased a store clerk with a knife pleaded guilty in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Jack Charles Welty, 50, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm in Indian Country. According to the plea agreement, Welty will serve 38 months in federal prison for the crime pending approval from a federal judge at the time of sentencing.
Welty admitted that on July 3, 2022, he assaulted a clerk at a Family Dollar Store located on Utica Street. Welty initially attempted to enter the store before it was opened then waited outside behind a pillar. When the store clerk took a break outside, Welty demanded the clerk give him a cigarette, attempted to cut the victim’s face with a knife and then chased the victim in the parking lot with the knife, threating him. Welty admitted that he only stopped when the clerk threw a cigarette toward him.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rubens is prosecuting the case.
Tulsa Man to Spend 25 Years in Federal Prison for Child Exploitation, Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Tulsa man was sentenced Friday in U.S. District Court for hiding a camera in a minor victim’s bedroom so he could capture images and video of the child in various stages of undress, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel sentenced Kor Vang, 36, to 25 years in federal prison. Vang previously pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child pornography in Indian Country.
“Kor Vang can no longer victimize this child or any others because he will be spending the next 25 years in federal prison. Upon his release, he will also be monitored for a lifetime by U.S. probation officials,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Agents and Task Force Officers from Homeland Security Investigations and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are to be commended for their work in this case and continue to be critical partners in the fight to protect children from predators.”
“Identifying and investigating those who prey on our nation’s children is a top priority for HSI Dallas and our field office in Tulsa,” said HSI Dallas Special Agent in Charge, Lester R. Hayes Jr. “This lengthy sentence should serve as a warning that HSI will never relent in our efforts to prosecute those seeking to exploit our most vulnerable population.“
In a January 2022 plea agreement, Vang admitted that from July 2019 to November 2021, he concealed a hidden camera inside a Bluetooth speaker and placed it in an 11-year-old child’s bedroom. He specifically recorded video and took pictures of the victim when she was undressed inside her bedroom and shower using the hidden camera and his cell phone. He further admitted that he gained unauthorized access the victim’s iCloud account and obtained images showing the victim in various stages of undress.
Vang initially triggered a law enforcement investigation after he downloaded child pornography. On Nov. 17, 2021, special agents with Homeland Security Investigations and task force officers and deputies from the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office executed a federal search and seizure warrant on Vang’s home.
Vang waived his Miranda Rights and spoke to an agent at the scene. Vang stated that he had been addicted to child pornography for approximately five years and indicated that child pornography would likely be on his phone. He explained that he also exchanged the illicit depictions with others online.
Vang further told the agent that he had used a hidden camera to record the victim and gained access to the victim’s iCloud account where he obtained more images of the child.
When agents and officers reviewed the phone at the scene, they located hundreds of videos and images of the victim clothed and unclothed. Vang was arrested at the scene. A later review of Vang’s phone also revealed a video depicting the rape of an infant.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko A. Boulieris and Christopher J. Nassar prosecuted the case.
Pryor Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Abusing Two MinorsRead the Press Release
A Pryor man was sentenced Monday in federal court for repeatedly sexually abusing two of his children for ten years, starting when they were five. In 2020, when the two victims were adults, they came forward to report the abuse.
U.S. District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford sentenced Keith Duane Parnell, 50, of Pryor, to 35 years in federal prison.
“This 35-year sentence should send a clear message to child sexual predators that law enforcement officials will aggressively pursue offenders, even when victims disclose years after sexual abuse occurs,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “I am grateful to the investigative team and federal prosecutors Reagan Reininger and Chantelle Dial for their tenacity when pursuing and bringing Mr. Parnell to justice.”
Judge Crawford called Parnell’s criminal acts “a terrible violation of his duty to care for and protect his children.” He further commended the two victims for their courage when testifying at trial and when sharing their victim impact statements at the hearing.
In March, a federal jury convicted Parnell of three counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor under 12 in Indian Country and four counts of sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country.
An investigation was initiated by a Pryor Police detective after one of the victims described in detail the abuse both victims endured in a Facebook post in August 2020. The victims were adults at the time of the post.
Parnell will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service until transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.
The FBI and Pryor Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reagan V. Reininger and Chantelle D. Dial prosecuted the case.
A first step in helping someone who may be a victim of sexual abuse is to contact local authorities or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.”
Federal Jury Convicts Man of Assaulting his Stepson with a MacheteRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted a Bristow man of a May 21, 2022, machete attack on his adult stepson, which ultimately led to the loss of the victim’s right eye, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Millard Ray Laskey, 52, was found guilty Wednesday of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country.
“Millard Laskey’s antagonistic behavior and harassment of the victim eventually led to a vicious attack ending with the loss of the victim’s eye,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “I would like to thank the jury for fulfilling their civic duty this week in federal court and for holding Mr. Laskey accountable for his violent acts.”
Laskey’s relationship with his stepson had deteriorated through the years. The victim moved out to distance himself from Laskey, but he eventually moved into a family member’s apartment in Bristow—the same town where Laskey lived. Tensions between the two flared when Laskey made visits to the apartment.
Leading up to the assault, the defendant committed a series of antagonistic actions against his stepson. The victim had been sleeping on a couch with a pull-out mattress in the apartment. First, Laskey removed the couch from the apartment and placed it in his pickup truck so the victim would have nowhere to sleep. The victim responded by pulling the mattress from the couch and returning it to the apartment to sleep on it.
Then, in the early morning of May 21, 2022, Laskey woke the victim by pouring a hot sauce mixture in the victim’s eyes then threw water on him before driving away. In response, the victim punctured the defendant’s tire when Laskey returned to the neighborhood later that day.
When Laskey discovered the flat tire, he stormed into the apartment with a 12-inch machete. Laskey then seized a wireless Bluetooth speaker from the living room, located the victim in the bathroom, opened the bathroom door, and hurled the speaker at the victim’s face, striking him. The victim grabbed improvised metal knuckles in one hand in an attempt to defend himself when Laskey struck the victim multiple times with the machete. One blow struck the victim’s arm, cutting to the bone. A second blow struck the victim’s right eye and the bridge of his nose.
Soon after, first responders arrived. The victim was transported by ambulance to a hospital for care, where it was determined that he had suffered a globe rupture of the right eye. Despite efforts by a surgeon to save the eye, it was ultimately amputated.
In closing statements, the defense argued the Bluetooth speaker had not been hurled at the defendant and that the Laskey was only trying to defend himself with the machete in the bathroom because the victim confronted him with the improvised metal knuckles.
Federal prosecutors called the ongoing dispute and attack tragic and unnecessary. They reminded the Court that a family member recognized that Laskey was erratic the day of the incident and asked him to leave, knowing the argument had dramatically escalated. Prosecutors stated that the defendant, a kickboxer trainer who outweighed the victim by 90 pounds, was the aggressor—that he was armed with the machete when he cornered the victim in the bathroom, hurled the Bluetooth at him, and violently chopped the victim in the arm and face. Ultimately, they stated, Laskey took an eye for a tire.
The FBI, Bristow Police Department, and Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Tribal Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys George Jiang and Ryan H. Heatherman are prosecuting the case.
Defendant Admits to Killing a Woman and Attempting to Set a Fire to Conceal the CrimeRead the Press Release
A Tulsa woman admitted Friday to strangling a female victim, causing her death, then attempting to set the victim’s body and residence on fire to conceal the crime, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Jessica Lavon McBride, 30, of Tulsa, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in Indian Country and attempt to commit arson.
“Jessica McBride stayed in the home of the victim, and in return, she took her life because of missing food stamps,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “My office and our law enforcement partners at the Tulsa Police Department and FBI will continue to hold perpetrators, like McBride, accountable for their criminal acts.”
The victim, Tracy Russell, had previously allowed the defendant and her boyfriend to stay with her in exchange for assistance with groceries but at a later time, requested the two leave her Tulsa residence.
In her plea agreement, McBride admitted to returning to the residence and killing the victim by strangulation on March 17, 2019. McBride said she committed the crime during a heated argument that started when she accused the victim of stealing her food stamps. Those claims were never substantiated.
In an effort to destroy evidence, McBride admitted that she covered the victim with a blanket and attempted to set the victim’s body and residence on fire. Her attempt failed, and McBride made plans to return, asking another individual to assist in setting the place on fire.
That individual reported the crime and McBride’s plan to authorities on March 20, 2019. That night, the individual and an undercover investigator picked up McBride and drove to the victim’s residence. McBride exited the vehicle carrying a plastic bag, which was later found to contain gas camp fuel and lighter fluid, and entered the residence through a window with the intention of setting the place on fire. Tulsa police officers then directed McBride out of the residence and took her into custody. Officers also recovered the victim’s body.
The Tulsa Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas E. Buscemi and Robert T. Raley are prosecuting the case.
Federal Jury Convicts Catoosa Man for Committing Sex Crimes Against Three ChildrenRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted a Catoosa man Wednesday for engaging in criminal sexual conduct with three children, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. A fourth victim also came forward and testified at trial.
Garrin Michael Thompson, 48, of Catoosa, was found guilty of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity; aggravated sexual abuse of a child under 12 in Indian Country; and coercion and enticement of a minor.
“For more than 20 years, Garrin Thompson repeatedly preyed on children. This week, four victims testified in federal court, exposing his egregious crimes. I am thankful they found the courage to come forward to stop him from victimizing another child,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “I also want to thank the entire prosecution team for their persistence in this case and commitment to justice. Law enforcement and prosecutors in northeastern Oklahoma will continue our relentless pursuit to hold accountable perpetrators of child sexual abuse.”
According to court documents, in March 2022, Thompson took a 10-year-old child from Catoosa to Tyler, Texas, where he sexually abused the girl at a hotel. The child was attending an athletic competition at the time. Thompson told the child that she should keep the incident a secret. Upon returning to Catoosa, the child began disclosing the abuse to friends, coaches and family members.
Two individuals contacted law enforcement to report the child’s allegations on April 14, 2022.
Forensic interviewers conducted interviews with the victim and others to whom Thompson had access. During the interviews, multiple other victims came forward.
Around that time, Thompson sent texts to the mother of several victims discussing the disclosures and had conversations where he offered to seek counseling and suggested that she encourage the victims to remain quiet about the allegations.
A second victim disclosed that she was between four and six years old when Thompson sexually abused her from 2007 and 2009. The victim also stated that Thompson would play a “tickle game,” frequently touching the victim on the inner thighs, lower stomach and near her pubic area while she was wearing clothes.
A third victim disclosed that from 2000 to 2001, Thompson attempted to coerce and entice the victim to engage in sexual activity on two occasions when the victim was between 10 and 12 years old. The victim stated that Thompson exposed the victim to pornography, masturbated in front of the victim, and attempted to get the victim to engage in oral sex.
Additionally, another victim was interviewed and also disclosed Thompson’s abuse.
FBI special agents became concerned when they learned Thompson had left his home, fearing he had the financial means to flee and the capability to destroy evidence because of his experience as a software engineer. The Catoosa Police Department searched for the defendant and located his car at a hotel the next morning. Thompson was arrested as he departed the hotel carrying a passport and various digital media storage devices.
Law enforcement seized the electronic devices, and later, seized more from his home. Evidence from the devices revealed that Thompson had a lascivious interest in children, including incest.
Agents found searches for videos related to incest involving minors and other sex crimes. They further learned that Thompson placed hidden video cameras in at least two homes where he could capture images of several of the victims and others without clothes.
In closing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Cheryl Baber described how our culture has become desensitized to sexualized language, images and actions but stated that it is society’s responsibility to maintain a sense of right and wrong, especially as it relates to the treatment of children. She then described the wrongs committed by Thompson- the inappropriate tickling games, the intentional exposure to pornography, the attempts to coerce a child to perform oral sex and engage in sodomy, and the aggravated sexual abuse of children. She explained that Thompson’s criminal acts ended the victims’ innocence. She then asked the jury to end Thompson’s claims of innocence by returning a guilty verdict.
The FBI and the Catoosa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cheryl L. Baber and Edward Snow prosecuted the case.
Federal Grand Jury B Indictments Announced- September 2022Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the September 2022 Federal Grand Jury B.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Sheamiah Krystin Atkins. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. Atkins, 40, of Tulsa, allegedly assaulted the victim with a firearm with intent to do bodily harm on Aug. 21, 2022. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor A.S. Régal is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-318
Tristan Barlow; Zachary Caughron; Natalie Foutch; Richard Markham; Kolby Milford; Christopher Ruff; and Jacob Shoate. Drug Conspiracy (Count 1); Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (Counts 2-7). Barlow, 30; Caughron, 30; Foutch, 20; Markham, 35; Milford, 27; Ruff, 30; and Shoate, 21, all of Tulsa, allegedly conspired together to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute clonazolam. Each defendant is also charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Tulsa Police Department, and Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ben Tonkin and Niko A. Boulieris are prosecuting the case. Find the initial press release announcing charges here. 22-CR-317
Jared Matthew Barnett. Leaving the Scene of a Personal Injury Accident in Indian Country (Count 1); Driving Under the Influence of an Intoxicating Substance in Indian Country (Counts 2,3). On Aug.24, 2022, Barnett, 27, of Glenpool, is alleged to have caused an accident while driving under the influence of an intoxicating substance other than alcohol, failed to render reasonable assistance to the victim, and failed to remain at the scene of the accident. On Aug. 25, 2022, Barnett was involved in a single-vehicle accident and was allegedly found to be driving while under the influence of an intoxicating substance other than alcohol. The FBI and Glenpool Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Ihler is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-332
David Cortez-Gomez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Cortez-Gomez, 26, a Mexican nation, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed on Oct. 4, 2017, at or near Laredo, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-319
Waylon Cody Johnson. Obstructing, Delaying, and Affecting Commerce by Robbery; Robbery in Indian Country; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Simple Assault (Misdemeanor). On Aug. 21, 2022, Johnson, 32, of Bixby, allegedly robbed a Subway restaurant using a replica firearm and threatened violence against an employee who was younger than 16-years-old. The FBI and Sapulpa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin G. Bish is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-320
Gustavo Martinez-Cruz. Reentry of a Removed Alien. Martinez-Cruz, 41, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed on July 24, 2012, at or near Del Rio, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rubens is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-330
Justin Eli Muncy. Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor; Commission of Felony Sex Offense Involving a Minor by a Registered Sex Offender; Coercion and Enticement of a Minor; Production of Child Pornography; Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography; Tampering with a Witness by Corrupt Persuasion; Tampering with a Witness by Corrupt Persuasion (superseding). Muncy, 46, of Lawton, allegedly attempted to coerce an individual he believed to be a minor into engaging in sexual activity from Jan. 27, 2022, to April 14, 2022. Instead, he was messaging an undercover agent. Muncy committed the alleged crime while he was a registered sex offender. In this superseding indictment he is further charged with coercing and enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity using electronic means from Oct. 10, 2021, to on April 14, 2022. He is further charged with having the minor engage in sexual acts for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of the acts; receipt and distribution of child pornography; and with tampering with a witness who was scheduled to testify in court proceedings. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah Paisner is prosecuting the case. 22-cr-187
Andrew Don Rector. Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force and Threat in Indian Country; Kidnapping in Indian Country; Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling, Suffocating, and Attempting to Strangle and Suffocate in Indian Country. From May 3, 2022, to May 4, 2022, Rector, 32, of Keifer, is alleged to have kidnapped, strangled and sexually assaulted the victim. The FBI and Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Tribal Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie A. Childress and Cymetra M. Williams are prosecuting the case. 22-CR-331
Bobby Jean Shanks II. Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor Under 12 Years of Age in Indian Country; Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country; Sexual Abuse of an Incapable Victim in Indian Country (superseding). From December 2006 to Dec. 11, 2010, Shanks, 44, of Inola, is alleged to have knowingly engaged in and caused sexual contact with a child. He is further charged with sexually abusing the child when she was between 12 and 16 years old. Finally, between September 2015 and August 2017, he allegedly sexually abused a victim who was physically incapable of declining participation in and communicating unwillingness to engage in those sexual acts. The FBI is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Ihler is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-110
Michael Wayne Tiffany; James Allen Quapaw. Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition (Counts 1,4); Sale and Disposal of a Firearm to a Prohibited Person (Count 2); Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (Counts 3,8); Possessing and Selling Stolen Firearms (Count 5); Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (Count 6); Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime (Count 7) (third superseding). Quapaw, 41, of Miami, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Ruger .270 caliber rifle and four rounds of ammunition from Dec. 30, 2021, to Jan. 4, 2022. Quapaw is also charged with selling the firearm and ammunition to Tiffany, 37, of Miami, who is a prohibited person. From Dec. 30, 2021, to Jan. 4, 2022, Tiffany allegedly possessed firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, namely possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Tiffany is further charged with being a felon in possession of a Ruger .270 caliber rifle, a Remington .243 caliber rifle and eight rounds of ammunition on Jan. 5, 2022. Tiffany and Quapaw are both charged with aiding and abetting each other to possess and sell the Ruger .270 caliber rifle, Remington .243 caliber rifle and eight rounds of ammunition on Jan. 5, 2022. Tiffany is also charged with knowingly possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on July 16, 2022, and for possessing a firearm during the crime. Additionally, Quapaw is charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, namely possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John E. Brasher and Thomas E. Buscemi are prosecuting the case. 22-CR-222
Johnny Lee Summers. Production of Child Pornography; Coercion and Enticement of a Minor; Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country; Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor in Indian Country (superseding). Summers, 22, of Cushing, is charged with three counts of enticing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. He is further charged with using electronic communications to coerce the minor to engage in sexual activity. He is also charged with attempting to engage in a sexual act with the minor between the ages of 12 and 16 from February 2021 to January 2022. Finally, he is charged with knowingly engaging in sexual contact with the minor when the victim was between the ages of 12 and 16 from February 2021 to January 2022. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Valeria G. Luster and Chantelle D. Dial are prosecuting the case. 22-CR-165
Kahlyah Ashlynn White. Child Abuse in Indian Country; Child Neglect in Indian Country. White, 21, of Bartlesville, is charged with abusing three children under the age of 18 and neglecting to protect the children from exposure to illegal activity. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Tonkin is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-329
Defendant Who Assaulted and Robbed a Man Sentenced to 90 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
A 43-year-old Tulsa man was sentenced Friday in federal court for assaulting and threatening to kill a victim, robbing him of hundreds of dollars, and stealing his vehicle.
“Merle Lancaster Sr. violently assaulted the victim with a baseball bat during a robbery and has been sentenced to more than seven years in prison,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to fight violent crime across the Northern District of Oklahoma and deliver justice on behalf of victims.”
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Merle Jason Lancaster Sr., to 90 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release.
Lancaster pleaded guilty in November 2021 to robbery in Indian Country. He admitted that on Feb. 3, 2021, he threatened to kill the victim and his family if he did not hand over money or drugs. Lancaster further assaulted the victim with a baseball bat to force the victim to comply with his demands. The man was then forced into his own vehicle, and Lancaster and an accomplice drove the man to a convenience store so he could withdraw several hundred dollars from an ATM. Video surveillance showed the victim and Lancaster entering the convenience store, and the victim withdrawing cash and handing it over to Lancaster as Lancaster stood over him.
The three then left the convenience store, and Lancaster and his accomplice eventually forced the man out of the car and drove away.
The Tulsa Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin G. Bish prosecuted the case.
Operation Hard Pressed Results in Charges Against Seven Defendants for Selling Fentanyl, Cocaine and Fake Xanax PillsRead the Press Release
Seven suspects were arrested Tuesday in Tulsa for allegedly taking part in a drug trafficking organization operating in the Tulsa metro area that distributed counterfeit Xanax pills, cocaine, and fentanyl.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners are committed to dismantling and holding accountable criminal organizations that endanger communities across Oklahoma,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The seven arrests and searches at 10 locations were the result of a meticulous investigation into defendant Tristan Barlow’s drug trafficking organization. Barlow and six coconspirators are alleged to have distributed deadly fentanyl, cocaine and thousands of counterfeit Xanax pills in the Northern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere. My office will seek to hold these alleged drug traffickers accountable in a federal court.”
Agents and task force officers conducted searches on multiple residences, stash houses, a storage unit, and two parcels of rural land. During the searches, law enforcement located a tent set up at a residence with a pill press and ventilation system, thousands of pills, cash, and nineteen firearms, which included three AR-15 rifles, an AK-47, an Uzi machine gun, and handguns.
A Criminal Complaint and affidavit filed late Wednesday in federal court alleged that Barlow, 30, led the criminal operation and that members included Zachary Caughron, 30; Natalie Foutch, 20; Richard Markham, 35; Kolby Milford, 27; Christopher Ruff, 30; and Jacob Shoate, 21. Defendants were charged with drug conspiracy and with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to the documents, the drug trafficking organization imported raw clonazolam powder from Europe that was pressed into hundreds of thousands of counterfeit Xanax pills. Investigators estimate that Barlow provided some of his distributors between 10,000 and 20,000 pills per week and others between 20,000 and 40,000 per week for sale within the Northern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere. The drug trafficking organization further received fentanyl and cocaine from a source of supply in Mexico.
In 2022, law enforcement conducted multiple controlled buys of the counterfeit Xanax pills, cocaine and fentanyl. The counterfeit pills were stamped with GG249 and appeared to be Xanax but were later tested in a laboratory and found to contain clonazolam as well as methamphetamine.
“The successful arrests of numerous alleged members of this sophisticated drug trafficking organization, responsible for the distribution of deadly quantities of various drugs, to include cocaine and fentanyl, throughout our neighborhoods, is one step closer to a safer Oklahoma,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Eduardo A. Chávez, who oversees operations in the State. “Our special agents, intelligence analysts, and task force officers spent countless hours, along with many of our law enforcement partners, ensuring justice is served for those who profit from illicit drug trafficking.”
The arrests and searches were conducted as part of Operation Hard Pressed, an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Tonkin. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Tulsa Police Department, and Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies.
This matter will proceed in U.S. District Court in Tulsa, where the Complaint is currently pending. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. A Complaint is a temporary charge alleging a violation of law. For the case to proceed to trial, the United States must present the charge to a federal Grand Jury within 30 days. Once a Grand Jury returns an Indictment, a defendant has a right to a jury trial at which the United States would have the burden of proving the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Federal Grand Jury A Indictments Announced- September 2022Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the September 2022 Federal Grand Jury A.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Raul Angel Alvarado-Ramos. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Alvarado-Ramos, 28, a Mexican National, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been deported on May 29, 2020, at or near Laredo, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. McLoughlin is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-295
Lori Ann Bailey. Bank Fraud (Counts 1-5, 11); Aggravated Identity Theft (Counts 6-10); Possession of Stolen Mail (Count 12); Theft or Receipt of Stolen Mail (Counts 13-15). On May 1, 2022, Bailey, 42, of Sand Springs, allegedly broke into mailboxes at an apartment complex and stole mail, including a victim’s Arvest Bank debit card. She then used the debit card to make purchases totaling $750 at various stores, including Burlington, Reasor’s, IHOP, Walmart and AutoZone, thus committing bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. On May 13, 2022, she further attempted to pass a forged and fraudulent check from an American Heritage bank account. She also allegedly possessed stolen mail on Aug. 6, 2021, including a package, checks, and Harley Davidson tags. On Nov. 3, 2021, she further stole three packages left for collection. On Dec. 14, 2021, she stole a package from a mail receptacle and authorized depository for mail matter. Finally, on Dec. 22, 2021, Bailey stole another package which had been left for collection. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Cella is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-296
Curtis Edward Barnes Jr. First Degree Burglary in Indian Country; Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling, Suffocating, and Attempting to Strangle and Suffocate in Indian Country. Barnes Jr., 42, of Haskell, is charged with entering the victim’s home through an unlocked door on July 27, 2022, violating a protective order. The following day, Barnes allegedly returned and forced his way through the back door of the victim’s home then hit and strangled the victim. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-315
Douglas Colby Barnes. Violence Against Mass Transportation Systems on Land (Count 1); Kidnapping in Indian Country (Count 2); Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country (Count 3); Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding (Misdemeanor) (Counts 4-6). On Aug. 13, 2022, Barnes allegedly rushed a Tulsa City bus driver while the bus was in motion and assaulted the driver and three other passengers who intervened. The driver was able to stop the bus, but the assault on the driver continued. At one point, the bus began moving again slowly until it crashed into a telephone pole. During the assault, Barnes allegedly struck the driver with force 14 times along with other strikes and slaps to the head, causing serious bodily injury. Barnes was finally subdued by a man who saw the bus hit the telephone pole. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chantelle D. Dial is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-297
Mikaili Diwani Cohn. Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography; Possession of Child Pornography; Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Cohn, 25, of Tulsa, is charged with knowingly receiving, distributing, and possessing child sexual abuse material from May 26, 2022, to July 12, 2022. He also allegedly failed to register as a sex offender staring on March 29, 2022, through the date of the indictment. Cohn was previously convicted in the Northern District of Oklahoma for possession of child pornography on Nov. 3, 2017. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Victor A.S. Régal and George Jiang are prosecuting the case. 22-CR-298
Gonzalo Coronado-Aguilar. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Coronado-Aguilar, 40, a Guatemalan National, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed at or near Miami, Florida, on April 18, 2011. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rubens is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-299
Manuel Flores- Topete. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Flores-Topete, 48, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed on Aug. 8, 2013, at or near El Paso, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. McLoughlin is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-300
Juan Antonio Garcia-Rivera. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Garcia-Rivera, 30, a Mexican National, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed on Aug. 30, 2019, at or near Paso Del Norte, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cymetra M. Williams is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-301
Juan Carlos Hernandez-Nava. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Hernandez-Nava, 40, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed on Nov. 28, 2017, at or near Brownsville, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rubens is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-302
Brandon Jordan Lancaste. Second Degree Murder in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. On Aug. 13, 2022, Lancaste, 20, of Tulsa, allegedly shot victim Keith Brown, killing him. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex M. Scott is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-316
Henry Mauricio Lopez-Villanueva. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Lopez-Villanueva, 35, a Guatemalan national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed on Aug. 8, 2013, at or near Laredo, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rubens is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-303
Mauricio Lorenzo-Juarez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Lorenzo-Juarez, 35, a Guatemalan national, was charged with unlawfully reentering the United States on July 31, 2009, at or near Harlingen, Texas. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rubens is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-304
Darrell Lamont Love. Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. From June 1, 2022, to Aug. 18, 2022, Darrell Lamont Love allegedly failed to register as a sex offender. The U.S. Marshals Service and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-305
Milgen Perez-Chun. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Perez-Chun, a Guatemalan national, is charged with unlawfully reentered the United States after having been removed on Feb. 17, 2019, at or near Brownsville, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon A. Skates is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-306
Damien Rodrigues-Munis. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Rodrigues-Munis, 49, a Mexican National, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed on Dec. 10, 2011, at or near Del Rio, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-307
Jose Rodriguez-Soto. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Rodriguez-Soto, 29, a Mexican National, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed on June 5, 2013, at or near Laredo, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rubens is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-308
Miguel Segura-Jasso. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Segura-Jasso, 37, a Mexican National, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed on Feb. 5, 2010, at or near Nogales, Arizona. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-309
Jose Rosendo Valadez-Chavez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Valadez-Chavez, 30, a Mexican National, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed on Aug. 1, 2019, at or near Laredo, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon A. Skates is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-310
Tory Ceonta Williams. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country (Counts 1, 3); Carrying, Using, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence (Counts 2, 4); Receipt of Stolen Property in Indian Country (Misdemeanor) (Count 5). On Aug. 15, 2022, Williams, 18, of Tulsa, allegedly shot two male victims with intent to do bodily harm. He is also alleged to have knowingly received stolen federal law enforcement equipment. The FBI equipment included two sets of body armor, ballistics plates, four AR-15 magazines and a Glock 19 magazine. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan H. Heatherman is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-312
Zachary Ray Young; Kiarah Danea Shaw. Robbery in Indian Country; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. On Aug. 1, 2022, Young, 22, and Shaw, 20, both of Tulsa, allegedly assaulted the victim with a dangerous weapon and stole the victim’s wallet. The victim suffered serious bodily injury during the assault. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Jiang is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-311
Man Sentenced to 540 Months in Prison for Rogers County MurderRead the Press Release
A Bixby man who killed his stepfather in Rogers County in 2018 was sentenced Tuesday in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced Kevin Tyler Foster, 36, to 540 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release.
Foster previously pleaded guilty to second degree murder in Indian Country. On Nov. 15, 2018, Foster drove to a building that housed a trailer where victim Rick Swan was residing. Foster admitted to entering the trailer and shooting the victim multiple times, killing him, then setting fire to the victim’s body.
The victim was discovered by firefighters who had responded to calls about a fire on the property. Deputies with the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office were also on the scene.
According to court documents, deputies learned that the victim and Foster were involved in an intense “family feud” and that the two were scheduled for a hearing in Tulsa County District Court the same day. They also learned the victim had previously told an individual that he was concerned for his safety because of the “feud.”
Witnesses further reported seeing a vehicle on the victim’s property that morning, which was the same make and model driven by Foster.
Using cell phone records and surveillance video, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation agents confirmed that Foster was in the Claremore area at the time of the murder. A deer camera that had been set up on the victim’s property was later found that revealed still images of the defendant inside the building at 10:36 am the day of the crime carrying what appeared to be a firearm. A second image showed Foster carrying a red gasoline can, and another showed a fire blaze and illumination on the edge of the screen.
The Rogers County Sheriff’s Office, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan H. Heatherman prosecuted the case.
Man Sentenced for Attacking his Ex-Girlfriend on Mother’s Day 2021Read the Press Release
A 28-year-old Tulsa man was sentenced in federal court for breaking into a former girlfriend’s home and strangling her in a 2021 Mother’s Day attack, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Stephen J. Murphy III sentenced Anthony Lamont Mason II to 84 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release.
In May 2022, a jury convicted Mason of one count of assault of a former intimate and dating partner by strangling, suffocating, and attempting to strangle and suffocate in Indian Country and one count of first degree burglary in Indian Country.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma is committed to prosecuting domestic violence cases and protecting victims,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Anthony Mason II will spend seven years in prison for a violent attack on his ex-girlfriend while children were in the home. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chantelle Dial and George Jiang are to be commended for their astute performance at trial and their advocacy for the victim in this case. ”
According to court documents, Mason initially confronted the victim in violation of a protection order the morning of May 9, 2021, while she was out with her child in Broken Arrow. He was upset and asked why she wouldn’t speak to him, who she was allowing into her home, and then questioned her about her phone.
Later that day, Mason broke into the victim’s home and assaulted her. Before Mason broke her door, the victim had been home spending Mother’s Day with several friends, her child, and her child’s friend. After her last adult friend left the residence, the victim received a call from a private number and out of concern, shut the front blinds. She then looked out the window and saw Mason approach the home. The victim tried to call 911, threw her phone under the bed, hid the children in a closet, then returned to the front of the home where Mason had forced his way through the front door, breaking her locks. The victim’s doorbell camera captured 25 seconds of the incident, first showing what looked like a hand covering the camera then the sound of the victim’s screams and terrified pleas for him to stop.
Inside, Mason grabbed the victim by the neck, demanding to know where her phone was located. He dragged her by her hair, strangled her until she nearly blacked out, poured water over her mouth and nose, continuing to obstruct her breathing, and then hit her on the head with a hard, heavy object the victim believed to be a gun. He told the victim if she told anyone, he would kill her, and then moved toward where she had hidden the children. To protect the children, the victim tried to distract the defendant by fleeing from her home, screaming, knowing he would follow and try to stop her. Surveillance video from a nearby home captured Mason chasing the victim from her home and down the street, throwing her to the concrete, then continuing to run from the scene.
During trial, federal prosecutors introduced numerous other domestic violence acts committed by Mason against the victim prior to the May 9, 2021, attack which showed an escalating pattern of violence. The victim reported that Mason had strangled her multiple times since March 2020, broke her driver’s side car window in anger, and broke a window to get into her home when she was not present on Feb. 27, 2021. Video surveillance from Feb. 27, played for the jury at trial, showed Mason in the victim’s home, rifling through her bedroom and flipping over her mattress. Mason also repeatedly violated a March 2021 protective order.
Mason also had prior domestic violence charges brought against him involving other intimate partners, including a conviction in Tulsa County District Court.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chantelle D. Dial and George Jiang prosecuted the case.
Vinita Man Sentenced to 10 years in Prison for being an Accessory After the Fact to a Craig County MurderRead the Press Release
A Vinita man who tampered with evidence following a murder and provided the killer a place to stay afterward was sentenced Thursday in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Dale Eugene Warren, 66, to 120 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release.
“Dale Warren destroyed and discarded evidence following the horrific murder of Christopher Boren in 2019,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Individuals who help others hide their crimes or fail to report them should be prepared to face charges.”
“Thanks to a determined investigation by the FBI and our law enforcement partners, this deplorable cover-up of a cold-blooded murder will not go unpunished,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray. “This sentence should serve as a warning that any attempt to tamper with the justice system will not be tolerated.”
Warren pleaded guilty on Dec. 1, 2021, to accessory after the fact to first degree murder in Indian Country. He admitted that he was with codefendant Johnny Lee Arnold when Arnold struck the victim, Christopher Boren, with a small baseball bat and repeatedly stabbed him with a knife, leading to Boren’s death.
Warren further admitted that he disposed of the murder weapon in a river and provided a hose and water for Arnold to wash away blood and other evidence from Arnold’s clothes and vehicle. Finally, he said that he provided Arnold with a place to stay following the murder.
Warren stated that he did not contact authorities about the murder. Warren claimed that Arnold told him that he (Arnold) was a member of the Aryan Brotherhood and that he had people in 48 states who could get to Warren if he spoke about the crime.
The victim’s body was found in rural in Craig County.
On May 10, 2022, Arnold, 34, of Langley, pleaded guilty to second degree murder. The plea agreement stipulated that Arnold should serve between 25 and 35 years for the crime. A federal judge will decide whether to accept the plea agreement and will determine an appropriate sentence at a hearing to be held at a later time.
The FBI, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, Mayes County Sheriff’s Office and Craig County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John E. Brasher and Ben Tonkin are prosecuting the case.
Four Defendants Sentenced for Assaulting Fellow Inmate in 2020Read the Press Release
Four men have been sentenced in federal court after joining together to commit a coordinated assault on a fellow inmate in 2020, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
On Feb. 21, 2020, codefendants Roy Brayboy, Chance Thomison, Adam Ramsey, and Mark Amos punched and kicked the victim in a jail cell while they and the victim were being held at the Craig County Jail. Officers responded and found the victim lying on the floor. During the attack, the victim suffered injuries to his brain, fractures to his nose and ribs, and swelling in the face.
The defendants all pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country.
Brayboy, 25, was sentenced Wednesday to 18 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release.
Previously, Thomison, 24, was sentenced to 57 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Amos, 25, and Ramsey, 31, received 41-month prison sentences followed by three years of supervised release.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Nasar prosecuted the case.
Man Sentenced for Neglecting Child with Special NeedsRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man was sentenced in federal court Monday for repeatedly neglecting to adequately care for a child with mental and physical special needs, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced 37-year-old Victor Manuel Castro Huerta to 14 months in prison, after ordering Castro Huerta to receive credit for the 70-months he has served for his state conviction for the crime. The federal sentence will run concurrently with the state of Oklahoma’s 35-year sentence.
The adjustment and federal sentence was pursuant to the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the agreement between the parties. The sentence took into consideration the plea agreement in which the United States and the defendant agreed to an 84-month sentence.
In his plea agreement, Castro Huerta admitted that from 2012 to Nov. 29, 2015, he did not provide adequate nurturance, food, hygiene, sanitation, education, supervision and specialty care, and medical and dental care for a child with cerebral palsy. Specifically, Castro Huerta stated that he did not appropriately care for the victim, his step-daughter, nor transport her to required medical appointments.
Castro Huerta was charged with child neglect in federal court on Nov. 2, 2020, in anticipation that his state conviction would be vacated. The state conviction was later vacated by the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals in April 2021.
On June 29, 2022, in a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals’ ruling.
The defendant remains in federal custody.
The Tulsa Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristin F. Harrington and Vani Singhal prosecuted the case.
Man and woman sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for fentanyl distributionRead the Press Release
A man and woman who conspired together to distribute fentanyl were sentenced this week in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel sentenced Jennifer Canales, 31, and Ali Bashir Milad, 33, both of Tulsa, to 120 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. The codefendants previously pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy.
On Jan. 28, 2021, Tulsa police officers executed a search warrant on Caneles’ residence. Officers located just over 600 grams of fentanyl, a pill press, a blender used to mix the drug, cutting agents, and scales used to weigh the product. They also found two firearms and ammunition. Canales told officers the residence was hers and that she knew that Milad, who lived there, sold drugs. Milad was later arrested.
On April 15, 2021, a second search warrant was conducted at the residence. Officers found Canales hiding inside the home. In total, officers located approximately 1,280 grams of Fentanyl contained in multiple bags inside the residence, nearly $23,000 in cash, and a ledger that Canales used in the drug trafficking operation.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn A. McCormick prosecuted the case.
Woman sentenced to 10 years in prison for robbing two Tulsa convenience storesRead the Press Release
A woman was sentenced Thursday in federal court for robbing two Tulsa QuikTrips at gunpoint, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced Taylor Elise Vaught-Crysler, 19, of Tulsa, to 120 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. Vaught-Crysler previously pleaded guilty to two counts of obstructing, delaying, and affecting commerce by robbery and one count of carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
“Taylor Vaught-Crysler put lives in danger and terrorized QuikTrip employees when she pointed a gun during two robberies. I’m thankful no one was harmed,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “As evidenced by today’s 10-year prison sentence, criminals who brandish firearms can expect federal prosecutors to be unrelenting in our pursuit for justice.”
On Jan. 15, 2021, Vaught-Crysler robbed a QuikTrip on Utica Avenue at 3:50 am. During the robbery, she pointed a gun at store employees and demanded money from the register and tobacco products. The employees complied. Vaught-Crysler left and arrived at a second QuikTrip on Peoria Avenue at 4:20 am, where she again pointed a firearm at the clerk and demanded money from the register. The clerk complied. She then demanded more money, so she was handed several rolls of Oklahoma lottery tickets.
In both robberies, Vaught-Cysler left in a black Jeep Cherokee Latitude. The store clerk from the second location, saw the numbers 906 on the vehicle’s tag as it drove away.
Later that day, between 11:29 am and 12:03 pm, the defendant traveled to three additional QuikTrip locations and cashed out a total of 16 of the lottery tickets. At each location the defendant arrived and left in a black Cherokee Latitude that matched the vehicle seen in the robberies. The vehicle’s tag also matched the numbers the clerk reported seeing in the second robbery.
During the investigation, agents learned that Vaught-Crysler obtained the firearm from codefendant Zachary Wayne Crew, 21, of Tulsa, and that she agreed to give him a portion of the proceeds from the robberies. They also learned that Crew acted as the get-away driver, using Vaught-Crysler’s vehicle.
Crew pleaded guilty to two counts of obstructing, delaying, and affecting commerce by robbery and one count of carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. He was sentenced to 118 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Nasar prosecuted the case
Claremore man pleads guilty to sexually abusing a child starting when she was 9 years oldRead the Press Release
A Claremore man pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court for sexually abusing a child starting when the victim was nine years old and until she was 13, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Raymond Dale Dudley, 60, pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual abuse of a minor under 12 in Indian Country and sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country.
The plea agreement calls for Dudley to serve between 40 and 45 years in prison. A federal judge will determine whether to accept the plea agreement at a sentencing hearing to be held at a later date.
In his plea agreement, the defendant admitted that he sexually abused the victim repeatedly between 2009 and 2013. Dudley continued to abuse the victim until 2013, when her older sister, who was no longer living at home, reported that she (the older sister) had been sexually abused by Dudley. The younger victim later reported that Dudley promised her in 2013 that he would stop abusing her if she hid the sexual abuse from child protective services workers. She complied, denying any abuse when she was interviewed at the home in 2013. A child forensic interview was not done at the time.
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services believed the older sister’s allegations were unsubstantiated and closed the case. In 2015, she again disclosed that Dudley abused her, but the referral was closed, citing the 2013 investigation.
In 2021, the younger victim, now an adult, spoke about the abuse with an individual she trusted. She stated the abuse would often happen when no other adults were in the home and sometimes it would happen with other children nearby. The individual spoke with Dudley about the allegations. Dudley eventually admitted to the abuse but minimized his actions, suggesting the victim had “egged some of it on.”
Soon after, the victim reported the crimes to the Claremore Police Department. She disclosed that the abuse happened approximately twice a week starting when she was nine years old. Investigators also spoke to the older victim who had reported being abused by Dudley. She stated that Dudley had started sexually abusing her when she was about 14 years old and until she was 18 years old.
Child abuse experts state that disclosure is almost always a process for victims of childhood sexual abuse. Children may not tell for a variety of reasons. These include threats, gifts, or promises to the child, fear of the perpetrator, a lack of opportunity, a lack of understanding of child sexual abuse, or a relationship with the perpetrator. Impediments to disclosure include shame and fear of causing trouble in a family.
Victims most often disclose only when they feel they are in a safe environment.
It is rare for victims to disclose all the details of their abuse to any one person, and even rarer for victims to disclose every incident of abuse at one time. Sometimes, disclosure can take months or even years. Disclosure is determined by an interplay of child characteristics, family environment, community influences, and societal attitudes.
The FBI and Claremore Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chantelle D. Dial and Valeria G. Luster are prosecuting the case.
Tulsa Man Sentenced for Participating in an Attempted Robbery that Ended in Two DeathsRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man was sentenced Monday in federal court for participating in an attempted robbery and home invasion that ended in two deaths.
“Justin Harjo received an 18-year prison sentence for taking part in a home invasion that resulted in the deaths of an individual living in the home and Harjo’s accomplice,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to confront and deter violent crime in communities across northeastern Oklahoma and hold offenders accountable.”
U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced Justin Tvmvmapky Harjo, 25, of Tulsa, to 216 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. On Oct. 15, 2021, Harjo pleaded guilty to conspiracy to carry, brandish, and use a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
According to his plea agreement, Harjo admitted that he conspired with Chauncey Thomas to carry, brandish, and use a firearm during a robbery committed on May 23, 2019. He admitted that he and Thomas planned to conduct an armed robbery of victim Dion Carr’s residence. Harjo drove Thomas to Carr’s residence and attempted follow Thomas through a window into the victim’s home. Carr confronted Thomas who was armed with a gun as he entered the residence. Witnesses in the home reported a struggle over the firearm that resulted in both Thomas and Carr getting shot. Carr died at the scene while Harjo helped his accomplice escape. Harjo drove Thomas to a Tulsa hospital, pulled him from the vehicle, and left him at the entrance. Harjo later burned the vehicle used in the robbery in a rural field to destroy evidence and conceal the conspiracy. Thomas died three days after he was left at the hospital.
The Tulsa Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Nassar and Sandra M. Urban prosecuted the case.
Federal Grand Jury B Indictments Announced- August 2022Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the August 2022 Federal Grand Jury B.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Mark Allan Barnes. Bank Robbery. Barnes, 39, of Bartlesville, is charged with robbing Armstrong Bank of Bartlesville on July 19, 2022, by threatening the teller with a knife. The FBI and Bartlesville Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex M. Scott is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-265
Florentino Bautista-Sanchez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Bautista-Sanchez, 40, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed on Feb. 8, 2007, at or near El Paso, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-278
Daniel Lewis Brandon. First Degree Burglary in Indian Country (Counts 1,2). On Oct. 15, 2020, Brandon, 52, of Quapaw, allegedly broke into and entered a residence through a floor vent with the intent to commit a crime while the home was occupied. He is further alleged to have forcibly broken the same victim’s outer door and entered the victim’s residence with intent to commit a crime on May 1, 2021. The FBI and Quapaw Nation Marshals Service are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shakema M. Onias is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-285
Ricardo Esparza Lopez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Esparza, 33, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed on Aug. 24, 2017. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. McLoughlin is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-268
Jeremy Mikal Glazier. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition (Counts 1-3); Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute (Count 4); Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (Count 5). Glazier, 34, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Walther .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol on Nov. 29, 2020; being a felon in possession of a Taurus 9 mm caliber semi-automatic pistol and two rounds of ammunition on Jan. 16, 2021; and being a felon in possession of a Smith and Wesson 9 mm caliber semi-automatic pistol and four rounds of ammunition on July 26, 2022. He is further charged with possessing with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of marijuana on July 26, 2022. Finally, Glazier is charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime on July 26, 2022. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-266
Shanon Eugene Graham. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. On June 22, 2022, Graham, 48, of Chouteau, allegedly possessed an Aero Precision LLC 5.56 caliber semi-automatic rifle and 25 rounds of ammunition after being convicted of four felonies. The FBI and Mayes County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan H. Heatherman is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-286
Oscar Efrain Hernandez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Hernandez, 27, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed on July 15, 2020, at or near Laredo, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-267
Cody Wayne Horn. Coercion and Enticement of a Minor in Indian Country. Horn, 27, of Tulsa, is charged with coercing and enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity from Nov. 26, 2021, to Nov. 28, 2021. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie A. Childress is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-287
Genesia Nan McKinney. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. On Aug. 28, 2020, McKinney, 28, of Tulsa, allegedly assaulted an individual by stabbing the individual repeatedly with a knife. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin G. Bish is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-269
Aleydy Navarrete-Gutierrez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Navarrete-Gutierrez, 24, of Tulsa, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been deported and removed on or about July 16, 2016, at or near Del Rio, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. McLoughlin is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-270
Glenn David Nickols. Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor Under 12 Years of Age in Indian Country; Sexual Exploitation of a Child. Nickols, 39, of Afton, is charged with engaging in a sexual act with a child younger than 12 years of age from March 1, 2020, to Aug. 31, 2020. He is further charged with sexually exploiting the same child by coercing the victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child sexual abuse material. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-271
Justin Leon Pritchett. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country (Counts 1,2). Pritchett, 55, of Oaks, is charged with assaulting two victims with a vehicle on July 2, 2022. The FBI is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shakema M. Onias is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-272
Juan Carlos Rincon-Castro. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Rincon-Castro, 34, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after being removed on June 22, 2013, at or near Del Rio, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-273
Jesus Sanchez-Reyes. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Sanchez-Reyes, 32, a Mexican National, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed on July 13, 2015, at or near Hidalgo, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-279
Michael Wayne Tiffany; James Allen Quapaw. Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition (Counts 1,4); Sale and Disposal of a Firearm to a Prohibited Person (Count 2); Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (Counts 3,8); Possessing and Selling Stolen Firearms (Count 5); Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (Count 6); Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime (Count 7). Quapaw, 41, of Miami, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Ruger .270 caliber rifle and four rounds of ammunition from Dec. 30, 2021, to Jan. 4, 2022. Quapaw is also charged with selling the firearm and ammunition to Tiffany, 37, of Miami, who is a prohibited person. From Dec. 30, 2021, to Jan. 4, 2022, Tiffany allegedly possessed firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, namely possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Tiffany is further charged with being a felon in possession of a Ruger .270 caliber rifle, a Remington .243 caliber rifle and eight rounds of ammunition on Jan. 5, 2022. Tiffany and Quapaw are both charged with aiding and abetting each other to possess and sell the Ruger .270 caliber rifle, Remington .243 caliber rifle and eight rounds of ammunition on Jan. 5, 2022. Additionally, Tiffany is charged with knowingly possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on July 16, 2022, and with carrying a firearm during the crime. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle M. McWaters is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-222
Atanael Vasquez-Ixlaj. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Vasquez-Ixlaj, 29, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed on July 18, 2012, at or near Harlingen, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operation is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-280
Tony Darnelle Warledo. Robbery in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence within Indian Country. On May 30, 2022, at a Tulsa QuikTrip, Warledo, 22, of Tulsa, allegedly robbed the victim of a firearm, wallet and cell phone by force, violence, and intimidation. He is further charged with carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during the crime. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-281
Charlotte Deann Wasson; Joshua Halfmoon Wasson. Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud (Count 1); Bank Fraud (Counts 2-8; Counts 16-26; Counts 38,39); Aggravated Identity Theft (Counts 9-13; Counts 27-37). Charlotte Wasson, 53, and her son, Joshua Wasson, 31, of Talala, conspired with at least one other person to commit bank fraud. The conspirators worked as labor contractors for an environmental remediation company in Collinsville, which had an account with Blue Sky Bank in Tulsa. Together, the conspirators stole then altered and forged at least 22 of the company’s checks, making the checks payable to themselves in amounts that they specified. The conspirators then presented the checks for payment to a bank and a check cashing business in Tulsa. Charlotte Wasson is charged with bank fraud after she presented seven fraudulent company checks for payment, totaling $8,853.85. She is further charged with aggravated identity theft after forging another individual’s signature on those checks. Joshua Wasson is also charged with bank fraud after he presented eleven of the fraudulent checks for payment, totaling $12,260.85. He is further charged with aggravated identity theft after forging another individual’s signature on those checks. Finally, Charlotte Wasson is further charged with bank fraud for presenting two altered and forged checks as payment for a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu and a 2013 Honda Civic. Those checks were illegally drawn from a Bank of Oklahoma account in the amounts of $6,000 and $7,000. The U.S. Secret Service and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Cella is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-282
Heath Raymond Wells. Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle in Indian Country. Wells, 31, of Tulsa, is charged with assaulting an intimate partner by strangling and attempting to strangle her on June 13, 2022. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie A. Childress is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-288
Audie Wayne Woolman. Child Abuse in Indian Country; Child Neglect in Indian Country; Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding. Woolman, 51, of Jay, allegedly assaulted an intimate partner on March 27, 2022, exposing two children to the abuse. He further physically abused one of the children during the incident. The FBI and Delaware County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie A. Childress is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-289
Tulsa Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Sending Emails Threatening to Kill President BidenRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man was sentenced Monday in federal court for sending threatening emails to KOTV Channel 6 directed at President Joseph Biden and unnamed members of the Congress and their families, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel sentenced John Jacobs Ahrens, 59, to 30 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release.
“John Ahrens is the second defendant to appear in the Northern District of Oklahoma in the last week for threatening public officials and their families. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting an individual’s right to free speech, but those protections do not extend to threats of violence,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Ahrens’ 30 month sentence demonstrates that federal prosecutors and our law enforcement partners will hold accountable individuals who make such violent statements.”
On Dec. 22, 2021, Ahrens pleaded guilty to one count of threat against the President of the United States and two counts of interstate communication with a threat to injure.
Charges specifically addressed threatening emails sent to KOTV Channel 6 on May 10, 2021, and June 10, 2021. In the May email, Ahrens threatened to kill family members of those serving in the U.S. Congress. In the June email, Ahrens specifically threatened to kill President Biden.
According to court documents, an executive producer from the station contacted the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center to report multiple threatening emails dated between May and June 2021.
On May 10, 2021, Ahrens sent a message stating, “Please go to my Facebook page and read what I sent to the men of the United States Congress. They have less than 48 hours to hand over my money or their children will start dying all over the country. I’m going to kill their children using the same law as the Government used to force our families on to the Trail of Tears.”
He followed it up the same day with an email stating, “I tried to contact you earlier but the Feds shut me down they got a little uptight because I informed the men of the United States Congress if they didn’t hand my money over in less than 48 hours. I will have their children killed. If that doesn’t get the message across. Then I start on their women…”
In his June 10 email, Ahrens stated, “America is going to get to see a sitting President get his head blown off right in front of them… A kill contract went out on one Joseph Biden, President of the United States of America. I’m the one that put it there and if he doesn’t submit to the law, America is going to watch him die right in front of them.”
In a June 17 message, he wrote “You have until Monday morning 8:00 am sharp to hand a check over to the State of Oklahoma, the Muscogee Nation and my family in accordance with a signed agreement as set forth in the Treaty of 1866.”
Ahrens was arrested at his Tulsa residence on June 18, 2021, by agents of the FBI and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and task force officers with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Also convicted for threatening an elected official was Keith Eisenberger, 39, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma. On Aug. 10, Eisenberger pleaded guilty in a separate case to cyberstalking and threatening U.S. Representative Kevin Hern, of Oklahoma’s first congressional district, and his family.
The U.S. Secret Service, FBI, and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn A. McCormick prosecuted the case.
Big Cabin Man Sentenced to 235 Months in Prison for Sexually Abusing and Strangling a Former Dating PartnerRead the Press Release
*This press release has been updated to reflect new sentencing following a successful appeal.
A Big Cabin man was sentenced Tuesday for sexually assaulting and strangling a former dating partner, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh sentenced Christopher Michael Guinn, 23, to 235 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. Upon release, Guinn will also be required to register as a sex offender.
In January, a jury convicted Guinn for aggravated sexual abuse by force and threat in Indian Country and for assault of an intimate/dating partner by strangling and attempting to strangle in Indian Country.
“Christopher Guinn’s acts of violence against women are reprehensible. In this case, he strangled and sexually assaulted the victim then threatened her and her children if she did not comply with his demands,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “A team of law enforcement agencies and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Wright and Gina Gilmore have put a stop to Guinn’s abusive conduct. This 20-year sentence should serve as a warning that my office will prosecute and hold accountable those who terrorize their intimate partners.”
At trial, the United States alleged that in the early morning hours of March 17, 2019, Guinn sexually assaulted and strangled a former dating partner. During the assault, Guinn held the victim down and grabbed her around the neck. Guinn applied varying degrees of pressure to the victim’s neck and at several points, left the victim gasping for air. The victim testified that Guinn threatened her by saying that if she and her children did not move back in with him, he would find them. He also told her that if she reported the sexual assault, he would come to her mother’s house while the victim was sleeping and rape the victim again. She also believed that Guinn had a gun under the mattress.
After Guinn fell asleep, the victim fled and contacted law enforcement. Deputies with the Mayes County Sheriff’s Office responded and met the victim at the hospital. They documented the victim’s injuries and interviewed her. The Tulsa Police Department conducted a SANE exam.
The United States further showed Guinn had a history of exerting control over women and sexually assaulting them. Two additional women who previously dated Guinn testified about similar assaults they endured by the defendant. They also testified that Guinn physically abused them and isolated them from friends and family. Both had protective orders against the defendant.
In closing arguments, Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina Gilmore said both the victim and defendant revealed who they were by their actions. She reminded the jury the victim reported the crime, filed for a protective order, and consistently and repeatedly shared details to both state and federal authorities. Gilmore said the defendant also revealed who he was by his history with women. She said the evidence showed Guinn was controlling, isolating, and took what he wanted despite being told “no.”
The FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office, Mayes County Sheriff’s Office, Tulsa Police Department and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica L. Wright and Gina S. Gilmore prosecuted the case.
Sand Springs Youth Group Leader Sentenced for Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
A church youth group leader was sentenced Thursday in federal court for engaging in a sexualized relationship with a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier sentenced Thomas Daniel Johnson, 49, of Sand Springs, to 135 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release. In February, a jury convicted Johnson of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.
“This fraudulent mentor’s illicit acts were brought to light in federal court,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Make no mistake, Thomas Johnson’s interaction with this young man was calculated, predatory, and criminal. He will now spend more than a decade in prison to account for his conduct.”
Johnson knew the victim’s family and volunteered as a youth leader at a church both families attended. Johnson was known as a mentor to adolescent and teenage boys, so the victim’s family asked him to mentor their child.
On Aug. 15, 2020, the victim’s mother discovered numerous sexually explicit texts, memes and images sent to her child by Johnson and confronted the defendant. Then both parents contacted law enforcement and turned their child’s phone in to authorities. Further examination of the phone revealed thousands of messages exchanged between Johnson and the victim, dating back to March 2019.
During the trial, prosecutors contended that Johnson engaged in a sexualized relationship using text messaging when the minor was 11, 12 and 13 years old, thus committing the crime of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.
The United States argued Johnson groomed the victim, first gaining the victim’s trust and friendship. Johnson regularly encouraged the victim and called the victim a stud, sexy beast, and made sexual references and jokes.
Then the sexualized relationship increasingly involved the exchange of memes and comments with references to oral sex, penises, ejaculation and more. Johnson eventually told the victim about several sexual experiences he (Johnson) had taken part in. The victim testified that at first, he felt the exchange of texts and memes were jokes, but he grew increasingly uncomfortable as the defendant began routinely making comments about the victim’s penis and physical appearance, as well as implying that he was sexually attracted to the victim.
Johnson repeatedly asked the minor to send pictures of his penis or “nudes.” The defendant further suggested in messages that he could give the victim oral sex or vice versa. A few days before the communications were discovered, Johnson sent the victim a selfie of himself with a banana in his mouth simulating oral sex and during the texting exchange, asked the victim if he “could handle it,” implicitly offering to perform oral sex on the minor victim.
The victim testified that he believed Johnson would have acted on his (Johnson’s) requests had the victim complied.
At trial, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Gallant noted Johnson wrapped himself in “a cloak of authority” and took advantage of the victim’s trust. He stated that mentors set age-appropriate boundaries with children. Instead, Johnson, a man in his forties, repeatedly crossed those boundaries by sending a “cesspool of memes and messages” that degraded and sexualized a vulnerable boy.
The Sand Springs Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey A. Gallant and Valeria G. Luster prosecuted the case.
See trial press release here.
Owasso Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
A man who was discovered downloading and viewing child pornography during an FBI investigation pleaded guilty in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Gregory Allen Kirk, 62, of Owasso pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography.
During a search of Kirk’s computer, agents located images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct and filenames associated with child pornography. In his plea agreement, Kirk admitted that from May 5, 2018, through Jan. 31, 2020, he received, possessed, and accessed at least 600 images of child sexual abuse material on his computer.
The FBI is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cymetra M. Williams and Vani Singhal are prosecuting the case.
Tulsa Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Possessing Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man who possessed a revolver and shotgun to protect himself and the illicit drugs he was distributing was sentenced in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced LeMorris Walton Jr., 33, to five years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on Oct. 14, 2021.
“My office will hold accountable individuals like LeMorris Walton Jr. for their continued criminal behavior. Felons carrying guns and dealing drugs contribute to the violence and economic decay experienced in too many neighborhoods across Northeast Oklahoma,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Federal authorities and our partners at the Tulsa Police Department are committed to reducing violent crime and building strong, safe communities.”
On Nov. 9, 2020, Walton possessed firearms at his residence in Tulsa for the purpose of protecting and furthering his marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine distribution operation. The defendant possessed a Herman Weihrauch .38 special revolver, a Maverick 12 gauge shotgun, and 33 rounds of ammunition. Walton is also a felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
The Tulsa Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi prosecuted the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the 2150 Initiative. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma, Tulsa Police Department, ATF, and all other local, state, tribal and federal law enforcement partners to combat violent crime by focusing efforts on prohibited persons in possession of firearms as well as straw purchasers.
Man Pleads Guilty to 2019 Delaware County MurderRead the Press Release
A 28-year-old man pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court for taking part in the 2019 Delaware County murder of Jerry Tapp and the shooting of a second victim, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Cody Dwayne Buzzard pleaded guilty to second degree murder in Indian Country and brandishing and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Also charged for the crimes are Cody’s brother Dakota Buzzard and father James Buzzard. The two men are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
“Today’s conviction was preceded by a meticulous and lengthy investigation by our local, state and federal law enforcement partners and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ben Tonkin and Victor Régal,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “My office will continue our pursuit for accountability in this case. Violent crime whether in Tulsa or in rural Oklahoma will be thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice.”
“Today’s plea highlights the efforts of the FBI and our law enforcement partners in identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the most violent offenders in Indian Country,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray. “Together we will continue to hold dangerous criminals like Mr. Buzzard accountable for their actions, pursue justice for victims, and make our communities a safer place for all Oklahomans.”
On Aug. 1, 2019, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call reporting a shooting near Jay. Deputies discovered Jerry Tapp deceased in his front yard. It appeared that Tapp sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his body and that a second victim had sustained a gunshot wound to her arm. According to court documents, the victim told investigators that she heard a noise outside the home early that morning and thought Tapp had forgotten his keys to the house. When she turned on the light and opened the door, she heard gunfire and felt a sudden pain in her right wrist. She then shut and locked the front door, crawled to another room, and called 911. While investigating the crime, OSBI agents located and seized approximately 12, .22 caliber spent casings in the yard, driveway and roadway.
At 9:30 am the day of the crime, Dakota was located by deputies from the McDonald County Sheriff’s Office while driving a white 4-door Altima matching the victim’s description. OSBI agents later found four .22 caliber spent casings inside the vehicle and a .22 caliber rifle and bullets located behind a section of drywall in another individual’s residence who allegedly hid the firearm for the Buzzards. During the investigation, the shell casings found at the scene of the crime were identified as having been fired by the .22 caliber rifle.
On Aug. 6, 2019, investigators obtained Cody’s Facebook records after a search warrant was served. The day before the shooting Cody made inquiries using Facebook about getting a vehicle and firearm. He indicated that he “had business to tend to,” and he was going to “take care of a problem.”
During an interview with authorities, Dakota allegedly stated that he, James, and Cody Buzzard drove toward Tapp’s residence, parked up the road from the home, and waited for him to return from work. James Buzzard allegedly told his sons to retrieve a loaded .22 caliber rifle from the trunk of the car. Dakota stated that once Tapp drove by, the three men followed him to his home. After Tapp stepped out of his vehicle, prosecutors allege the Buzzards aided and abetted one another to shoot and kill Tapp and then shoot his girlfriend.
The FBI, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI), Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, and McDonald County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ben Tonkin and Victor A.S. Régal are prosecuting the case.
See press release describing the charges here.
Man Pleads Guilty to Cyberstalking and Threatening Representative Kevin HernRead the Press Release
A man known for showing up uninvited to political events and attempting to get close to politicians pleaded guilty Wednesday for cyberstalking and making multiple threatening statements regarding U.S. Representative Kevin Hern and his family. Hern represents Oklahoma’s first congressional district.
Keith Charles Eisenberger, 39, of Bartlesville, pleaded guilty to cyberstalking; threatening to kidnap and assault a member of Congress; and threatening to kidnap and assault the spouse of a member of Congress.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate online threats of violence meant to intimidate elected officials or members of our community. Keith Eisenberger now understands there are legal repercussions to committing these criminal acts,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
“While the First Amendment gives us the right to express our own opinions, it does not protect those who cross the line of making violent criminal threats,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge, Edward J. Gray. “The FBI will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure elected officials can perform the duties of their office safely.”
Eisenberger admitted that between Nov. 27, 2018, and May 11, 2022, he threatened and harassed Representative Hern via electronic communication in an effort to cause emotional distress to Hern and his immediate family. He further admitted that during the same timeframe, he threatened to assault and kidnap Hern with the intent to interfere with the congressman’s official duties and to retaliate against him. Finally, he admitted that on May 11, 2022, he threatened to kidnap and assault the congressman’s wife.
According to court documents, Eisenberger began making concerning statements about Hern when he took office in November 2018. Eisenberger’s statements became increasingly more violent over time and were made during visits and phone calls to the congressman’s offices in Washington, DC and Tulsa and on social media.
In January 2019, Eisenberger appeared in the Washington, DC offices, yelling and demanding to see Hern. He later told U.S. Capitol Police special agents that he was angry with Hern because he believed the congressman had been appointed to the seat without Eisenberger being considered for it. He then stated that he had flown to Washington, DC on a one-way ticket and would not be returning until Hern resigned.
In a social media post dated Nov. 9, 2020, Eisenberger again voiced his anger about the election and further suggested that the congressman and the state of Oklahoma deserved to be “federally executed” and that if that was not feasible then the resignation, death or expulsion of Hern was acceptable.
In a lengthy October 2021 social media video post, he touted that he was going to assault the congressman, whether it be at a debate, a conference, or elsewhere.
In a May 11, 2022, social media post, Eisenberger stated that he hoped to kidnap Hern and his wife. He further wished harm would come to the congressman’s family.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar is prosecuting the case
Federal Grand Jury A Indictments Announced- August 2022Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the August 2022 Federal Grand Jury A.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Riley Joseph Blackwell; Kimberly Dawn Smith. Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling, Suffocating, and Attempting to Strangle and Suffocate in Indian Country; Tampering with a Witness, Victim, and Informant by Intimidation, Threats, and Corrupt Persuasion; Conspiracy to Tamper with a Witness, Victim, and Informant; Tampering with a Witness, Victim, and Informant by Corrupt Persuasion; Tampering with a Witness, Victim, and Informant by Engaging in Misleading Conduct. Blackwell, 20, of Tulsa, allegedly strangled and suffocated an intimate partner on July 10, 2022. Blackwell is also charged with using intimidation and threats to prevent the victim from communicating with law enforcement about the abuse. From July 11, 2022, through the date of the indictment, Blackwell and Smith, 41, of Broken Arrow, conspired together to mislead, influence, and prevent the victim from participating in an official proceeding and to have the victim withhold information to be used in the proceeding. They also attempted to mislead an FBI agent during the investigation. Smith is Blackwell’s mother. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Jiang is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-231
Daniel Donalson. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Donalson, 35, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Romanian WASR-10 7.62x39 caliber semi-automatic rifle and 44 rounds of ammunition. U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Tribal Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shakema M. Onias is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-245
Dewayne Dudley. Deprivation of rights Under Color of Law; Obstruction. Former private prisoner officer Dewayne Dudley, 55, of Claremore, is charged with sexually assaulting a male pretrial detainee during a prisoner transport and later lying to the FBI. According to the indictment, at the time of the alleged crime, Dudley worked as a private prisoner transport officer for Blue Raven Services, a company that was hired by local jails and prisons throughout the country to transport people who had been arrested pursuant to out-of-state warrants and needed to be transported back to the states that had issued the warrants. Dudley is alleged to have sexually assaulted the victim, violating the victim’s civil rights. Dudley is further charged with obstruction for lying to an FBI special agent about making two unofficial stops while transporting the victim. In a detention hearing, the FBI agent described two sexual assaults that allegedly occurred using violence and intimidation. On Thursday, a U.S. Magistrate Judge ordered that Dudley be detained as his case moves through the federal court system. The case is being investigated by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Clay Compton for the Northern District of Oklahoma and Trial Attorney Laura Gilson of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case. SAUSA Compton is the Civil Rights Coordinator for the Eastern and Northern Districts of Oklahoma. 22-CR-227
Alexis Danielle Flanner. First Degree Murder in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. Flanner, 23, of Tulsa, is charged with the first degree murder of her sister-in-law Estrella Mendoza. Flanner shot and killed Mendoza at a QuickTrip just after 10:30 pm on July 7, 2022. She is also alleged to have pointed the firearm at a minor sometimes after the shooting. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron M. Jolly is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-238
Matthew Adam Gentry. Robbery in Indian Country. Gentry, 30, of Tulsa, is charged with stealing a bicycle from the victim by using violence and intimidation on July 13, 2022. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-237
Shawn Christopher Harper. Child Abuse in Indian Country (Counts 1,2). Harper, 30, of Chelsea, is charged with abusing a young child on Sept. 20, 2020. Harper is further charged with abusing a second child on March 7, 2021. The FBI is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Ihler is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-246
Kelsie Marie Higgins. Robbery in Indian Country. On June 30, 2022, Higgins, 27, of Skiatook, aided and abetted another individual in a robbery where the victim’s cash was stolen. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-247
Gerardo Simon-Hipolito. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Simon-Hipolito, 32, a Mexican national, is charged with reentering the United States after having been removed on Feb. 11, 2015, at or near Del Rio, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-254
Gaven Dean Jones. Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country (Count 1); Witness Tampering by Misleading Conduct (Count 2); Contempt of Court(Counts 3-13) (superseding). On April 23, 2022, Jones allegedly assaulted a victim resulting in serious bodily injury. He further engaged in misleading conduct toward the victim from April 23, 2022, to May 13, 2022, in an effort to influence, delay and prevent her testimony in an official proceeding. Finally, he is charged with 11 counts of contempt of court. From May 25, 2022, through July 19, 2022, Jones allegedly messaged the victim once, telling her he wanted to be a couple again, then contacted her in person on 10 other occasions. These acts violated the pre-trial conditions of release that were ordered by a federal judge regarding the abuse alleged in the indictment. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey P. Todd is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-152
Justin Wade Malone; Devon Marie Lorocca. Second Degree Murder in Indian Country; Causing Death by Using and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. Malone, 38, and Larocca, 36, both of Tulsa, are charged with aiding and abetting one another in the second degree murder of Cristian Amaya Valesquez. The two defendants are responsible for shooting the victim, causing his death. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathan E. Michel and Ryan H. Heatherman are prosecuting the case. 22-CR-235
Carlos Mendez-Velazquez. Possession of an Unregistered Rifle Having a Barrel of Less Than 16 Inches in Length. Mendez-Velazquez, 38, of Paris, California, is charged with knowingly possessing an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 multi-caliber semi automatic rifle that had a barrel of less than 16 inches in length and was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer record. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Oklahoma Highway Patrol are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert T. Raley and Leah D. Paisner are prosecuting the case. 22-CR-234
Isaiah Blaine Ousely. Carjacking; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. On July 13, 2022, Ousley, 18, of Tulsa, allegedly pointed a firearm at a woman and demanded her keys when he stole her 2018 Ford Focus. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan E. Michel is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-233
Lauryn Donye Robbins. Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Robbins, 25, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Glock 9 mm caliber semi-automatic pistol. Robbins was previously convicted in Tulsa County District Court of drug, gang, and firearms related offenses. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney John E. Brasher is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-249
Jose Pedro Rodriguez-Ontiveros. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Rodrigues-Ontiveros, 37, a Mexican national, is charged with being in the United States unlawfully after having been removed on March 10, 2020, at or near Del Rio, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-256
Christopher Scott Royce. Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition; Drug Conspiracy; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises (superseding). Royce, 42, of Broken Arrow, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Marlin, 30/30 caliber lever-action rifle; a Mauser bolt-action rifle; an Iver Johnson .22 caliber bolt-action rifle; a Ruger .22 caliber revolver; a Ruger .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol; a Taurus .22 caliber pistol and 22 rounds of ammunition. Royce was previously convicted of six felonies, including three crimes of violence. He is further charged with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. Lastly, he is charged with maintaining a place in Broken Arrow for the purpose of distributing the drug. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Broken Arrow Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Nasar is prosecuting the case. 22-cr-163
Jeffrey David Sutton. Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country (superseding). Sutton, 54, of Mounds, is alleged to have intentionally shot the victim with a firearm on Dec. 2, 2021, with the intent to commit murder and/or to cause bodily harm. The FBI and Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven J. Briden and Kristin F. Harrington are prosecuting the case. 22-CR-7
Jack Charles Welty. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony in Indian Country; Robbery in Indian Country. Welty, 49, of Tulsa, allegedly assaulted a Tulsa store clerk by swinging a knife at the clerk, threatening to gut him, chasing him, and robbing him. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rubens is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-232
Alec Lloyd Wickliffe. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. Wickliffe, 31, of Tulsa, is charged with assaulting the victim multiple times with various items, including a knife, with the intent to do bodily harm from July 15, 2022, to July 24, 2022. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Valeria G. Luster and Gina S. Gilmore are prosecuting the case. 22-CR-257
Chrystian Edward Williams. Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography; Possession of Child Pornography. Williams, 22, of Miami, is charged with receiving, distributing, and possessing child sexual abuse material. The depictions involved at least one prepubescent minor younger than 12 years of age. The FBI is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Valeria G. Luster and Edward Snow are prosecuting the case. 22-Cr-250
Chang Xiong Zou. Drug Conspiracy; Smuggling Goods into the United States; Importation of Ketamine. Zou, of Elmhurst, New York, is charged with conspiring with others to smuggle Ketamine into the United States from May 2, 2022, to July 9, 2022. Zou was living in Claremore when he allegedly committed the crimes. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-251
Former Private Prisoner Transport Officer Indicted for Sexual Assault and Lying to the FBIRead the Press Release
A federal indictment was unsealed yesterday in Tulsa, Oklahoma, charging a former private prisoner officer with sexually assaulting a male pretrial detainee during a prisoner transport and later lying to the FBI.
According to the indictment, at the time of the alleged crime, Dewayne Dudley, 55, of Claremore, Oklahoma, worked as a private prisoner transport officer for Blue Raven Services, a company that was hired by local jails and prisons throughout the country to transport people who had been arrested pursuant to out-of-state warrants and needed to be transported back to the states that had issued the warrants.
Count One of the indictment charges Dudley, while acting under color of law, with willfully depriving a male pretrial detainee whom he was transporting from Indiana to New Mexico, of his constitutional right to bodily integrity. The indictment alleges that Dudley’s conduct resulted in bodily injury to the victim and kidnapping. Count Two charges Dudley with knowingly and willfully making false statements to a Special Agent with the FBI regarding his transport of the victim.
If convicted, Dudley faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Clinton Johnson for the Northern District of Oklahoma made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Clay Compton for the Northern District of Oklahoma and Trial Attorney Laura Gilson of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Woman Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison for Multiple RobberiesRead the Press Release
A woman who robbed four stores and attempted to steal a woman’s purse at another was sentenced Friday in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Chief U.S. District Judge John F. Heil III sentenced Valerie Bowman, 25, of Tulsa, to 70 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
Bowman pleaded guilty on Jan. 7, 2022, to four counts of robbery in Indian Country and one count of attempted robbery in Indian Country.
On Oct. 2, 2021, Bowman robbed a Dollar General cashier, stealing $372 from the store’s cash register. She assaulted the victim by spraying him in the eyes and face with bed bug spray and grabbed the cash.
She further pushed a second cashier and stole $262 from the cash register at a CVS Pharmacy on Oct. 8, 2021. She also pushed, fought, grabbed and pulled a third cashier away from the register and stole $36 at another CVS Pharmacy on Oct. 10, 2021, and about eight hours later, fought and struggled with a cashier and store manager to steal cigarettes and cash at a Walgreens Pharmacy.
Finally, on Oct. 18, 2021, Bowman unsuccessfully attempted to steal an elderly woman’s purse at a Tulsa Walgreens. Bowman fled the location when the woman refused to let go of the purse, but she was stopped shortly after the crime by a Tulsa Police Officer. Bowman told the officer that she believed she was “untouchable” because she was a tribal citizen on a reservation.
“Valerie Bowman thought she was ‘untouchable’ when she robbed four stores by assaulting cashiers and attempted to rob an elderly woman,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “She learned she wasn’t. Through federal, state and tribal cooperation, law enforcement officers have been cross commissioned so they can investigate cases involving Native Americans on reservations. Through those critical partnerships, defendants like Bowman are being held accountable for their crimes.”
The Tulsa Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi prosecuted the case.
Felon Who Fled Police Sentenced for Possessing a Firearm, Ammunition and Stolen VehiclesRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man was sentenced Thursday in federal court to more than nine years in prison after being found with a firearm, ammunition and two stolen vehicles, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Chief U.S. District Judge John F. Heil III sentenced Corey Keith Gregory Jr., 43, to 115 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release.
“All too often felons who illegally possess firearms continue their criminal behavior and threaten public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “My office and our law enforcement partners will continue to work side by side to hold individuals like Corey Gregory accountable for the harm they cause to communities across Oklahoma.”
Gregory pleaded guilty on Jan. 12, 2022, to felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, two counts of receipt of stolen property in Indian Country, and felon in possession of ammunition.
According to court documents, on February 14, 2020, Gregory was driving a stolen Chevrolet Silverado when Tulsa police officers pulled him over. Gregory was found to have ammunition in his pocket and a Ruger .357 revolver inside the stolen truck. Additionally, on April 29, 2020, Gregory was driving a stolen Chevrolet Tahoe when officers attempted to pull him over. Gregory fled from officers and crashed the Tahoe. When officers searched the vehicle, they located a loaded magazine.
Federal law prohibits Gregory from possessing firearms and ammunition because he is a felon and has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Nassar and Jessica L. Wright prosecuted the case.
Tulsa Woman Pleads Guilty to Evidence TamperingRead the Press Release
A 30-year-old Tulsa woman pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to tampering with evidence related, in part, to an investigation into her possession, use and distribution of controlled substances, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
The federal investigation was launched following the Jan. 4, 2021, death of the woman’s 2-month-old baby.
Ashton Nikoel Mattingly, also known as Nikki Mattingly, pleaded guilty to three counts of tampering with evidence by corruptly altering, destroying, mutilating, and concealing records and other objects.
According to the plea agreement, Mattingly admitted to instructing an individual to remove a white pill bottle from her residence and to change her Snapchat password so that the evidence could not be accessed in the ongoing investigation. She also admitted to instructing another individual to falsely report her cell phone as stolen and to have her service provider disable it so that phone records could not be used as evidence.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ben Tonkin and Vani Singhal are prosecuting the case.
Man Sentenced to 37 Months in Prison for Threatening and Pointing a Firearm at a WomanRead the Press Release
A man who pointed a firearm at a woman and threatened to kill her was sentenced Wednesday in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
“William Caudle knowingly possessed a stolen gun, fired it multiple times in a neighborhood, then pointed it at a concerned citizen. Because of his criminal acts, he will spend more than three years in prison,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Federal prosecutors and our partners at the ATF and Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office will not stand by while criminals use guns and violence to intimidate, threaten, or harm those living in Tulsa County.”
U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced William Joseph Caudle, 19, to 37 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Eagan further referred Caudle to drug treatment and vocational training programs offered by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Caudle previously pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm in Indian Country and felon in possession of a firearm.
Caudle admitted that he pointed a Glock 17, 9 mm semi-automatic pistol at a woman and stated that he was going to kill the woman and her boyfriend. He further admitted to being a felon in possession of the firearm and 13 rounds of ammunition.
According to court documents, deputies were dispatched to a home just after 10 pm on Jan. 5, 2022, after the caller informed authorities that they heard gunshots.
When officers arrived, they made contact with a woman who reported that she heard four or five gunshots. Afterward, she saw Caudle standing in the street with another person and asked if he heard the gunfire. She explained that he became angry and removed a firearm from his sweatshirt. He then pointed the firearm at the woman, began walking toward her, and stated that he was going to kill her and her boyfriend.
Multiple witnesses heard the initial gunfire and placed Caudle at the scene. One witness heard the victim yell at Caudle and observed him point the firearm at the victim.
Deputies eventually made contact with Caudle, and after a short struggle, took him into custody. Based on witness accounts, deputies searched a near-by Tulsa County home and located the Glock 17. The gun was magazine loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition. Deputies also found two spent cartridge casings in the front yard of the home. An NCIC check revealed the firearm had been stolen earlier that morning.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi is prosecuting the case.
Sand Springs Man Pleads Guilty to Strangling a Former GirlfriendRead the Press Release
A Sand Springs man pleaded guilty Friday in federal court to strangling a former dating partner in 2020, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Matthew Wayne Martin, 41, pleaded guilty to assault of an intimate/dating partner by strangling and attempting to strangle in Indian Country.
Martin admitted in Court that he held down the victim by her neck and strangled her during an argument on April 8, 2020. Injuries on the victim’s arms, chest, and neck were seen by officers with the Tulsa Police Department the next day, when her father reported the abuse. Martin will be sentenced at a date determined by the Court. A federal judge will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors when determining an appropriate sentence.
On April 18, 2022, Martin was also convicted in Tulsa County District Court in an unrelated domestic violence case. He was convicted of assault and battery by means likely to produce death; kidnapping; domestic assault and battery with a dangerous weapon; and threatening an act of violence.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the federal investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Jiang is prosecuting the case.
Two Men Plead Guilty to Tampering with Witnesses in a Federal Carjacking CaseRead the Press Release
Two Tulsa men have been convicted in federal court for tampering with witnesses who were slated to testify in court proceedings regarding a carjacking, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Ulysses Semion Washington, 34, and Derius Donovan Ledet, 32, each pleaded guilty to tampering with a witness, victim, and informant by corrupt persuasion. Washington opted to plead guilty as his trial was set to begin Wednesday. Ledet pleaded guilty on July 8, 2022.
“Maintaining the integrity of our justice system is of the utmost importance. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will not tolerate any act that seeks to obstruct our federal court processes,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
According to court documents, in late March of 2022, Ledet was being held at the David L. Moss Criminal Justice Center on charges related to an armed carjacking incident. On March 23, 2022, Ledet called Washington several times to discuss ways to get Ledet released from detention. Ledet instructed Washington to “put in some footwork” in an effort to prevent two witnesses from communicating with law enforcement about the case and to prevent their testimony in official court proceedings. Ledet also told Washington to pay off the witnesses with money obtained from selling one of Ledet’s cars.
Days later, Washington offered to pay the witnesses money if they would write affidavits that stated they would not cooperate in the pending carjacking case. Both witnesses were subpoenaed to make appearances in federal proceedings but neither showed.
Even after being indicted and as recently as July 5, 2022, Washington continued his attempts to contact one of the witnesses.
Per the stipulations in his plea agreement, Washington faces eight to 13 years in prison. Ledet faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. A federal judge will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors when determining appropriate sentences for both men. They will be sentenced at a later date.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin G. Bish and Ben Tonkin are prosecuting the case.
Two Men Plead Guilty to Tampering with Witnesses in a Federal Carjacking CaseRead the Press Release
Two Tulsa men have been convicted in federal court for tampering with witnesses who were slated to testify in court proceedings regarding a carjacking, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Ulysses Semion Washington, 34, and Derius Donovan Ledet, 32, each pleaded guilty to tampering with a witness, victim, and informant by corrupt persuasion. Washington opted to plead guilty as his trial was set to begin Wednesday. Ledet pleaded guilty on July 8, 2022.
“Maintaining the integrity of our justice system is of the utmost importance. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will not tolerate any act that seeks to obstruct our federal court processes,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
According to court documents, in late March of 2022, Ledet was being held at the David L. Moss Criminal Justice Center on charges related to an armed carjacking incident. On March 23, 2022, Ledet called Washington several times to discuss ways to get Ledet released from detention. Ledet instructed Washington to “put in some footwork” in an effort to prevent two witnesses from communicating with law enforcement about the case and to prevent their testimony in official court proceedings. Ledet also told Washington to pay off the witnesses with money obtained from selling one of Ledet’s cars.
Days later, Washington offered to pay the witnesses money if they would write affidavits that stated they would not cooperate in the pending carjacking case. Both witnesses were subpoenaed to make appearances in federal proceedings but neither showed.
Even after being indicted and as recently as July 5, 2022, Washington continued his attempts to contact one of the witnesses.
Per the stipulations in his plea agreement, Washington faces eight to 13 years in prison. Ledet faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. A federal judge will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors when determining appropriate sentences for both men. They will be sentenced at a later date.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin G. Bish and Ben Tonkin are prosecuting the case.
Federal Grand Jury B Indictments Announced- July 2022Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the July 2022 Federal Grand Jury B.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
John David Boman. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Boman, 36, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Rossi .357 caliber revolver and four rounds of ammunition. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Marshals Service are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rubens is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-219
Martin Andrew Breshears. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country; Arson in Indian Country; First Degree Burglary in Indian Country; Use of Fire or Explosive to Commit a Felony. On June 27, 2022, Breshears, 24, of Tulsa, allegedly assaulted a male victim with intent to do bodily harm. On June 28, 2022, he is further alleged to have broken into the same victim’s residence, assaulted him with a sharpened lead pipe, doused the victim with lighter fluid, attempted to set the victim on fire, and endangered lives when he set the victim’s residence on fire. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leah Paisner and Robert T. Raley are prosecuting the case. 22-CR-223
Matthew Gabriel Cowan. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime. Cowan, 41, of Broken Arrow, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Sig Sauer 9 mm caliber semi-automatic pistol and 98 rounds of ammunition. He is further charged with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Finally, he is charged with carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. The Tulsa Police Department is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rubens is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-224
Tyler James Lewis. Corruptly Tampering with Evidence (Counts 1-4). Between July 3, 2022, and July 4, 2022, Lewis, 23, of Cleveland, allegedly tampered with evidence in an attempt to impair an investigation into the shooting of Tyler Lane Kirk, who died as a result of a gunshot wound. Lewis allegedly tampered with the victim’s body, a blue shirt, a cell phone, and a black GMC Denali pickup truck. The FBI and Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney John E. Brasher is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-220
Jesse Ray Matlock. Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force in Indian Country (Count 1); Assault of a Spouse by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle in Indian Country (Counts 2,5,7); Tampering with a Witness by Using and Threatening Physical Force (Count 3); Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence (Count 4); Stalking (Count 6); Kidnapping in Indian Country (Count 8); Tampering with Evidence by Corrupt Persuasion (Count 9) (second superseding). On February 24, 2022, Matlock, 31, of Eucha, allegedly sexually assaulted and strangled an intimate partner. He further carried a firearm during the crimes and threatened to harm and harmed the victim to prevent her from communicating with law enforcement officials. He is also charged with strangling the victim in May 2021. He is further charged with stalking the victim through electronic means from December 1, 2021, through Dec. 4, 2021. He is further charged with kidnapping and strangling his spouse between Dec. 13, 2021, and Dec. 14, 2021. Finally, Matlock is charged with persuading another individual to tamper with evidence to impair the law enforcement investigation and official proceedings related to his crimes. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven J. Briden is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-083
Donald Ray Shibley. Robbery in Indian Country (Counts 1, 4); Carjacking (Counts 2,5); Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony in Indian Country (Count 3); Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country (Count 6). Shibley, 43, of Tulsa, allegedly struck and beat the driver of a 2006 Jaguar sedan when he stole elderly man’s jewelry, firearms and car on June 20, 2022, at an apartment complex on Riverside Drive in Tulsa. He also allegedly stabbed a different driver in the neck with a pen when he attempted to steal the elderly woman’s 2014 Honda sedan on June 22, 2022, at a Tulsa gas station. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Tonkin is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-221
Joel Richard Smith; Amanda Irene Smith. Child Abuse in Indian Country (Counts 1,3); Child Neglect in Indian Country (Counts 2,4) (superseding). From Feb. 1, 2014, and continuing through April 5, 2019, Joel and Amanda Smith are alleged to have aided and abetted one another when they maliciously injured and tortured a child. During that time, they also failed to adequately provide for the physical, emotional, and educational needs of the child. The Smiths were arrested and charged after the child ran to a neighbor’s home for help. The child was severely malnourished, did not have basic hygiene needs met, and showed signs of physical abuse, including difficulty walking. Joel Smith, 47, of Salina, is charged in counts 1 and 2. Amanda Smith, 43, of Salina, is charged in counts 3 and 4. The FBI and Mayes County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Ihler is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-553
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Honors Three Northern District of Oklahoma Prosecutors for Exceptional Service in Indian Country during the 69th Annual Attorney General’s AwardsRead the Press Release
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland recently announced the recipients for the 69th Annual Attorney General’s Awards, recognizing Department of Justice employees and partners for extraordinary contributions to the enforcement of our nation’s laws.
This year, 298 Justice Department employees received awards, while 54 non-department individuals were also honored for their work. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shannon Cozzoni, Ryan Roberts, and Edward Snow, of the Northern District of Oklahoma, were recognized for Exceptional Service in Indian Country.
“This year’s awardees have served selflessly to further the Department’s important work upholding the rule of law, keeping our country safe, and protecting civil rights,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “I am proud to recognize these individuals for their professionalism, skill, and leadership, and I am grateful for their service to our Department and our nation.”
“The professionalism and forward-leaning approach exhibited by Shannon, Ryan, and Edward were critical to my office during a time of unprecedented jurisdictional change in Oklahoma that tripled our caseload,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “As part of my leadership team today, their efforts continue to move this office forward in a positive direction. I am thankful for Attorney General Garland’s recognition of their dedicated service to the people of northeastern Oklahoma.”
As Oklahoma’s jurisdictional landscape transformed following the Supreme Court’s decision in McGirt v Oklahoma and subsequent court decisions, the U.S. Attorney’s Office became responsible for federal criminal prosecutions involving Native American defendants and/or victims residing within the Muscogee, Cherokee and Quapaw Nations’ reservations.
In anticipation of the Court’s July 2020 decision, the Indian Country team held law enforcement and in-house trainings regarding Indian Country jurisdiction and discussions regarding the way ahead. Their training efforts intensified following the decision. The team met with district attorneys, judges, and law enforcement to discuss how the Northern District of Oklahoma would be notified of cases and how discovery would be transferred as part of the office’s intake process. The intake process was developed in conjunction with Information Technology staff to track, review, and prioritize the large influx of cases brought forward by law enforcement. Cozzoni, Roberts and Snow further worked with local, federal, state and tribal partners to develop and solidify protocols for arrests, federal and tribal holds, transfer of prisoners, jail contracts, transfer of cases to the federal government and tribes, cross-commissions, and more.
Following the McGirt decision, the Northern District of Oklahoma saw its criminal caseload triple when compared to previous years. From July 9, 2020, through Dec. 31, 2020, alone, the office reviewed 560 Indian Country cases, opening 300 for prosecution and referring others to the Muscogee Nation. Today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has accepted more than 1,200 Indian Country cases for prosecution.
Delaware County Man Pleads Guilty to Sexually Abusing Three BoysRead the Press Release
A Delaware County man pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court for sexually abusing three boys, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Jeffery Carl Cunningham, 45, of Eucha, pleaded guilty to three counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor under 12 in Indian Country.
Cunningham admitted that in 2003 he sexually abused a 9-year-old boy during an outing at a creek in Delaware County. In 2011, Cunningham woke up a 10-year-old boy who had been asleep in Cunningham’s home when he began sexually abusing the child. Finally, sometime between Jan. 1, 1997 and Dec. 3, 1999, Cunningham woke a third child under the age of 12 by sexually abusing him. The child had also been staying in Cunningham’s home at the time of the abuse.
The FBI and Delaware County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey is prosecuting the case.
*Cunningham’s first name is spelled Jeffery in court documents.
Coweta Man who Fraudulently Obtained Almost $200,000 in Loans from the Small Business Administration Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
A Coweta man who received $192,071 from the Small Business Administration after fraudulently applying for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EDIL) and a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan pleaded guilty in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Scott Wayne Jarman, 49, pleaded guilty to two counts of false statement to the United States Small Business Administration.
Jarman faces a maximum statutory sentence of five years of imprisonment and a fine of not more than $250,000. A federal judge will determine appropriate sentences and restitution amounts at the defendants’ sentencing hearing, which will be scheduled by the court.
In his plea agreement, Jarman stated that he submitted false statements and documentation in loan applications to the Small Business Administration on behalf of the business SKT Concessions, which he claimed to own and operate. He further stated that he knowingly certified all the information in the applications and supporting documents were true and correct when he knew the information to be incorrect.
On March 30, 2020, Jarman made false representations about SKT Concessions when applying for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, to include when the business was operational, gross revenue, annual operating expenses, cost of goods sold and number of employees. Jarman was able to secure a loan in the amount of $146, 171 based on the information submitted.
On April 24, 2020, Jarman made false representations about the business when applying for a Paycheck Protection Program loan, to include gross sales, cost of goods sold, gross profits, and car and truck expenses. As a result of the fraudulent information, he secured a loan in the amount of $45,900.
The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection Office of Inspector General; Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cymetra M. Williams is prosecuting the case.
To learn more about the Justice Department’s COVID response and to report COVID-19 fraud, visit: https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. For further information on the Criminal Division’s enforcement efforts on PPP fraud, including court documents from significant cases, visit the following website: https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/ppp-fraud.
Woman Pleads Guilty for Leading a Retail Theft Organization that Netted $4.5 MillionRead the Press Release
A Tulsa-area woman who headed a retail theft organization that caused more than $10 million in losses to retailers pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Linda Ann Been, 49, admitted to leading the operation in a blind plea. She pleaded guilty to conspiracy (Count 1); wire fraud (Counts 2-166); conspiracy to commit wire fraud (Count 167); conspiracy to commit money laundering (Counts 168-169); relating to engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity Counts 170-214).
In January, U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson and Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Connor announced charges against 29 members of the organization who were arrested following a joint law enforcement investigation titled Operation Booster Buster. In total, 16 federal defendants have pleaded guilty thus far.
“Cities across the United States, including Tulsa, have seen a sharp rise in organized retail theft. The losses drive up costs for retailers which are then passed on to consumers,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “As shown in this case, my office and our law enforcement partners will diligently work together to identify, investigate and prosecute theft rings operating within northeastern Oklahoma.”
According to state and federal court documents, Been led the ring of “boosters” that netted $4.5 million from the sale of stolen merchandise and over-the-counter products to fencing organizations outside of Oklahoma. “Fences” then sold the stolen products through e-commerce sites, like eBay and Amazon.
Operations were staged out of northeastern Oklahoma and sometimes crossed state lines. Stores targeted include Reasor’s, Sprouts, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Costco, Walgreens, CVS, GNC and others.
For example, on Sept. 4, 2019, several defendants boosted $1,329 worth of over-the-counter products, such as Flonase, Mucinex, Nexium, Zegerid, and Allegra, from a Reasor’s in Jenks, Oklahoma.
Normally, fences paid Been half the market value for each item. Been, in turn, paid boosters half of her expected profit for each item they brought to her. Financial payments for stolen products were normally made through PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App.
Been provided her boosters with a detailed list of items to steal and the pricing she would pay for each. She further instructed her ring on boosting techniques, including box stuffing. Box stuffing occurs when criminals conceal higher-value items inside lower-value item boxes and only paying for the lower-valued items.
Been and her team of boosters stole products from retailers in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Colorado. Been would pay boosters’ expenses when they traveled outside the state. She would further pay boosters’ bond when arrested so they could continue boosting.
Boosters would then deliver the goods to predetermined locations in Tulsa, Sand Springs, and Cleveland, Oklahoma. According to the federal indictment, defendants Billy Osborne, Juston Osborne, helped manage the operation by storing stolen inventory at their residences or businesses and by prepping the merchandise for bulk shipments to fences outside the state. Been also stored stolen merchandise at her residences, prepared inventories, coordinated payment, and shipped the pallets of stolen items.
Two co-defendants who helped Been manage the operation have pleaded guilty:
• Billy Don Osborne, 49: conspiracy to commit money laundering
• Juston Paul Osborne, 37: conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Other co-defendants who have pleaded guilty are:
• Brandon Jamal Baldwin, 34: conspiracy to commit wire fraud
• Ambermeloni Charda Crawford, 24: conspiracy to commit wire fraud
• Amber Marie Clason, 28: conspiracy to commit wire fraud
• Toni Larae Crisp, 27 : conspiracy to commit wire fraud
• Derek James Enloe, 32: conspiracy to commit wire fraud
• Corey Ray Fields, 44: conspiracy
• Sharee Nashawn Galloway, 45: conspiracy to commit wire fraud
• Ashley Nicole Gill, 30: conspiracy
• Brittany Nicole Harkins, 29: conspiracy to commit wire fraud
• Amanda Kay Johnson, 40: conspiracy to commit wire fraud
• Daniel Eugene Payne, 53: conspiracy to commit wire fraud
• Katrina Danielle Robison, 34: conspiracy to commit wire fraud
• Karissa Ray Russell, 32: conspiracy to commit wire fraud
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Tulsa Police Department, Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office, and Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Richard M. Cella and Reagan V. Reininger are prosecuting the case with assistance from the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office.
Two Men Sentenced in Child Pornography CasesRead the Press Release
Two men have been sentenced this week in federal court after being convicted of child pornography charges.
“Timothy Gregston and Earl Morrow repeatedly viewed criminal material depicting the rape and assault of children,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The criminal acts of possessing, receiving and distributing child sexual abuse material revictimizes those individuals who have suffered tremendous physical and psychological trauma as children. My office and our local, state, federal, and tribal law enforcement partners will bring to account those who exploit children in such a manner.”
“The combined jail time of 315 months for these deviant child predators will help bring a sense of closure to the victims they abused through the viewing and distribution of thousands of repeated images and video depictions of rape and child molestation," said Christopher Miller, acting Special Agent in Charge HSI Dallas. "Let this stand as a warning to individuals that seek to harm our children that HSI will never relent in our efforts to protect our most vulnerable citizens from sexual abuse."
Timothy Maxey Gregston 36, of Sapulpa, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan to 180 months in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release. He was further ordered to pay $18,000 in restitution to the victims who were depicted in the child sexual abuse material.
Gregston pleaded guilty on Jan. 1, 2022. According to the plea agreement, he admitted that from Oct. 3, 2021, to Oct. 28, 2021, he knowingly received and distributed child sexual abuse material. He further admitted to possessing multiple visual depictions of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, including children under the age of 12. On Oct. 28, 2021, special agents from Homeland Security Investigations served numerous search warrants on Gregston’s home. Agents recovered 256 images and 26 videos of child sexual abuse material, some depicting sadistic sexual acts committed on toddlers.
Gregston committed the crime after he had already been convicted of child sex crimes in Rogers County District Court.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex M. Scott prosecuted the case.
Also sentenced this week was defendant Earl Hardy Morrow, 40, of Broken Arrow. U.S. District Judge Daniel D. Crabtree sentenced Morrow to 135 months in federal prison followed by 10 years of supervised release. He was further ordered to pay $15,000 in restitution the victims depicted in the child sexual abuse material. In November 2021, Morrow was convicted at trial of distribution and receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Morrow distributed and received child pornography via electronic means on Feb. 20, 2020,. From Nov. 5, 2019, to Feb. 27, 2020, Morrow further possessed visual depictions involving prepubescent minors and minors who were under 12 years of age.
On Feb. 20, 2020, multiple files of child sexual abuse material were sent to the Tulsa Police Department’s Cyber Crimes Unit via the BitTorrent network from an IP address that was later tracked to a Broken Arrow user. The final torrent file distributed to Tulsa Police contained multiple video files depicting the sexual abuse of children.
Officers served a search warrant on the address where Morrow resided on Feb. 27, 2020. During the search, Morrow told officers that he used BitTorrent on his computer and that he had illegal files on the computer.
During the forensic extraction and review of Morrow’s various computers and thumb drives, officers discovered approximately 4,222 images and 248 videos of child sexual abuse material.
The Tulsa Police Department led the investigation with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Nassar, Nathan E. Michel, and Stacey P. Todd are prosecuted the case. Judge Crabtree is a visiting judge from the District of Kansas. See conviction press release here.
Former Ottawa County Prosecutor Pleads Guilty After Seeking Sexual Favors from Defendants in Exchange for Favorable Treatment in Court ProceedingsRead the Press Release
A former Ottawa County Assistant District Attorney pleaded guilty in federal court after he provided drugs and performed favorable legal actions that benefitted defendants in exchange for sex, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Daniel Thomas Giraldi, 44, of Joplin, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of Oxycodone with intent to distribute (Count 1) and four counts of honest services fraud (Counts 14-17). Giraldi will be sentenced by a federal judge at a later date.
Per the stipulations in the plea agreement, Giraldi will relinquish and forfeit his Oklahoma Bar License and never apply for reinstatement to the Oklahoma Bar. He will also never hold any public office nor any position of public trust within the state of Oklahoma.
“Daniel Giraldi disgraced the office of Assistant District Attorney,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “As a public servant, he had a duty to act with integrity and competence. Instead, he violated the law and the trust placed in him by the District Attorney and the people of Ottawa County. Investigators with the Miami Police Department, District Attorney’s Office, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and FBI were unyielding in their pursuit of justice in this case, thus ensuring Giraldi’s conviction.”
“The citizens of Ottawa County entrusted Daniel Giraldi to represent them ethically and transparently,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Edward Gray. “In a reprehensible misuse of public trust, he exploited his position and undermined the integrity of the District Attorney’s Office. The FBI stands firm with our law enforcement partners in rooting out all forms of public corruption, no matter the person, position, or purpose.”
In the plea agreement, Giraldi admitted that on April 19, 2022, he carried and possessed Oxycodone with intent to distribute. Giraldi had texted a defendant approximately a week earlier and agreed to bring the drug when the two rendezvoused for sex.
Giraldi further admitted to defrauding the citizens of Oklahoma and the Ottawa County District Attorney’s Office of their right to honest and faithful services that he owed to them as an Assistant District Attorney, stating that he took bribes in exchange for corrupt official acts that benefitted defendants. Specifically, he stated that he would receive something of value, including sexual acts with multiple women, in exchange for favorable treatment that included reduction of bond amounts on criminal defendants, the dismissal of traffic violations, and other corrupt actions. The crimes occurred from approximately February 2019 through April 19, 2022.
The FBI, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, Miami Police Department, and District Attorney’s Office-District 13 conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle M. McWaters is prosecuting the case.
Men Plead Guilty in Two Separate Sexual Assault CasesRead the Press Release
Two men have pleaded guilty in separate sexual assault cases, one that occurred in Bartlesville and the other in Tulsa, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
On July 8, 2022, Yakir Yakov Zofi, 32, a New York resident and Israeli national, pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual abuse by force and threat in Indian Country. Zofi raped a woman on Nov. 21, 2021, at a Bartlesville residence. The defendant is a non-Indian, and the victim is a tribal citizen. The FBI and Bartlesville Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron M. Jolly and Steven J. Briden are prosecuting the case.
On July 11, 2022, Shawn Alexander Simpson, 52, of Tulsa, pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of an incapable victim in Indian Country and abusive sexual contact of an incapable victim in Indian Country. Simpson admitted that on July 18, 2021, while the victim was sleeping in a Tulsa apartment, he touched the victim in a sexual manner over her clothes then put his genitalia into her mouth, which woke her. The defendant is non-Indian, and the victim is a tribal citizen. The Tulsa Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Valeria G. Luster and Steven J. Briden are prosecuting the case.
Claremore Man Sentenced to 180 Months in Federal Prison for 2018 Sexual AssaultRead the Press Release
A Claremore man was sentenced Friday in federal court for raping a woman after she withdrew consent during a sexual encounter in 2018.
U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced Travis Carl Condry, 30, to 180 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release.
“Far too many perpetrators, like Travis Condry, rationalize their actions by saying ‘stop doesn’t always mean stop’ during sexual encounters. This is unacceptable and the acts are criminal. This office and our law enforcement partners will bring to account those who commit such acts of sexual violence,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The victim in this case was a key partner in Condry’s prosecution. Her courageous testimony helped secure the guilty verdict and resulting 15-year prison sentence.”
As part of her victim impact statement, the victim said, “I hope that I’ve helped pave the road for women who have ever or will ever be in the situation I was in. I want you to know you are not alone.”
On Feb.23, 2022, a federal jury convicted Condry of aggravated sexual abuse by force and threat in Indian Country.
The victim and defendant knew one another prior to the crime, and on Dec. 21, 2018, Condry violated the victim’s trust and raped her. The encounter was initially consensual, although the victim was hesitant. The victim quickly withdrew consent as he started to have sex with her. Condry placed his phone on the bed and recorded the incident. The camera did not capture video of the crime, but the audio recorded what occurred. During the incident, the victim told Condry “you can’t do this,” “no,” “please stop,” and “I’m serious.” Condry could also be heard saying “Don’t run away.” The defendant continued to rape the victim while she repeatedly screamed and pleaded for Condry to stop for almost five minutes.
The victim told Condry she felt like she had been assaulted and left immediately after the crime. As the victim left, Condry told her to “snap me, text me, or don’t.”
The victim reported the assault to the Claremore Police Department. Officers interviewed Condry the following day. During the interview, Condry said that he had been drinking and the encounter was consensual sex. He further told investigators that the victim told him to stop but he did not stop right away. He stated that in his opinion “stop doesn’t always mean stop.”
At the trial’s closing in February, Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Briden reminded the jury that no means no, stop means stop, and crying and pleading means stop. He suggested that Condry didn’t believe “stop means stop” because it would prevent him from getting what he wanted.
The FBI and Claremore Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven J. Briden and Valeria G. Luster prosecuted the case.
Bartlesville Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Discharging a Firearm at a Man who Was Fleeing from HimRead the Press Release
A Bartlesville man who shot a firearm at a victim during a crime of violence was sentenced in federal court Wednesday, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced David Edward Sayre, II, 29, to 120 months in federal prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Sayre pleaded guilty to the charge of Carrying, Using, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. In his plea agreement, Sayre admitted to possessing a firearm and discharging it at the victim, with the intent to cause bodily harm.
On May 25, 2020, Sayre asked the victim for a ride. He then pointed a gun at the victim, took control the vehicle, drove to a Bartlesville residence and forced the victim inside. Shortly after, the victim was able to run from the home. Sayre shot at the victim multiple times as he fled.
The FBI and Bartlesville Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric O. Johnston prosecuted the case.
Three Defendants sentenced for Roles in a $1.2 Million Check Kiting SchemeRead the Press Release
A trio of defendants who played various roles in defrauding First State Bank of Commerce, Oklahoma, have been sentenced in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
The check kiting scheme was carried out by two cattle dealers, John Theodore Linthicum, 53, and Douglas Todd Mayfield, 53, and a bank employee, Angela Gayle Asbell, 61, from October 2016 to January 2017. The bank lost approximately $1.2 million as a result of the scheme.
According to court documents, in the fall of 2016, Linthicum, experienced dwindling cash flow in his cattle business, so he had Mayfield write NSF checks that Linthicum deposited into his bank account. Mayfield provided numerous insufficiently funded checks from his accounts at another bank. Many times he provided signed blank checks, and Linthicum filled in the amounts payable to himself. The checks generally ranged between $100,000 and $375,000. Both men knew that Mayfield did not have sufficient funds to cover the checks.
Asbell was a cashier and branch manager at First State Bank but also maintained books and records for Linthicum’s cattle business. In her position at the bank, Asbell knowingly and improperly authorized immediate credit for the bogus checks and fraudulently authorized Linthicum to wire funds and buy cashier’s checks with the fictitious credit balances in his account even though she knew the money was not there.
The defendants were charged separately and all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
Linthicum was sentenced on Jan. 25, 2022, to 27 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release.
On June 29, 2022, Mayfield was sentenced to six months of home detention followed by three years of supervised release.
Finally, Asbell was sentenced on July 7, 2022, to five months in federal prison followed by five months of home detention and three years of supervised release.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)-Office of Inspector General and Federal Housing Finance Agency-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin C. Leitch, Vani Singhal and David D. Whipple prosecuted the case.
Federal Grand Jury A Indictments Announced- July 2022Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the July 2022 Federal Grand Jury A.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
James Arthur Berry. Assault of a Spouse and Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling in Indian Country. Berry, 30, of Tulsa, is charged with strangling an intimate partner on April 22, 2022. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-159
Daniel Thomas Giraldi. Possession of Oxycodone with Intent to Distribute (Count 1); Possession of Clonazepam with Intent to Distribute (Count 2); Use of a Communication Facility in the Commission of a Drug Trafficking Felony (Counts 3-12); Interstate Travel to Aid Racketeering (Count 13); Honest Services Fraud (Counts 14-17) (superseding). Giraldi, 44, of Joplin, allegedly possessed with intent to distribute Oxycodone and Clonazepam on April 19, 2022. Giraldi and a woman also allegedly engaged in a texting conversation about Giraldi providing the woman with Xanax on April 14, 2022. He is further charged with traveling from Missouri to Oklahoma to distribute Oxycodone and Clonazepam. Finally, he is charged with honest services fraud. According to the indictment, from February 2019 until April 20, 2022, Giraldi abused his official position as an Assistant District Attorney in the Ottawa County District Attorney’s Office when he secretly used his position to provide favorable official action related to certain defendants’ criminal cases in exchange for sexual acts. Official actions included dismissing criminal charges, reducing charges and/or offering favorable plea agreements; moving court dates; reducing bond amounts and dismissing or reducing traffic infractions. Prosecutors also alleged that Giraldi took steps to cover up his activity by communicating via untraceable physical notes, using secured messaging applications, communicating in coded language, and using the trappings of his office to perform official actions for his own gain. The FBI is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle M. McWaters is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-143
Samuel Goana-Gonzalez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Goana-Gonzalez, 37, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully being in the United States after having been removed on Sept. 9, 2008, near Hidalgo, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and the U.S. Marshals Service are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. McLoughlin is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-102
Imani Neiya Jones. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Jones, 26, of Tulsa, is charged with knowingly possessing with intent to distribute both methamphetamine and marijuana on July 29, 2018. She is further alleged to have maintained a residence for manufacturing, distributing and using the drugs and to have possessed firearms to further her drug trafficking crimes. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Jiang is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-209
Michael Lee Knighten. Robbery in Indian Country; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Carjacking. Knighten, 35, of Tulsa, allegedly stole a leaf blower then pointed a firearm at the lawn maintenance worker who tried to pursue him. Knighten is further charged with pointing a firearm at a second victim when he stole the man’s Toyota Tundra pickup truck that contained numerous professional tools. Both alleged crimes occurred the morning of April 29, 2022. The Tulsa Police Department is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina S. Gilmore is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-204
Hector Prado-Jimenez. Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography. Prado-Jimenez, 46, of Tulsa, is charged with knowingly receiving and distributing child sexual abuse material from June 1, 2020, through June 14, 2022. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Snow is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-210
Ruben Vega Escobar. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Vega, 28, an El Salvador national, is charged with unlawfully residing in the United States after having been removed the from the country on Dec. 18, 2019, at or near Alexandria, Louisiana. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO) are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric O. Johnston is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-203
Joseph Austin Wagener. Wagener, 32, of Tulsa, is charged with stealing a 2003 Acura sedan, worth over $1,000, on March 14, 2022. The Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Tribal Police Department is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-205
Joshua Wayne Willis. Kidnapping in Indian Country. Willis, 25, of Tulsa, allegedly held a woman hostage at her residence on June 12, 2022. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven J. Briden is prosecuting the case. 22-CR-206