Northern District of Oklahoma
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Tulsa Man Sentenced to More than 30 Years in Prison for Raping a MinorRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man who forced a minor to perform sex act in return for basic necessities was sentenced this week in federal court, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Chief U.S. District Judge John F. Heil III sentenced James Damien McIntosh, 43, to a total of 365 months in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release.
On May 11, 2021, McIntosh pleaded guilty to incest in Indian Country and attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. McIntosh admitted to knowingly engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor female from March 18, 2015, to Dec. 10, 2019. He further admitted to using his cell phone to coerce the minor into sexual activity.
According to court documents, the minor disclosed to authorities that she had been raped by McIntosh numerous times starting in 2015. She told officers that the defendant would send electronic messages using code words to coerce her into sex acts with him. McIntosh would make her perform the sex acts in exchange for privileges and basic necessities like clothing and toiletries. He would also threaten the victim and physically assault the victim if she did not comply with his demands.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sandra M. Urban and Christopher J. Nassar prosecuted the case.
Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
A felon and known gang member previously convicted of multiple drug and larceny crimes pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court for illegally possessing firearms, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Ricky Laron Shannon, 34, of Tulsa, pleaded guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
In a blind plea Shannon admitted that on June 11, 2021, he possessed a Glock 30 .45 caliber pistol and 28 rounds of associated ammunition. He further admitted that on Aug.13, 2021, he possessed a different Glock 30 and 28 rounds of ammunition.
The first count stems from a traffic stop on June 11, 2021. According to an initial criminal complaint and affidavit filed in the case, Tulsa Police officers observed Shannon commit several traffic violations. Officers then pulled behind his vehicle and activated lights and sirens. The defendant continued forward slowly but did not initially yield to law enforcement. An officer observed Shannon make distinct reaching movements with his right hand toward the passenger’s side of the vehicle. He also noted that an object appeared to be in the defendant’s hand as he continued to drive forward slowly but erratically. Based on training and experience, the officer suspected the defendant might be trying to hide something before coming to a stop. Officers also noted Shannon was a felon and certified 107 Hoover gang member. During the stop, officers recovered a Glock 30 .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol loaded with a high capacity magazine.
Later on Aug. 13, 2021, Shannon was contacted by authorities and arrested based on a federal warrant stemming from his June 11, 2021 traffic stop. Officers found a different Glock 30 underneath the driver’s seat of the car along with a high capacity magazine and 28 rounds of ammunition. The firearm was both magazine and chamber loaded.
The Tulsa Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark R. Morgan and John E. Brasher are prosecuting 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 those responsible as the “source” of the firearms to prohibited persons. The initiative was named in memory of Tulsa Police Sergeant Craig Johnson. Sgt. Johnson’s badge number, 2150, was selected for the initiative as a way to honor his life and his commitment to the Tulsa community.
Quapaw Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Sexually Abusing a Native American Minor and Illegally Possessing Parts of Protected EaglesRead the Press Release
A man who portrayed himself as a Native American spiritual counselor was sentenced Thursday in federal court for sexually abusing a Native American minor and for illegally possessing feathers, talons and heads from seven bald eagles and seven golden eagles, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge John F. Heil III sentenced sexual predator Carl Gene Ortner, 57, of Quapaw, to life in federal prison and ordered him to pay a $100,000 fine.
“The victim in this case and two others bravely came forward and shined a light on Ortner’s criminal behavior,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Today’s life sentence sends a strong message that the sexual abuse of children will not be tolerated.”
“The defendant used wildlife items, in this case eagle feathers, to deceive and harm a child,” said Edward Grace, Assistant Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. “As this investigation shows, wildlife crime may be connected to numerous types of criminal activity, and I am proud that we had a role in this predator receiving life in prison. I would also like to thank the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their assistance with this case. Today’s sentencing sends a strong message that sexual violence will not be tolerated.”
In May 2021, a jury found Carl Gene Ortner Jr. guilty of transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, sexual abuse of a child in Indian Country, abusive sexual contact in Indian Country, possession of parts of a bald eagle, and possession of parts of a golden eagle.
During trial, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shannon Cozzoni and Ryan Roberts argued that Ortner fraudulently claimed to be a Native American spiritual counselor. Cozzoni pointed out the defendant portrayed himself as an Indian, yet he had no tribal affiliation. He told several people he was a member of several Tribes, but no Tribe claimed him.
A special agent with the Fish and Wildlife Service testified that investigators discovered feathers and various parts of bald and golden eagles, including heads, talons, and entire wings, at Ortner’s residence. Native Americans consider eagles to be sacred and use the parts in cultural and religious practices. Ortner illegally possessed the feathers and parts.
Further evidence was presented showing that the defendant used his position of influence to groom the victim and force her into sexual relations with him, using her cultural beliefs and vulnerability against her. The victim also had been struggling with losing a loved one, and Ortner used the loss to further groom the victim.
In 2016, Ortner began sexually abusing the minor. While some of the abuse allegedly occurred within state jurisdiction, Ortner also abused the victim on Indian land, which falls within federal jurisdiction. Furthermore, Ortner at one point drove the victim to Joplin, Missouri, to engage in criminal sexual activity with the minor victim. Crossing state lines to engage in illegal activity falls within federal jurisdiction.
Witnesses testified that Ortner threatened to embarrass the victim and the tribe unless she said the sexual assault did not happen. Also testifying for the government were two other women who stated that Ortner also groomed them as minors and sexually abused them.
In the Government’s closing, Roberts called Ortner “a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” stating that he disguised himself as a caring Native American elder to get close to the victims. Then when the time was right, Ortner took advantage of the victims.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department, FBI, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Roberts and Shannon Cozzoni prosecuted the case.
Mid-level Drug Trafficker Convicted by a Federal JuryRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted a mid-level drug trafficker Wednesday for a drug conspiracy and for distributing methamphetamine and heroin.
“Kamau Williams profited from others’ addiction when he distributed methamphetamine and heroin in Tulsa. These deadly drugs have caused too much suffering in communities across Oklahoma,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “This week, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joel-lyn McCormick and David Nasar presented their case to a jury and that jury found Williams guilty on all counts. I am proud of their advocacy, and I am thankful for the jury’s service.”
Kamau Jahi Williams, 43, of Tulsa, was found guilty of distribution of methamphetamine, drug conspiracy, and distribution of heroin.
In the Summer of 2020, the DEA agents and Task Force Officers with the Tulsa Police Department became aware of Williams’ potential criminal activity and began physical surveillance of the suspect. On Oct. 20, 2020, and as alleged in Count 1 of the indictment, Williams met with another individual in a fast food restaurant parking lot in Tulsa. Williams was observed entering the lot in a black pick-up to meet the other man. Agents watched the man take possession of a white plastic bag from Williams and place it in the rear of his white SUV. Soon after, officers stopped the man for a traffic violation. He consented to a vehicle search and officers located 56 grams of methamphetamine in the rear of the vehicle in the same white bag he was seen receiving from Williams earlier. Fifty-six grams is equal to 24 dosage units and worth thousands of dollars. After the seizure, investigators continued their investigation of Williams.
In April 2021, two codefendants were charged in a superseding indictment with Williams and additional charges were added. Agents intercepted communication between Kamau Williams, Albert Thomas III, and Tanara Ruble involving a conspiracy to distribute heroin. The defendants used code words like “dog food” or “black Nike t-shirt” when discussing drug transactions. Agents learned from the communication that Williams was trafficking marijuana, methamphetamine, and heroin. The heroin conspiracy was alleged in Count 2.
Williams was also charged in Count 3 with distributing heroin based on a March 4, 2021, drug deal. Ruble met with Williams at the Love More Hookah Lounge, a business owned by Williams. The two were observed entering the business and Ruble exited a short time later. Within the next hour, Williams called Thomas who then met him at the hookah lounge. The two men entered the lounge and emerged after several minutes. After leaving, Thomas was again stopped by uniformed officers, and heroin was discovered along with Glock .45 caliber pistol.
In her closing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn McCormick told the jury they were provided the opportunity to peer into the secret life of a mid-level drug trafficker. These traffickers, she said, rarely keep large amounts of illicit drugs in their possession. Once Williams received the various drugs, she said, he rapidly distributed them in order to avoid detection and turn a quick profit. She further stated that all the evidence, when viewed a whole, pointed to Williams’ guilt.
The jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts.
On July 16, 2021, codefendant Tanara Monique Ruble, 40, of Tulsa, pleaded guilty to the heroin conspiracy. The case against codefendant Albert Thomas III, 39, of Sapulpa, continues in federal court. He remains innocent until proven guilty.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn A. McCormick and David A. Nasar are prosecuting the case.
Alleged California Kingpin Arrested and Charged with Directing Drug Conspiracies that Brought Bulk Quantities of Methamphetamine into Oklahoma and MissouriRead the Press Release
An alleged drug kingpin charged with directing a continuing criminal enterprise and organizing and directing at least three separate methamphetamine conspiracies in Oklahoma and Missouri was arrested this week in Bakersfield, California, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
“Today, a 13-count federal indictment was unsealed charging Luis Alfredo Jacobo with leading a continuing criminal enterprise that brought an estimated 2,000 pounds of methamphetamine into the Northern District of Oklahoma and southwestern Missouri for redistribution,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “I appreciate our law enforcement partners that brought this case forward for prosecution. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Duncombe will seek to hold Jacobo and his coconspirators accountable in federal court.”
“Methamphetamine continues to be one of the top drug threats in Oklahoma,” said Eduardo Chavez, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Dallas Field Division, which oversees operations in Oklahoma. “Simply put, methamphetamine destroys families across the state and within Oklahoma’s Indian Country. Our communities have felt the horrible effects of drug abuse and addiction. DEA Oklahoma is committed to make our communities safer and hold those accountable who push these deadly substances across our great nation.”
“Meth is an insidious drug that continues to take lives and devastate families throughout Oklahoma,” said Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics Director Donnie Anderson. “My agency is committed to working along-side our state, federal and local law enforcement partners to target, apprehend and prosecute these drug traffickers who threaten the safety and security of our citizens.”
Jacobo was arrested by federal agents Monday. Also arrested were Kelly Wayne Bryan and Curtis Anthony Jones in Missouri, who were charged as part of one of Jacobo’s alleged drug conspiracies. The indictment also charged Jesus Valdez Martinez and Antonio Cervantes Garcia as Jacobo’s coconspirators. Martinez is in federal custody for a related case in Montana. Garcia is in federal custody for a related case in the Western District of Oklahoma.
The superseding indictment was unsealed today, by order of the U.S. District Court.
Jacobo, using his Mexican sources of supply and Bakersfield as a base of operations, is alleged to have directed and organized a methamphetamine enterprise that consisted of at least three distribution conspiracies with three separate groups of individuals in Northeast Oklahoma and Southwest Missouri.
Jacobo allegedly set prices, determined methods of delivery and payment, and approved any suggestions made about the groups’ operations.
According to the indictment, bulk distributors brought the methamphetamine to Bakersfield from Mexico. From there, Jacobo directed that the methamphetamine be sent via U.S. mail to the groups in Oklahoma and Missouri or driven there in vehicles, sometimes in quantities of 50 to 100 pounds at a time. Coconspirators would drive large amounts of cash back to California or would mail cash payments back to Jacobo and to others at Jacobo’s direction. The coconspirators sometimes mailed as much as $100,000 cash at a time from Oklahoma to California as part of the enterprise.
A total of 10 defendants were charged in this second superseding indictment with one or more of the following crimes: Continuing Criminal Enterprise (Count 1); Drug Conspiracy (Counts 2-5); Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises (Counts 6,7); Interstate Travel to Aid Racketeering (Counts 8,13); Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (Count 9); Possession of Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (Count 10); Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (Count 11); and Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (Count 12).
Defendants charged in the indictment are:
- Luis Alfredo Jacobo, a/k/a “Lokz,” 30, of Bakersfield, California
- Antonio Cervantes Garcia, a/k/a “Tony Garcia,” 33, of Bakersfield, California
- William Donavan Johnson III, 46, of Grove
- Shauni Breanne Callagy, 31, of Grove
- David Scott Chambers, a/k/a "Scott Chambers,” 52, of Springfield, Missouri
- Gene Olen Charles Rast, a/k/a “Charlie Rast," 46, of Elkland, Missouri
- Renee Lynn Haynes, 40, of Bolivar, Missouri
- Jesus Valdez Martinez, a/k/a “Jesse Martinez,” a/k/a “Hostile,” 46, of Bolivar, Missouri
- Kelly Wayne Bryan, 54, of Joplin, Missouri
- Curtis Anthony Jones, 44, of Marshfield, Missouri
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The indictment resulted from an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation “Operation Pullin Chains.” The case is also related to a 231-pound methamphetamine seizure in October 2020 in Grove, made by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. The drugs were found inside a Grove storage unit along with more than $465,000 in cash.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, Bureau of Indian Affairs, City of Miami Police Department, Grove Police Department, Bakersfield Police Department, Kern County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Oklahoma District 13 Drug Task Force are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Duncombe is prosecuting the case.
24 Federal Prosecutors Take the Oath of Office in the Northern District of OklahomaRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – Twenty-four federal prosecutors have joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office within the last year and were sworn-in Wednesday by Chief U.S. District Judge John F. Heil III, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
The prosecutors were hired from across the nation to help prosecute the exponential increase in Indian Country cases following the Supreme Court’s decision in McGirt v Oklahoma. The Court asserted the Creek Nation reservation was never disestablished by Congress when Oklahoma became a state; therefore, criminal jurisdiction within the reservation’s boundaries lay with the Federal Government and the Muscogee Nation.
“Twenty-four Assistant U.S. Attorneys have answered the call to uphold federal law and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Oklahoma,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “I have witnessed their talent, innovation and willingness to learn as this office has faced numerous challenges over the last year due to our expanded jurisdiction. I am proud of their work and commend them for their spirit of service and dedication to justice.”
Judge Heil thanked the prosecutors for their service to the United States and to the district’s citizens. He further explained that as prosecutors for the United States they wield great power, but he reminded them to do so with wisdom and discernment. He then administered the oath of office to the following individuals:
Adam Bailey is a Colorado native who attended the University of Colorado and received his JD from the University of Denver. After nearly ten years as a state prosecutor, he served as counsel for the Department of Homeland Security’s Denver Field Office before coming to Oklahoma and the Northern District of Oklahoma.
Justin Bish attended undergraduate and law school at The Pennsylvania State University. While serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Western District of New York, Justin volunteered for a six-month detail to the Northern District of Oklahoma to assist with the large numbers of Indian Country cases following the Supreme Court’s ruling in July 2020 and has remained with the office.
Niko Boulieris grew up in Chicago and holds degrees from Marquette University and the Hamline University School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. He came to the Northern District of Oklahoma from the Hennepin County Attorney's Office in Minneapolis, after five years as a prosecutor.
John Brasher graduated from Texas A&M and obtained his law degree from Oklahoma City University. He served as an Assistant District Attorney in Tulsa County for 12 years after two years with the Oklahoma Attorney General’s and came to the Northern District of Oklahoma Office.
Steve Briden went to law school at the University of New Hampshire School of Law. After graduation, he worked for New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan, and then served as a prosecutor in Carroll County, New Hampshire, for four years before joining the Northern District of Oklahoma.
Thomas Buscemi attended undergraduate and law school at the University of Georgia. He joined the Northern District of Oklahoma after serving as an Assistant District Attorney in Glynn County, Georgia, for five years.
Julie Childress graduated from Appalachian State University and received her JD from Elon University School of Law. Before joining the Northern District of Oklahoma, she was a member of the U.S. Women’s Bobsled Team, interned with the United Nations at the Hague, and served as the Domestic Violence prosecutor in North Carolina.
Chantelle Dial grew up in Washington State, where she taught junior high Language Arts before attending Michigan State University College of Law. She joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Seattle as the 2017 Department of Justice Honors Indian Country Fellow and later volunteered for a detail to the Northern District of Oklahoma after the Supreme Court’s ruling. She has remained with the office.
Gina Gilmore graduated from the University of Texas and received her JD from the University of Arkansas School of Law. After serving as an Assistant District Attorney in Galveston County, Texas, for eight years, she became an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Western District of Texas. She initially came to the Northern District of Oklahoma as a volunteer following the Supreme Court’s ruling and has remained with the office.
Michael Harder graduated from Willamette University in 2015 and obtained his law degree from the University of Oregon in 2020. While in law school, he interned at the Northern District of Oklahoma. After graduation, he rejoined the office as the 2020 Department of Justice Honors Indian Country Fellow.
George Jiang graduated from Vanderbilt University and received his JD from Notre Dame Law School. He clerked for a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Southern District of Texas and a U.S. District Judge in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Before joining the Northern District of Oklahoma, he served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington D.C.
Aaron Jolly completed his undergraduate degree at Columbia College while working as a deputy sheriff and detective in Camden, Missouri. He later earned his JD from the University of Missouri–Columbia, served for three years as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Western District of Missouri, and then joined the Northern District of Oklahoma.
Chris Kelly attended Binghamton University and earned his JD from the University of Richmond. Before joining the NDOK, he served as an Assistant District Attorney in New York for fourteen years.
Valeria Luster received her BA from Oklahoma State University and a JD from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. Before joining the Northern District of Oklahoma, she served as an Assistant District Attorney in Adair County for nearly six years.
Nathan Michel is a native of Dodge City, Kansas, and a graduate of Baker University and the University of Kansas School of Law. Before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, he served for ten years as a judge advocate in the U.S. Marine Corps.
David Nasar attended the New York University School of Law and graduated in 2003. Before joining the Northern District of Oklahoma, he served an Assistant District Attorney at the New York County District Attorney’s Office for 17 years. Nasar joined the office’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force team.
Leah Paisner received her BA from the University of Virginia and her JD and MA from American University. Before joining the Northern District of Oklahoma, she was a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California in Oakland.
Alex Scott grew up in Marshall, Missouri, before attending the University of Missouri and later graduating from the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Law. He joined the Northern District of Oklahoma in August, after serving as an Assistant District Attorney in Kansas for more than eight years.
Brandon Skates was born and raised in Indiana, where he earned his law degree from Indiana University’s McKinney School of Law. Before joining the Department of Justice, he spent six years as an Assistant District Attorney and another two years as a Deputy Attorney General in Indiana.
Stacey Todd received her BA from Benedictine College and a JD from Quinnipiac University School of Law. Before joining the Northern District of Oklahoma, she served as the Assistant District Attorney of Modoc County for more than five years. She also served two years in civil litigation in Southern California.
Ben Tonkin grew up in Asheboro, North Carolina, and graduated from Duke University and the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. He practiced at a firm in New York City and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Western District of Texas. After the Supreme Court’s ruling, Ben volunteered to come to the Northern District of Oklahoma to assist and has remained with the office.
Sandra Urban was born and raised in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, attended Widener University, and earned her JD from the Stetson University College of Law. Before arriving in the Northern District of Oklahoma, she served as an Assistant District Attorney in the greater Philadelphia area for 12 years.
David Whipple holds undergraduate and graduate accounting degrees from Brigham Young University and received his JD from George Washington University Law School. Before joining the Northern District of Oklahoma, he worked at Fried Frank in Washington D.C. for three years and as trial counsel for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for seven years in Ft. Worth and Salt Lake City. Whipple works white collar crime cases for the district.
Cymetra Williams graduated from Holy Cross, earned two masters degrees at Columbia University, and received her law degree from Seton Hall. After two judicial clerkships, she worked in private practice and served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in New Jersey. She later volunteered to assist the Northern District of Oklahoma following the Supreme Court’s ruling and has remained with the office.
Catoosa Woman Halts Jury Trial and Instead Pleads Guilty to Fraudulently Applying for $1M in LoansRead the Press Release
A Catoosa woman halted her own jury trial and pleaded guilty Wednesday to a 28-count indictment charging her, in part, with submitting false loan applications totaling $1 million, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. At the time of her plea, a jury had been selected and federal prosecutors were set to proceed with their case.
Pamela Kathryn Conley, 59, pleaded guilty to 24 counts of bank fraud and four counts of aggravated identity theft.
“Pamela Conley made fraud her full time job when she lied on loan applications at 10 Oklahoma financial institutions, forged signatures, and received $800,000 in loan proceeds,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Conley’s web of lies caught up with her after Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rick Cella and Melody Nelson and IRS and Secret Service agents meticulously and thoroughly investigated her conduct. They are to be commended for their work that led to Conley’s conviction.”
As part of her scheme, Conley falsified and submitted documents to apply for approximately $1 million in loans, securing more than $800,000 in loan proceeds, which gave Conley access to cash, boats, and cars to support her lifestyle. As part of her scheme, Conley submitted forged earning statements suggesting that she held high level positions at various companies and earned approximately $200,000 annually.
Sometimes lying on applications was the full extent of Conley’s fraud. On other occasions, when loans were secured with collateral, Conley forged fictitious lien releases for bank collateral using the notarized signature of bank or credit union employees. Conley then caused the bogus lien releases to be filed with the Oklahoma Tax Commission. This allowed Conley to obtain clear title to the collateral without paying off her loans. This aspect of the scheme gave rise to the aggravated identity theft counts alleged in the indictment.
Chief U.S. District Judge John F. Heil III set sentencing for March 29, 2022.
IRS-Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Secret Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard M. Cella and Melody Noble Nelson prosecuted the case.
Tulsa Man Charged for Nightclub ShootingRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury this week handed down an indictment charging a 21-year-old Tulsa man with a nightclub shooting that occurred on Aug. 21, 2021, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Jaden Perez was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm in Indian Country and carrying, using, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
According to court documents, Perez punched a security guard at closing time near an exit door of Midnight Rodeo nightclub in Tulsa. Perez was forced outside by the security guard, and a physical altercation ensued. After the fight was broken up, Perez and his friends were escorted to their silver Honda.
The men eventually moved the car to another area of the parking lot as the crowd dispersed and security walked away. Perez then exited the car, ran across the parking lot and allegedly began shooting back toward security guards and the remaining crowd. Surveillance footage showed the suspect with arm extended and muzzle flashes coming from him. A security officer returned fire. Perez was hit and ran east on 46th Street until picked up by his friends in the silver car.
The security guard felt a pain in his chest during the shooting when he was apparently grazed by a bullet. Upon examination, he suffered bruising and redness to the left side of his chest.
A Tulsa police officer conducted a traffic stop on the silver vehicle in the area of 4800 S. Memorial Drive and found Perez suffering from gunshot wounds. Perez was transported by ambulance to St. Francis Hospital for treatment.
According to court documents, officers located a .45 caliber pistol and Glock 19 handgun in the car during the traffic stop. Officers also recovered spent .45 caliber bullet casings from the nightclub’s parking lot where Perez was seen running. They further located a Taurus 9mm pistol. Surveillance video showed the suspect possibly drop something in the area where the gun was found.
The defendant faces a maximum of 10 years in prison if convicted of count 1 in the indictment and a minimum of 10 years in prison to run consecutively to any other sentence if convicted of Count 2 in the indictment
Perez is a citizen of the Muscogee Nation, and the crime took place within the boundaries of the Muscogee Nation reservation.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The Tulsa Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Jiang is prosecuting the case.
Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
A Copan man was sentenced today in federal court after pleading guilty in January 2021 to Count 2 of a federal indictment- felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Terence C. Kern sentenced Thomas Jason Smith, 41, to 78 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release.
On Aug. 8, 2020, Smith was picked up by a friend in a stolen vehicle and taken to a hotel where they met up with several others. Tulsa Police Officers located the stolen vehicle at the hotel, observed several individuals exit the vehicle and enter a room, and then made contact with the group. In the hotel room, narcotics and multiple firearms were found. After a search of the stolen vehicle, officers discovered a .12 gauge shotgun in the back seat. In his plea agreement, Smith admitted that he knowingly possessed a Tri-Star.12 gauge semi-automatic shotgun. He stated that he knew that his possession of the firearm was prohibited due to his criminal history.
Judge Kern further ordered the defendant to pay $500 in restitution to a victim under count 1 of the indictment- burglary in the third degree in Indian Country. Smith stole the victim’s cell phone from a pickup that was parked at a Tulsa convenience store on Aug. 3, 2020.
The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cymetra M. Williams and Jeffrey A. Gallant prosecuted the case.
The 2150 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 those responsible as the “source” of the firearms to prohibited persons. The initiative was named in memory of Tulsa Police Sergeant Craig Johnson. Sgt. Johnson’s badge number, 2150, was selected for the initiative as a way to honor his life and his commitment to the Tulsa community.
Federal Grand Jury B Indictments Announced- SeptemberRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the September 2021 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
Jared Nathan Black. Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. Black, 45, of Jenks, is charged with pointing a firearm at the victim’s head and pulling the trigger after the victim intervened in a domestic assault. The gun malfunctioned and did not fire. In this superseding indictment, Black is further charged with discharging the firearm during a crime of violence. The FBI and Jenks Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor A.S. Regal is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-9
Cody Buzzard; Dakota Buzzard. First Degree Murder in Indian Country; 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. Cody, 27, and Dakota, 20, both of Grove, are charged with the first degree murder of Jerry Tapp. The brothers and others allegedly aided and abetted one another when they shot and killed Mr. Tapp on Aug. 1, 2019. In count 2, the defendants, along with others, allegedly shot a second victim during the same incident. Finally, the defendants are charged with brandishing and discharging a firearm during and relation to a crime of violence. The FBI; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and Delaware County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor A.S. Régal is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-351
Ty Warren Copeland; Eric Richard Lee Ramey. First Degree Burglary in Indian Country (Count 1); Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country (Counts 2, 3, 4); Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding- Misdemeanor (Count 5) (superseding). Copeland, 29, and Ramey, 24, both of Tulsa, were armed when they broke an outer door to a Sapulpa home and entered on Jan. 4, 2021. Copeland is further alleged to have assaulted an individual (victim 1) in the home by swinging a knife at the victim and stabbing a second victim (victim 2) with the knife. Ramey is alleged to have struck victim 2 on the head and elsewhere using a baseball bat. Finally, Copeland allegedly shoved victim 1 to the ground and kicked the victim. The FBI and Creek County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chantelle D. Dial is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-89
Joshua Jose Dicristofaro. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. On Aug. 31, 2021, Dicristofaro, 30, of Broken Arrow, allegedly swung a machete at the victim, striking the victim’s hands. The FBI and Broken Arrow Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah Paisner is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-416
Jeffrey Ryan Eaglin. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Eaglin, 32, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of an Israel Military Industries Desert Eagle 9x19 caliber semi-automatic pistol. He is further charged with possessing with intent to distribute marijuana and with possession of the pistol to further his marijuana trafficking crime. According to court documents, Eaglin is a member of the Irish Mob, and he admitted the drugs were going to be smuggled into jail/prison. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Nasar is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-417
Jeff Joseph Emery. 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; 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; Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition (superseding). Emery, 24, of Tulsa, allegedly assaulted two victims in a road rage incident when he pointed a firearm at them on Nov. 8, 2017. On March 10, 2020, Emery allegedly assaulted a third victim with intent to commit murder. The defendant threatened the victim then shot at him, striking his hand. Emery was also charged with being a felon in possession of a Norinco SKS 7.6 x 39 caliber rifle and ammunition. The FBI and Broken Arrow and Tulsa Police Departments are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah Paisner is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-90
Addison Wade Ennis. Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country. Ennis, 19, of Broken Arrow, allegedly sexually abused a minor between the ages of 12 and 16 on March 2, 2021. The FBI and Rogers County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven J. Briden is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-418
Robert P. Garcia. Felon in Possession of a Firearm; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises (superseding). Garcia, 39, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol. He is further charged with possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of cocaine. In this superseding indictment, he is also charged with knowingly possessing with intent to distribute 400 grams or more or of Fentanyl. He is further charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes and with maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing methamphetamine and cocaine. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Broken Arrow Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Nasar is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-358
Antonio Damon Gardner. Felony Murder in Indian Country; Robbery in Indian Country; Causing Death by Carrying, Using, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana; Causing Death by Carrying, Using, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime; Causing Death by Carrying, Using, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime. Gardner, 21, of Tulsa, allegedly engaged in a robbery with another individual on Oct. 12, 2020, and during the crime, shot and killed Philip Luster. Gardner and his accomplice committed the robbery and murder during a meeting to purchase marijuana from the victim. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-328
Denim Lee Blount; Hunter Lee Hobbs. Conspiracy to Carry, Use, Brandish, and Discharge a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence (Counts 1, 4); Attempted Carjacking (Count 2); Carrying, Using Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence (Count 3); Robbery in Indian Country (Count 5); Felony Murder in Indian Country (Count 6); Causing Death by Carrying, Using, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence (Count 7) (superseding) On May 8, 2021, at 10:29 pm, two men later identified as Hobbs, 20, of Bixby, and Blount, 19, of Tulsa, approached a man who was attempting to hook up his vehicle and trailer in an apartment complex parking. Based on surveillance footage, Blount pointed a shotgun at him, while Hobbs pointed a rifle at him. The two ordered the victim to get out of his vehicle, and when the victim refused, both men allegedly shot him multiple times. The two then fled, leaving the victim and his vehicle behind. The victim was transported to St. Francis Hospital for non-life threatening injuries. In this superseding indictment, Hobbs and Blount are also charged with conspiring to carry, use, and brandish firearms during a robbery in the early morning hours of May 13, 2021, at Haikey Creek Park in Broken Arrow. During the robbery, the two allegedly shot and killed Caleb Vaughn Collier and Kelly Ray Olen John Landsaw-Davis before fleeing the scene in Collier’s stolen vehicle. The FBI, Tulsa and Broken Arrow Police Departments, and U.S. Marshals Service are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leah Paisner and Christopher J. Nassar and are prosecuting the case. 21-CR-233
Alexander Michael Koloff. Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling and Suffocating in Indian Country; Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding (Misdemeanor). On Nov. 6, 2020, Koloff, 29, assaulted a dating partner by wrapping his arm around her neck and strangling her. He is further charged with beating and wounding the victim. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko A. Boulieris is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-419
Kyle Jordan Sanders. First Degree Burglary in Indian Country. On Aug. 31, 2021, Sanders, 34, of Colcord, allegedly broke an outer door of a home and entered with an occupant inside with intent to commit a crime. The FBI is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn A. McCormick is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-425
Dakota Wayne Martin. Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor Under 12 in Indian Country. Martin, 27, of Claremore, is charged with the aggravated sexual abuse of a child younger than 12 years of age. The FBI and Claremore Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra M. Urban is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-408
Jaden Perez. 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. Perez, 21, of Tulsa, is alleged to have shot a nightclub security guard after an altercation between Perez and security guards at closing time on Aug. 21, 2021. During the shooting, a bullet apparently grazed the security guard who suffered bruising and redness to the left side of his chest. The security guard returned fire and wounded Perez who was taken to a local hospital for treatment. See more details here. The Tulsa Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Jiang is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-420
John Lewis Powell, Jr.; Ernest Charles Baker III. Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country; Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country. Powell Jr., 41, of Ralston, is charged with assaulting a victim, with intent to commit murder, when he repeatedly struck the victim in the head, neck and back with a hatchet. Baker III, 63, of Ralston, is charged with assaulting the same victim, with intent to commit murder, when he joined in on the assault and shouted “Go down mother****er” and “Why don’t you die, motherf***er.” The crime occurred on Sept. 8, 2018. The FBI is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Harder is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-427
Roy Dale Sewell. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country (Counts 1, 2). Sewell is charged with assaulting two victims by striking the victims with a metal baton. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-421
Chad Eric Smith. Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force and Threat in Indian Country; First Degree Burglary in Indian Country; Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country. On Nov. 10, 2016, Smith, 39, currently incarcerated, allegedly broke into a home and attempted to rape a victim, placing the victim in fear of death and serious injury. He further struck the victim on her face and body, resulting in a broken nose. The FBI, Catoosa Police Department and Rogers County District Attorney’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra M. Urban is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-409
Michael David Bradley Vanderburg; Emily Krick. Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor Under 12 in Indian Country; Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor in Indian Country; Lewd Acts with a Child Under 16 in Indian Country; Sexual Exploitation of a Child by a Parent or Guardian; Distribution of Child Pornography; Receipt of Child Pornography. In Count 1, Vanderburg, 33, and Krick, 19, both of Tulsa, are charged with sexually abusing a child younger than 12 years of age from May 1, 2021, to Aug. 20, 2021. They are charged with engaging in sexual contact with the victim during the same timeframe. The defendants are further charged in Count 3 with exposing the minor victim and a second minor victim to look upon a sexual act performed in the minors’ presence, from May 1, 2021, to Aug. 20, 2021. In Count 4, Vanderburg is also charged with having a child engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual images from March 31, 2021, to Aug. 20, 2021. Finally, Vandenburg is charged in Count 5 with distribution of child pornography and in Count 6 with receipt of child pornography. The Tulsa Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathan E. Michel and Christopher J. Nassar are prosecuting the case. 21-CR-410
William Rhea Wadlow Jr. Robbery in Indian country; Carrying, Using, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. Wadlow Jr., 22, of Locust Grove, allegedly shot toward and robbed a victim on April 14, 2021. The FBI and Mayes County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Kelly is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-422
Tulsa “Peeping Tom” Pleads Guilty to Numerous Sex Crimes, Including Those Targeting Minor VictimsRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man who broke into three homes, attempted to sexually assault two victims, and later solicited a 16-year old for child pornography, pleaded guilty today in federal court.
”Jesse Moore roamed Tulsa’s neighborhoods and terrorized his victims. He peered inside windows, broke into homes, and targeted at least two victims for sexual assault. Then while awaiting trial, he coerced a minor into sending him sexually explicit photographs and videos,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “This dangerous criminal no longer poses a threat to our community thanks to dedicated work of Tulsa Police Detectives and federal prosecutor Joel-lyn McCormick.”
“The acts this person committed against the citizens of Tulsa are horrific and incomprehensible. Had intervention not occurred, this criminal behavior would have only worsened. I am very proud of the work done by Tulsa Police Officers involved with bringing this predator to justice, and thankful for the efforts of the United States Attorney's Office for prosecuting Moore,” said Tulsa Police Chief Wendell Franklin. “While this arrest will not eliminate the trauma these families endured, I hope that putting this man behind bars provides them with a bit of closure.”
In a blind plea, Jesse Thomas Moore, 19, admitted to the following charges: lewd acts with a child under 16 in Indian Country; three counts of burglary in the first degree in Indian Country; attempted sexual abuse by threat in Indian Country; Coercion and Enticement of a Minor; Attempted Production of Child Pornography; and Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography. Moore is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 27, 2021.
On May 5, 2020, Moore broke into a home on South Florence Avenue where a child was sleeping. Once inside, Moore entered the victim’s room and started to masturbate. He then tried to get the minor to go to the bathroom with him. When the victim resisted, he slung ejaculate toward the victim then left the residence.
On Nov. 8, 2020, he broke into a home on South Urbana Place with intent to commit a lewd act with a child. Shortly after 7:30 p.m., he entered the backyard of the residence and entered the home through the back door. When the child saw Moore, he screamed. Moore then fled the home. The mother of the child told investigators Moore had been in her back yard and looked into her windows at other times starting in October 2020.
On Dec. 13, 2020, Moore also broke into a home on South Evanston Avenue. Once inside, he discovered the victim and a male sleeping in a bedroom. He began touching the victim, causing her to awaken. He then threatened the victim by stating, “Get the f*** up and don’t say anything or I’ll f***ing kill you.” Moore forced the woman to the living room where he attempted to rape her. As Moore covered her mouth, the victim bit his right hand, causing him to let go and flee the scene.
Video obtained by officers showed Moore stepping onto the front porch, unscrewing the porch light then entering the South Evanston residence at 6:36 a.m. Then video showed Moore exiting the residence at 7:18 a.m., after the attempted rape. The crime occurred after multiple Peeping Tom incidents earlier in the week at the same residence by Moore.
The defendant was eventually arrested and charged for the crimes.
While in custody awaiting trial for charges related to the “Peeping Tom” incidents, Moore began accessing the program JailATM by means of a stationary kiosk or portable smart pad in order to video chat or message with a 16-year-old female whom he referred to as his girlfriend.
During conversations that occurred from Aug. 1, 2021, to Aug. 19, 2021, Moore repeatedly pressured the minor for sexually explicit video and images of herself and to engage in sexually explicit behavior while the two video chatted. The minor attempted to send some pre-recorded videos. Moore received at least one video while others were auto rejected by the system. Moore repeatedly told the minor to figure out how to send the videos differently, like she did before, so they would not be rejected. During one video chat, Moore was able to convince the minor to engage in sexually explicit behavior.
Moore is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation.
The Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn A. McCormick is prosecuting the case.
Mounds Man Found Guilty of First Degree Murder in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
A jury today convicted a 31-year-old Mounds man for shooting and killing an acquaintance the day the two rekindled an old friendship.
“A federal jury evaluated compelling evidence presented by federal prosecutors and found Kyle Sago guilty of murdering Daniel Morgan. I am thankful for exemplary performance by Assistant U.S Attorneys Ross Lenhardt and Aaron Jolly during the three-day trial,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “As evidenced by two murder convictions in two trials this week, my office and our partners at the FBI and Tulsa Police Department have demonstrated we will uphold the law and fight for justice on behalf of victims of gun violence and their families.”
Kyle Quentin Sago, 31, was found guilty of first degree murder in Indian Country, two counts of felon in possession of ammunition; and causing death by using and discharging a firearm in the commission of first degree murder.
On July 25, 2020, Officers from the Tulsa Police Department were notified of a shooting that occurred within the Muscogee Nation reservation. A witness, victim Daniel Morgan’s girlfriend, identified Kyle Sago as having fired the shots that killed the victim.
At trial, Morgan’s girlfriend explained that she woke up at about 3:30 pm the day of the crime and saw Sago visiting with the victim. Morgan introduced Sago as a good friend. She noticed burns on Sago’s arms. Morgan explained that he had saved Sago years ago from a fire at a meth lab. She said the two continued to exchange stories and visited.
After Sago left, the victim lay down for a nap because he had been working the night prior. Morgan’s girlfriend then heard multiple Facebook Messenger calls to the victim’s phone while he was asleep. She noted that Kyle Sago initiated the calls.
The witness stated that Sago soon returned to the residence in a white sedan When she stepped outside, he demanded to speak with Morgan about "business" and she should wake him.
When Morgan walked outside, the witness stated that she heard multiple gunshots. She moved to the door and witnessed Sago shoot at Morgan approximately four more times from the white sedan as the victim retreated around to the side of the house.
Other witnesses called 911 and ran to assist. Morgan’s girlfriend also assisted and called the victim’s mother. She further cooperated with authorities in identifying Sago as the shooter. Daniel Morgan sustained 4 gunshot wounds and died at the scene.
Several witnesses who saw the crime occur confirmed the suspect shot from the same white sedan and continued to drive and fire at the victim as he ran for cover.
Law enforcement testified that during their investigation, they recovered three spent 9mm shell cases from the street near where Sago was located when he shot Morgan. Officers later discovered two spent 9mm shell cases inside Sago’s white sedan and located nine spent 9mm shell cases in the backyard of Sago’s home. The Tulsa Police Department’s crime lab verified the cases found in the victim’s car and at his home matched the 3 shell cases found at the scene of the crime.
After the United States rested its case, Sago took the stand and testified that he and Morgan had been friends since Sago was 15 and he had previously lived with Morgan for one year. He noted that he had reached out to Morgan approximately two months prior to the crime and the two had exchanged messages, agreeing to meet. The day of the murder, Sago admitted that after the initial meeting, he had tried to contact Morgan via Messenger multiple times and told Morgan’s girlfriend to have the victim come outside. He stated that Morgan looked angry, threw down his cell phone, and started walking to the car. He stated that he felt threatened as Morgan approached and fired at the victim to protect himself.
In closing, lead federal prosecutor Ross Lenhardt thanked the jury for their service to the community and to the family and friends who had attended the trial. He then debunked the defendant’s claim of self defense by reviewing the evidence. He reminded the jury that Sago took time to get gas before the shooting, continuously checked up on the victim via Messenger, took his firearm with him when he returned to the home, confirmed his target was present, asked for the victim to come out of the house, and hid his firearm until Morgan got close enough to fire at him. Sago paused… then continued firing at the victim as he ran for cover with his back exposed and hunched over. Sago shot again, and again, and again and again. Sago then hid the gun, his phone, and his car to hinder the investigation. Lenhardt stated the evidence showed that Sago acted with premeditation, and therefore, the jury must find the defendant guilty of first-degree murder.
The jury deliberated for two hours then returned guilty verdicts on all counts.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ross E. Lenhardt and Aaron M. Jolly prosecuted the case. Mr. Lenhardt is a prosecutor from the Western District of Pennsylvania. He volunteered to assist prosecution efforts here in the Northern District of Oklahoma due to increased jurisdictional responsibilities regarding crimes involving Native American victims or defendants and that occur within the Muscogee Nation and Cherokee Nation Reservations.
Defendant Convicted of the First Degree Murder of a Man on a BicycleRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted a Tulsa man Tuesday of first-degree murder. Prosecutors contended that the defendant shot and killed the victim, who was riding a bicycle, in order to impress members of the Savage Boys street gang, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
“Devon Blevins fired twice across the hood of a car he was riding in and callously murdered Maurice Burgess,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “A federal jury held Mr. Blevins accountable for this senseless crime by convicting him of first degree murder. I am thankful for the jury’s service, and I commend the diligent work of the FBI, Tulsa Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Heatherman and Mike Harder who pursued justice in this case.”
Devon Blevins, 28, of Tulsa, was found guilty of first-degree murder in Indian Country and causing death by using and discharging a firearm during the commission of first degree murder. Count 3 of the indictment was dismissed.
Blevin’s codefendant, Jacob Bruce Banks, 21, was the driver of the car, and on Sept. 17, 2021, he pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact to first degree murder in Indian Country. The two defendants are members of the Savage Boys street gang and did not know the victim.
On April 12, 2021, just after 8 pm, officers were notified of a shooting that occurred in the parking lot of the Waterstone Apartments near South Peoria Avenue. Officers discovered the victim, Maurice Burgess, on the ground near a bicycle with apparent gunshot wounds. No weapon was found on or near the victim.
Several witnesses stated that shortly after the shooting, they observed a red 4-door Nissan Altima depart from the parking lot and head toward 61st Street and South Peoria Avenue. Detectives reviewed surveillance footage from the area and observed a red Nissan Altima with distinct damage on the front passenger-side bumper. Surveillance video also showed the car trailing the victim, the victim falling from his bicycle, and a figure positioned in the car’s window.
Later, on April 17, 2021, a Tulsa police officer received information regarding the discharge of a firearm in public. During his investigation, the officer conducted a traffic stop on a red Nissan Altima after it failed to stop at a stop sign. As the officer approached the vehicle, he observed a rifle in the passenger seat of the vehicle and codefendant Jacob Banks in the driver’s seat. The officer then arrested Banks for possessing a deadly weapon and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Detectives requested the officer examine the damage to the car, and it was determined to be consistent with the damage observed on the car seen in video surveillance from April 12, 2021, when Mr. Burgess was killed.
Codefendant Banks testified in court that on the day of the crime, both men were armed. Blevins told him there was a silver vehicle following people and directed Banks to drive in the area to look for the silver vehicle. Instead, the defendants saw an African American male on a bicycle ahead of them closest to the driver’s side of the car. Banks stated that Blevins propped himself up, sitting on the ledge of an open front passenger window, and fired multiple times across the hood of the vehicle hitting the man. Banks quickly drove away from the scene.
In an April 20, 2021, interview with police, Blevins admitted he was responsible for the shooting but stated that the man on the bicycle had reached for his waist area, and Blevins thought he may have been reaching for a handgun. Blevins stated that he positioned himself on the car’s open window ledge then shot the victim twice. During the interview, he also told detectives that he recently joined the Savage Boys and that during the shooting he “didn’t want these guys thinking my loyalty wasn’t with them.” He said he wanted the shooting to “look good” so that Banks would give him the “okay” to be “admissioned in” to the gang. Blevins chose not to testify at trial.
During closing arguments, Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Heatherman, lead prosecutor in the case, called it a senseless murder caught on surveillance tape. He and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Harder recounted the evidence offered at trial and contended that Blevins committed a murder to show his loyalty to the Savage Boys.
The prosecutors argued that Blevins was looking for trouble that day. They explained that as the victim rode his bicycle in the parking lot ahead of the Nissan, the defendant pulled himself halfway out of the window- taking a tactical position, switched off the American Heritage six shooter’s safety, pulled the hammer back, laid his elbows across the car to steady his aim, and shot the victim, striking him in the throat. He pulled the hammer back again and shot the victim a second time. He pulled the trigger a third time, but the revolver misfired. He then fled the scene with Banks and disposed of the weapon. They reminded the jury that these are not the actions of an individual who acted in self defense.
The jury returned guilty verdicts two hours later.
The Tulsa Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan H. Heatherman and Michael F. Harder prosecuted the case.
Sand Springs Man Sentenced for Kidnapping a Former GirlfriendRead the Press Release
A Sand Springs man who kidnapped and threatened to kill a former dating partner was sentenced today in federal court, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Michael Joseph Pointer, 43, to 15 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release.
Pointer pleaded guilty in May 2021 to carjacking; kidnapping in Indian Country; and carrying, using, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. According to court documents and hearings, Pointer had a history of threats and acts of violence.
In a written plea plea agreement, Pointer admitted that on April 3, 2020, he kidnapped a former dating partner using force and intimidation. The defendant threatened to kill the victim and her family in a ‘bloodbath’ and fired his shotgun at the victim, narrowly missing her head. At that time, Pointer knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his previous felony conviction.
Pointer then took the victim and her Mercury minivan, driving her around Tulsa against her will. At one point, the victim was able to break away from Pointer and run into a convenience store where she hid in a bathroom. A store employee called authorities. Tulsa Police officers responded to the call, located the vehicle, and conducted a traffic stop. Officers discovered a 12-gauge shot gun and ammunition in the vehicle.
At his sentencing hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Chantelle Dial stated that Pointer exhibited an escalating pattern of domestic violence since 2005. She noted previous allegations of abuse, including an incident where Pointer strangled an intimate partner. Dial suggested that based on domestic violence statistics, those strangulation allegations coupled with his use of a firearm during the kidnapping made it far more likely Pointer would kill his next intimate partner.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chantelle Dial prosecuted the case.
Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Abusive Sexual Contact with a Child Under 12Read the Press Release
A man who sexually abused a young child was sentenced Wednesday in federal court.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Travis Dray Stewart, 41, to 240 months in federal prison followed by 10 years of supervised release.
Stewart pleaded guilty on May 24, 2021, to abusive sexual contact in Indian Country.
In his plea agreement, Stewart admitted to making sexual contact with a child under 12 years of age between June 2003 and September 2005. The U.S. Attorney’s Office charged Stewart after his May 2015 conviction in Tulsa County District Court was overturned due to lack of jurisdiction following the Supreme Court’s McGirt v Oklahoma decision.
“Travis Dray Stewart will spend 20 years in federal prison for harming a young child,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The resulting trauma associated with child sexual abuse is life altering and long lasting. I encourage anyone who is struggling with the trauma of abuse to seek community resources to help in their recovery. No victim should suffer in silence.”
Resources are available to assist in recovery. You can start your search for assistance by contacting:
-Oklahoma’s SafeLine at 1-800-522-SAFE (7233).
-National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). Information on reporting and recovery can be found on NCMEC’s site https://www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow/csam-resources.
Suspected child neglect and abuse can be reported to the Oklahoma Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-522-3511 and/or to local law enforcement.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Reagan V. Reininger is prosecuting the case.
Inmate who Orchestrated Two Separate Drug Conspiracies from Prison SentencedRead the Press Release
A man who orchestrated two major drug conspiracies while he was an inmate at an Oklahoma Department of Corrections facility was sentenced today in federal court, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced Tymalk Quane Love, 31, to a total of 10 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. The defendant received five years for drug conspiracy and five years for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which will be served consecutively.
“Using contraband cell phones, Tymalk Love directed the trafficking of methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl from behind prison walls. This lethal drug operation posed a continued threat in our communities but was shut down thanks to the work local, state and federal law enforcement,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting Oklahomans and stands ready to prosecute any individual, living in our communities or behind bars, who directs the sale of illicit drugs in northern Oklahoma.”
In a written plea agreement, Love admitted that from January 2018 to February 2019, he conspired with Anthony Ward Irving, Casey Joe Eastwood, and others, including a Tulsa “Facilitator,” to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and an unknown quantity of heroin.
While incarcerated, the defendant organized the other members’ activities and coordinated shipments, payments, and the distribution of methamphetamine and heroin. Love did so using contraband cell phones.
Anthony Irving lived in Arizona at the time of the conspiracy and helped provide large quantities of drugs to be redistributed. Casey Eastwood lived in Arkansas and helped redistribute the drugs to end-users. Love coordinated with both men and further instructed a Tulsa Facilitator on when and where to obtain, pay for, and distribute the drugs.
Love also admitted that the Facilitator possessed a firearm to protect the methamphetamine and drug proceeds from possible theft, and that the Facilitator’s gun possession in furtherance of the drug trafficking operation was reasonably foreseeable to him.
Love further admitted that from January to February 2019, he conspired with the same Tulsa Facilitator to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. Love again used contraband cell phones to communicate with the Facilitator from prison about when and in what manner pills laced with fentanyl and shipped from Mexico would be sent to the Facilitator’s house in Tulsa. The fentanyl pills, often referred to as “Mexican Oxys,” are illicitly manufactured in Mexico to look like prescription oxycodone tablets. Users frequently believe they are taking oxycodone or a comparable opioid, but the fentanyl laced pills, which are much stronger than oxycodone, often lead to overdose and death.
Love admitted that the proceeds from his drug conspiracies totaled $201,800.
The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas E. Duncombe and Kevin C. Leitch prosecuted the case.
Claremore Man Pleads Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter after Causing a Collision that Killed a WomanRead the Press Release
A Claremore man pleaded guilty today in federal court for driving recklessly and under the influence of alcohol when he caused an accident that killed a passenger in his vehicle, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Billy Shane Hemphill, 48, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter.
“Billy Hemphill’s series of irresponsible choices resulted in a collision that took one life and injured two others,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The victim’s family and friends have endured a tremendous loss because of Hemphill’s criminal actions. Today, he has been held responsible for his conduct.”
In a blind plea, Hemphill admitted that on Aug. 11, 2019, he was driving recklessly while impaired and caused an accident that took the life a passenger.
The accident occurred at 11:30 pm on South 4210 Road, just south of 410 Road. The investigation revealed that Hemphill was traveling north at a high rate of speed when the passenger side of the vehicle veered off the road into a steep ditch. Hemphill eventually crashed into three trees, and the pick-up came to a rest. Witnesses stated that Hemphill was drinking alcohol and driving recklessly before the accident. First responders observed beer cans at the scene and noted the defendant smelled of alcohol. The passenger died at the scene. Hemphill and two other passenger were transported to hospitals in Tulsa and Claremore.
Hemphill will be sentenced on Jan. 20, 2022.
The FBI, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. The Foyil Fire Department was the first to responded to the scene of the accident. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey P. Todd prosecuted the case.
Tulsa Man Sentenced to 47 months in Prison for Domestic Violence AssaultRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man was sentenced Monday in federal court for assaulting and strangling his former intimate partner, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced Terrance DuJuan Reed, 29, to 47 months followed by 3 years of supervised release.
“Terrance Reed violently beat and strangled his former intimate partner and now will spend almost four years in prison,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “A woman’s risk of being murdered increases exponentially if she has previously suffered non-fatal strangulation at the hands of her intimate partner. What we know is that successful domestic violence prosecutions coupled with access to vital community resources can save lives. My office remains committed to supporting victims and holding these dangerous perpetrators accountable for the emotional and physical harm they inflict on their partners.”
On June 8, 2020, Reed pleaded guilty to assault of an intimate partner by strangling, suffocating, or attempting to strangle or suffocate in Indian Country.
According to the complaint and accompanying affidavit initially filed in the case, Reed asked for a ride on Feb. 16, 2020. During the car ride, Reed began yelling at and questioning the victim about a recent trip she took with friends. Once they arrived at his destination, he demanded to check her text messages. Following the victim’s refusal to hand over her cell phone, Reed punched the victim, dragged her from the car, and began to strangle the victim with his hands. He then placed his arm around her throat and neck and strangled her until she passed out. He continued his violent attack by punching the victim in the head, eyes, and mouth. Upon regaining consciousness, the victim attempted to call 911 for help, but Reed took her cell phone and fled the scene.
The victim drove herself to a family member’s home to receive help, 911 was called, and emergency responders transported the victim to the hospital for care.Reed was located and arrested by Tulsa Police officers on Feb.17, 2020.
Intimate Partner Violence statistics:
-On a typical day, domestic violence hotlines nationwide receive approximately 20,800 calls.
-According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 4 adult women and approximately 1 in 7 adult men report having experienced severe physical violence.
-About 55% of female homicide victims in the United States were killed by an intimate partner who abused them.
-Strangulation has been identified as one of the most lethal forms of domestic violence: unconsciousness may occur within seconds and death within minutes.
-Visible signs of strangulation may not occur for hours to days after the incident.
- Injuries resulting from strangulation are often not visible.
-Learn more about the short and long term effects of strangulation here: https://www.familyjusticecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Facts-Victims-of-Strangulation-Choking-Need-to-Know-Brochure-2017.pdf or at https://www.thehotline.org/resources/the-dangers-of-strangulation/.
You can find more domestic violence statistics at the National Hotline for Domestic Violence here.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cymetra M. Williams prosecuted the case.
U.S. Manager of Money Laundering Ring in a Nigerian Romance Scam SentencedRead the Press Release
An Oklahoma man was sentenced today in the Northern District of Oklahoma to four years in prison for managing a group of money launderers in an online Nigerian romance scam that defrauded multiple victims, including elderly individuals across the United States, and caused losses of at least $2.5 million.
The Court further ordered Afeez Adebara, 36, of Norman, to pay $500, 740 in restitution to the victims of the crime.
“Afeez Adebara led a group of money launderers who bilked unsuspecting victims out of their hard-earned retirement and savings accounts as part of a Nigerian romance scam,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “This con artist and his cohorts have been brought to justice thanks to the work of the FBI and federal prosecutors Babasijibomi Moore and Chris Nassar.”
Adebara pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on Nov. 3, 2020. According to court documents and testimony, between 2017 and November 2019, Adebara and co-conspirators knowingly concealed the proceeds of a romance scam operation by moving money between and among multiple bank accounts that were opened under various aliases using fake passports and other fraudulent identification documents to obscure the source of the funds and the identities of the co-conspirators. Thereafter, Adebara took further steps to conceal the source of the funds, took a commission for himself, and directed the remainder of the funds back to the online romance scammers in Nigeria, including in the form of vehicles and vehicle parts.
Adebara coordinated with overseas co-conspirators who had assumed false identities on online dating websites and social media platforms to defraud victims. Adebara opened multiple accounts using fraudulent identities, then provided the account and routing numbers to the overseas co-conspirators. The overseas co-conspirators told victims that they were U.S. residents working or traveling abroad. As the online relationships continued, the overseas co-conspirators requested increasingly larger sums of money, with the claimed purpose that the funds were needed to complete business projects or for them to return to the United States. The victims were directed by the overseas co-conspirators to send funds to certain bank accounts, with assurance that the money would purportedly be allocated as needed.
Previously, John Ogundele, 32, of New York, New York, was sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment; Paul Usoro, 25, a Nigerian citizen and lawful permanent resident of the United States residing in Norman, was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, six of which were to be served in home confinement; Joshua Ditep, 26, a Nigerian citizen and lawful permanent resident of the United States residing in Norman, was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment, five of which were to be served in home confinement; Tobiloba Kehinde, 29, a Nigerian citizen residing in Norman, was sentenced to eight months imprisonment, four of which were to be served in home confinement; and Chibuzo Obiefuna, 28, of Long Beach, California, and Jamiu Adedeji, 25, a Nigerian citizen residing in Norman, were each sentenced to time served.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Clinton J. Johnson for the Northern District of Oklahoma, and Special Agent in Charge Melissa Godbold of the FBI-Oklahoma City Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office conducted the investigation with assistance from the FBI’s San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York Field Offices.
Trial Attorneys Babasijibomi Moore of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Nassar of the Northern District of Oklahoma prosecuted the case.
This case is part of an ongoing national effort by the Department of Justice to address online fraud schemes, including those based out of Nigeria, that target U.S. citizens and residents. The public is encouraged to report potential online fraud activity or scams to the FBI at https://www.ic3.gov/.
Federal Grand Jury A Indictments Announced- SeptemberRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the September 2021 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.
Maidel Aguilar-Morales. Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by an Alien Illegally in the United States. Aguilar-Morales, 31, of Sapulpa, is charged with being an alien unlawfully in the United States in possession of a Byrco Arms .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol and ammunition. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, Sapulpa Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. McLoughlin is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-404
Karee Dawn Alvarez. Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country; 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. On May 27, 2021, a hospital security officer investigated a complaint that possible gun shots were heard in the medical center’s parking lot. During that investigation, the security guard approached Alvarez in a parked car. Alvarez, 20, is alleged to have pulled a firearm from the glove compartment and shot him. The officer returned fire, striking the defendant. Alvarez did not own the vehicle nor the firearm. The FBI, Tulsa Police Department and Hillcrest Security are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bandon A. Skates is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-383
Preston James Campbell. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Unlawful User of a Controlled Substance in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Campbell, 38, of Bristow, is charged with being a felon in possession of a loaded Charter Arms Corp. Bulldog .44 caliber pistol and ammunition. He is also charged with being a drug user in possession of the pistol and ammunition. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Creek County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Jiang is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-39
Keith Vann Cone. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. Cone, 26, of Tulsa, allegedly assaulted the victim with a dangerous weapon by pointing a firearm at the victim and threatening to kill him on Aug. 21, 2021. The FBI and Bixby Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-395
Julian Cruz Reyes. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Cruz Reyes, 40, was found in the United States after having been deported on June 23, 2007, 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. 21-CR-405
Jeffrey Carl Cunningham. Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor Under 12 Years of Age in Indian Country (counts 1, 2). Cunningham, 44, of Eucha, allegedly sexually abused two male victims under 12 years of age. The first crime is alleged to have taken place on Sept. 21, 2003, and the second crime on Jan. 1, 2011. The FBI and Delaware County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-384
Jordan Matthew Dement; James Dylan Buchanan. First Degree Burglary in Indian Country. Dement, 19, and Buchanan, 20, both of Sand Springs, allegedly broke into a Sand Springs home from an outer window in order to commit a burglary on Aug. 9, 2021. The FBI and Sand Springs Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-396
Robert Burnett Dixon Jr.: Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling, Suffocating, and Attempting to Strangle and Suffocate in Indian Country. Dixon Jr., 44, of Tulsa, allegedly strangled an intimate partner on Aug.22, 2021. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Jiang is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-406
Robert William Fulton. 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). Fulton, 31, of Tulsa, allegedly fired his gun at a female victim on May 13, 2021, after she followed him from her home believing he was stealing plumbing supplies while he was working there. Later the same day, Fulton is also alleged to have pulled his firearm, approached a male victim in a pick-up truck, and shot the victim through the vehicle’s windshield. He is further charged with two counts of brandishing and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor A.S. Régal is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-385
Raul Hernandez-Moreno; Nicole Marie Hughes; Carlos Alfredo Arroliga. Carjacking (Counts 1,3); Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence (Counts 2,4); Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by an Alien Illegally in the United States (Count 5); Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition (Count 6). Hernandez-Moreno, 20, Hughes, 27, and Arroloiga, 26, all of Tulsa, are charged with brandishing a firearm and carjacking a victim, taking his 2006 Mazda 3 on Oct. 26, 2020. They are also charged with brandishing a firearm and carjacking a second victim, taking his 2010 Chevrolet Silverado the same day. Hernandez-Moreno is further charged with being and alien unlawfully in the United States and possessing a Bersa 9x19-caliber handgun and 13 rounds of ammunition. Finally, Hughes is charged with being a felon in possession of a Bersa 9x19-caliber handgun and 13 rounds of ammunition. The FBI, Tulsa Police Department, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina S. Gilmore is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-386
Jose Guadalupe Jimenez-Barrios; Humberto Diaz-Rivas; Aleph Zain Farias-Jimenez; Miriam Jimenez; Gerardo Rodales-Morales. Drug Conspiracy (Count 1); Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (Count 2); Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises Counts 3, 4, 5). Jimenez-Barrios, 33, of Mounds; Diaz-Rivas, 36, residence unknown; Farias-Jimenez, 34, residence unknown; Jimenez 33, of Mounds; and Rodales-Morales, 35, of Tulsa, are charged with conspiring together and with others to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. They are further charged with knowingly possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Finally, they allegedly maintained a residence in Mounds for the purpose of manufacturing and distributing methamphetamine and maintained two residences in Tulsa for the purpose of distributing methamphetamine. All defendants except Miriam Jimenez are aliens unlawfully in the United States. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Tonkin is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-398
Christopher James Johnson. Receipt of Stolen Property in Indian Country; Eluding Police Officers in Indian Country. Johnson, 39, of Tulsa, is charged with receiving stolen goods, specifically a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado that had a firearm and $900 worth of tools inside. The vehicle was stolen on Aug. 23, 2021, in Bixby. Later that day, a Tulsa Police officer saw the vehicle. When the officer pulled up behind the pick-up, Johnson allegedly sped away. The vehicle eventually went airborne as Johnson crested a hill then crashed. The defendant exited the vehicle and was pursued by the officer. He was tracked by a K-9 and later found hiding beneath a parked truck. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan E. Michel is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-400
Derek Lee Lovell. Attempted Kidnapping in Indian Country; Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony in Indian Country; Attempting to Influence, Delay, and Prevent Testimony Through Corrupt Persuasion (superseding). Lovell, 37, of Tulsa, is charged with attempting to kidnap a female victim on Jan. 28, 2021. He is further charged with assaulting the victim when he attempted to kidnap her. In this superseding indictment, he is also charged with urging the victim to make false statements to use in his defense at a pretrial hearing and at jury trial. The Tulsa Police Department and FBI are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie A. Childress is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-48
Jesse Thomas Moore. Lewd Acts With a Child Under 16 in Indian Country (Count 1); Burglary in the First Degree in Indian Country (Counts 2,3,5); Attempted Sexual Abuse by Threat in Indian Country (Count 4) Coercion and Enticement of a Minor (Count 6); Attempted Production of Child Pornography (Count 7) ;Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography (Count 8) (superseding) Moore, 19, of Tulsa, broke into a home and allegedly ejaculated on or near a minor under the age of 16 on May 6, 2020. According to the indictment, Moore also broke into a different individual’s home with intent to commit a crime by forcibly entering the outer door of the house on Nov. 8, 2020. On Dec. 13, 2020, he broke into another home and allegedly attempted to rape a female victim after he told her to “get the f**k up and don’t say anything or I’ll f**king kill you.” In this superseding indictment, Moore is also alleged to have coerced a minor victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography from January 2021 to August 2021. He further requested she send the sexually explicit videos and images of herself to him via the program “JailATM” while he was in federal custody. You can find further details in the press release covering a second complaint filed against Moore in August 2021. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn A. McCormick is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-47
Catherine Lee Petersen. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Catherine Lee Petersen, 59, of Los Lunas, New Mexico, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Pietro Bereta .40 S&W caliber pistol and ammunition. She is further charged with possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Finally, she is charged with possessing the firearm to further her drug trafficking crime. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eleanor F. Hurney is prosecuting the case. 21-cr-388
Daren Gilson Puffinbarger. First Degree Murder in Indian Country. On Aug. 18, 2021, Puffinbarger, 32, of Inola, is alleged to have killed Lucas Sanders by shooting the victim in the head six times while the victim was in bed at his home in Locust Grove. He then allegedly set the victim’s bed and body on fire. The fire caused substantial damage in the bedroom. Agents located two small propane torch kits in the bedroom, one on the bed and the other sitting upright on the floor next to the bed. The FBI and Mayes County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn A. McCormick is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-382
Jesus Jose Quezada-Rios. Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by an Alien Illegally in the United States (filed as an Information). Quezada-Rios, 40, of Tulsa, is charged with being an alien unlawfully in the United States in possession of a Glock 19XGen 5 9mm semi-automatic pistol and ammunition. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Cella is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-380
Juan Hector Romero. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Illegal Possession of a Machine Gun; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of a Machinegun in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; Possession of Unregistered Silencers. Romero, 35, of Austin, Texas, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Glock GMBH 9mm Luger caliber pistol and 86 rounds of ammunition. The firearm is alleged to have been modified into a machinegun. Romero is also charged with possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possessing with intent to distribute cocaine. He is further charged with possessing a machinegun/firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes. Finally, Romero allegedly possessed two silencers 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. Attorney Niko A. Boulieris is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-389
Aron Wayne Simon. Kidnapping of a Minor in Indian Country. Simon, 32, of Okmulgee, is charged with kidnapping a minor on Aug. 5, 2021, after he stole a car with an infant inside. The FBI and Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah Paisner is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-401
Victor Scott Stephens. Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country. Stephens, 49, of Parkhill, is charged with assaulting the victim on Aug. 12, 2021, resulting in serious bodily injury. The FBI is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Harder is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-390
Tulsa Man Sentenced for Shooting a Minor During an Illegal Handgun SaleRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man who shot and killed a minor during an illegal firearms sale was sentenced Thursday in federal court, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Carl John Irons Jr., 20, to 10 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. On June 9, 2021, Irons pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in Indian Country.
“An illegal gun sale ended in tragedy when a 16-year-old was killed in an exchange of gunfire,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Too many families have lost children to gun violence. These shootings are a waste of young lives. My thoughts are with this family as they continue to grieve the loss of this young man.”
In a plea agreement, Irons admitted to shooting and killing the minor victim on Feb. 4, 2020. The incident occurred when two groups met for an illegal gun sale. A conflict arose between the two groups, leading to an exchange of gunfire. The victim, who was in the opposing group, was shot in the head and body and died at an area hospital on Feb. 8, 2020. The crime occurred at an apartment complex on South Mingo Road in Tulsa.
The victim was a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, and the crime was committed within the boundaries of the Muscogee Nation.
The Tulsa Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric O. Johnston prosecuted the case.
Tulsa Man Pleads Guilty for Conspiring with his Girlfriend to Make an Illegal Firearms PurchaseRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Tulsa man pleaded guilty Friday in U.S. District Court for conspiring with his girlfriend, a Tulsa Police officer at the time, to lie on a federal firearms transaction form so she could purchase a gun on his behalf, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Devon Jamyll Jones, 28, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to make a false statement to a firearms dealer and to false statement to a firearms dealer.
In his plea agreement, the defendant admitted that he conspired with Latoya Dythe, to illegally purchase a firearm. The two agreed that she would buy a firearm in her name then transfer the gun to Jones. On April 11, 2020, Jones and Dythe drove to a Bass Pro Shop in Broken Arrow to make the purchase. When they arrived, Jones gave Dythe the money to buy the gun. Per their agreement, Dythe then entered the store, selected an FN HERSTAL S.A., 5.7 X 28mm, and lied on a federal firearms transaction form during the purchase. On the ATF Form 4473, Dythe answered “yes” to the question “Are you the actual transferee/buyer of the firearm(s) listed on this form?” Her answer was false since she was purchasing the gun at Jones’ request. When returning to the car, Dythe handed the gun over to Jones.
The ATF Form 4473 specifically issues a warning to purchasers: “Warning: You are not the actual transferee/buyer if you are acquiring the firearm(s) on behalf of another person. If you are not the actual transferee/buyer, the licensee cannot transfer the firearm(s) to you.”
Previously, Dythe, 27, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to make a false statement to a firearms dealer and with making a false statement to a firearms dealer. On Aug. 10, 2021, she was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine.
The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Snow prosecuted the case.
This case was 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 Committing 2015 Rape near OSU-Tulsa CampusRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man pleaded guilty in federal court to a 2015 rape he committed within the Cherokee Nation near the OSU-Tulsa campus, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Eugene Todd Nunley, 48, pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual abuse by force and threat in Indian Country on Aug. 26. As stipulated in his plea agreement, Nunley faces 14 years in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan will make the final sentencing determination on Jan. 5, 2022.
The defendant admitted that he forced the female victim into a wooded area and raped her on Aug. 13, 2015. The victim was walking on the Osage Prairie Trail near 900 North Greenwood Avenue when Nunley attacked her from behind. Following the rape, the defendant told the victim she was “lucky” then ran away.
The victim reported the crime and told officers she did not know her attacker. In early September 2015, DNA testing revealed Nunley was the perpetrator. Officers located the defendant in the Creek County jail, where he was being held on unrelated charges.
Nunley, a Muscogee Nation citizen, was previously convicted of the 2015 rape in Tulsa County District Court. His conviction was overturned after the Cherokee Nation reservation was recognized as having never been disestablished by Congress. He was indicted in federal court in June 2021.
“My hope is that the victim in this case sees herself as a survivor and a protector of other women. Her willingness to again confront a life-altering trauma and defendant Eugene Nunley was crucial to ensuring this predator faced justice,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chantelle D. Dial is prosecuting the case.
Former Police Officer Sentenced for Sexually Abusing a Young ChildRead the Press Release
A Sapulpa man was sentenced Thursday for sexually abusing a young child, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Bradley Don Goodin, 47, to 15 years in federal prison followed by 20 years of supervised release.
During the hearing, the young victim spoke before the Court as well as another child who was also abused by Goodin. Judge Frizzell noted how compelling the statements were and stressed that these types of crimes have a significant impact on both children and their families.
Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson said, “Goodin betrayed two young victims and took advantage of the role he played in their lives. The victims in this case bravely spoke today about the impact of Goodin’s crimes. I am proud of them for coming forward to face this child predator.”
On April 27, 2021, Goodin pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact with a child under 12 in Indian Country.
In a child forensic interview, the girl described two incidents when Goodin sexually abused her on Oct. 5, 2019. The girl was afraid to tell her mother what was happening at the time because she feared Goodin would harm them. She later disclosed the abuse to her mother. At the time of the incidents, Goodin was an officer with Bristow Police Department. He has not been employed with the department since November 2019.
In a February 2021 superseding indictment, Goodin was charged with sexually abusing a total of three minors. He was also charged with being a felon in possession of 21 firearms. Goodin opted to plead guilty the day his trial was to begin.
The Sapulpa Police Department, Creek County Sheriff’s Office and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey A. Gallant and Matilda Villalobos are prosecuting the case. Ms. Villalobos is a prosecutor from the District of New Mexico. She volunteered to assist prosecution efforts here in the Northern District of Oklahoma due to increased jurisdictional responsibilities regarding crimes involving Native American victims or defendants and that occur within the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and Cherokee Nation Reservations.
Collinsville Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison After Caught with Child Pornography Depicting the Rape and Murder of ChildrenRead the Press Release
Chief U.S. District Judge John F. Heil III sentenced Chance Jennings Daykin, 26, to 14 years in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release.
“Chance Daykin accessed the dark web to feed his child pornography habit,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “He uploaded child pornography, viewed pedophile instruction books, and discussed, with others online, how to obtain children to rape and murder. Thanks to the work of the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office and federal prosecutors Julie Childress and Chris Nassar, Daykin will serve the next 14 year in federal prison.”
“I want to remind the public that the viewing of child pornography is not a passive crime. The demand for this material fuels the physical and sexual abuse of children around the world.”
On May 10, 2021, Daykin pleaded guilty, to distribution and receipt of a visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct and with possession of child pornography.
Daykin admitted to distributing and receiving child sexual abuse material via electronic means from Dec. 19, 2019 to Oct. 19, 2020. He further admitted to knowingly accessing with intent to view the child pornography. Some of those images and videos depicted the sexual abuse of minors who were younger than 12 years of age.
Specifically, on Dec. 19, 2019, Daykin uploaded images and videos of child pornography to dropbox.com. A search warrant was obtained for Daykin’s IP address based on a cyber tip sent to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that reported the Dropbox uploads. The search indicated the IP user was associated with an address in Collinsville. On Oct 19, 2020, the Roger’s County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the address and arrested the defendant.
Images recovered on the defendant’s electronic devises included bestiality and the rape of infants and prepubescent children. At least one image showed an infant either dead or seriously injured who had been sexually abused.
In a sentencing memorandum, prosecutors outlined evidence discovered during the investigation showing the defendant’s behavior was escalating.
-After his arrest, Daykin admitted that he had a problem with child pornography and had sought treatment.
-In a recovered online conversation, Daykin bragged that he had access to children and had given a 7-year-old a bath and sexually abused her. Investigators could not substantiate the claim.
-On Dropbox, Daykin shared links and asked “Got any kids screaming? Those are hard to find.”
-In an online conversation with an individual he was communicating with, the two discussed setting up a Kik account for her young cousin so Daykin could reach out to the cousin.
-In multiple conversations with another individual online, Daykin repeatedly asked the individual if she had found parents who would let them “use their preteen girls.” At one point, the individual says she met a mother who needs money and was negotiating with her. In another conversation, the defendant stated that he wanted to “rape and kill” and later said “a little girl just adds more flavor.”
During the sentencing hearing, Daykin’s attorney reminded the court that while the communications were wrong and disturbing, the conversations were a lot of talk that “never left the desktop.” He also pointed to the defendant’s acceptance of responsibility, lack of criminal history and long-term difficulty with socialization.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Childress countered, saying Daykin’s pattern of sustained criminal acts were not simply a mistake. She argued that his actions showed an escalating and predatory sexual interest in the rape and murder of children. She further reminded the Court that the defendant had downloaded software to try to conceal his actions. Childress described Daykin as a clear threat to society, arguing the acts necessitated a minimum of 180 months in federal prison. She argued that a lengthy sentence would protect the public, serve as a deterrent to others, and allow the defendant to get the long-term treatment needed to counter his deviant addiction.
Following sentencing, Daykin was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service until transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.
The Rogers County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie Childress and Chris Nassar prosecuted the case.
Tulsa ‘Peeping Tom’ Faces an Additional Sex Offense ChargeRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man who was scheduled to plead guilty Tuesday for a series of sex offenses and ‘Peeping Tom’ incidents now faces an additional sex offense charge, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. The plea hearing was delayed in light of the new charge.
Jesse Thomas Moore was newly charged by criminal complaint with coercion and enticement and today made an initial appearance in federal court.
While in federal custody, Moore is alleged to have routinely accessed the program “JailATM” by means of a stationary kiosk or portable smart pad in order to video chat or message with a minor female whom he referred to as his girlfriend. The defendant has been in custody awaiting prosecution for previously charged sex offenses.
The Complaint outlines more than ten conversations between the defendant and minor that occurred from Aug. 1, 2021, to Aug. 19, 2021. During the conversations, Moore repeatedly pressured the minor for sexually explicit video and images of herself or tried to coerce the minor to engage in sexually explicit behavior while the two video chatted. The minor attempted to send some pre-recorded videos. Moore received at least one video while others were auto rejected by the system. Moore repeatedly told the minor to figure out how to send the videos differently, like she did before, so they would not be rejected. During one video chat, Moore was able to convince the minor to engage in sexually explicit behavior.
Moore was previously indicted for other sex crimes in February 2021, including lewd acts with a child under 16 in Indian Country (Count 1); burglary in the first degree in Indian Country (Counts 2, 3, 5); and attempted sexual abuse by threat in Indian Country (Count 4).
Court documents alleged that Moore broke into a home on May 6, 2020, and ejaculated on and near the victim who was younger than 16 years of age. Moore also allegedly broke into a different residence through a back door on Nov. 8, 2020. When Moore entered the home, he was confronted by a 12-year-old who yelled for his mother. Moore then exited the residence. On Dec. 13, 2020, the defendant also attempted to sexually assault a female victim after he broke into her residence. Moore entered the victim’s room and demanded she “get the f**k up and don’t say anything or I’ll f**king kill you.” Then he led the victim to the living room where he allegedly covered her mouth and attempted to sexually assault her. The victim bit Moore’s hand and screamed. Moore then exited the residence.
The crimes occurred following multiple Peeping Tom incidents conducted by Moore.
This matter will proceed in U.S. District Court in Tulsa, where the Complaint is currently pending. 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. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn McCormick is prosecuting the case.
Rogers County Woman Sentenced for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A Rogers County woman was sentenced today in federal court for producing child pornography involving her young child, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced Brittney Jo Wallace, 29, of Claremore, to 25 years in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release.
“Brittney Wallace will spend the next 25 years in federal prison for taking sexually explicit photographs of her own child,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Thanks to the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tilli Villalobos and Chris Nassar along with detectives and agents with OSBI’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit and Tulsa’s Homeland Security Investigations Child Exploitation Task Force this child predator is behind bars.”
“We believe in giving a voice to the voiceless,” said Ricky Adams, Director of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. “The child involved in this case was just a toddler. Our ICAC Agents worked diligently, along with our other partners involved in this investigation, to give that child a voice. We are proud to have substantially contributed to the effort to get this predator off the street and to ensure justice is served.”
On April 28, 2021, Wallace pleaded guilty to production of child pornography by a parent. Wallace admitted that she had the toddler touch her in a sexually explicit manner while she took photos using her cell phone on Sept. 26, 2015.
In 2016, Wallace’s children were taken from the home after a doctor found signs of severe child abuse. The defendant’s parental rights were later terminated. During the 2016 investigation conducted by the state of Oklahoma, authorities seized the defendant’s phone which was later suppressed. The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals later found the seizure and subsequent search of her phone were proper, and the phone was turned over to investigators. When authorities conducted a forensic examination of the phone, they discovered the child pornography.
On March 1, 2021, the U.S. Marshals Service arrested Wallace on a federal arrest warrant. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Rogers County Sheriff’s Office, and Claremore Police Department conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matilda M. Villalobos and Christopher J. Nassar are prosecuting the case. AUSA Villalobos is a prosecutor from the District of New Mexico. She volunteered to assist prosecution efforts here in the Northern District of Oklahoma due to increased jurisdictional responsibilities regarding crimes involving Native American victims or defendants and that occur within the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and Cherokee Nation Reservations.
You can find the indictment press release here.
If you suspect a child is being sexually exploited, contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children immediately at 1-800-THE-LOST or cybertipline.org. You can also contact the OSBI ICAC Unit at (800) 522-8017 or [email protected].
Man Pleads Guilty to Two Counts of Robbery in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
A man who engaged in a series of violent crimes in Tulsa pleaded guilty today in federal court to two counts of robbery in Indian Country, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
“Deshawn Patrick, armed with a pistol, committed two violent robberies and posed a serious danger to the public. Thanks to the Tulsa Police Department, FBI, and federal prosecutors, he has been held accountable for his violent criminal behavior. Chief U.S. District Judge John Heil will sentence Patrick on Nov. 30,” said Johnson.
In his plea agreement, Deshawn Patrick, 19, of Tulsa, admitted that he pointed a firearm and used force to take a minor victim’s phone, car keys and vehicle in Tulsa. When the victim arrived at an apartment complex on Sept. 6, 2020, Deshawn Patrick exited his vehicle pointing a firearm at the teenage victim and, along with a codefendant and two juvenile accomplices, demanded the driver and passenger exit the vehicle. He and his accomplices grabbed the victim’s phone and car keys. Patrick and an accomplice then drove away in the victim’s car.
Patrick further admitted to robbing a second victim on Oct. 18, 2020. Patrick and a juvenile accomplice approached the 74 year-old victim inside the victim’s garage. Patrick and his accomplice pointed semi-automatic pistols at the victim in order to gain entry into the house. Patrick struck the elderly victim in the head with a pistol, knocking him unconscious. Patrick then entered the victim’s home and took his keys and wallet. The two defendants fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle. The victim sustained lacerations to his head during the incident.
Both robbery victims are Muscogee Nation citizens, and the crimes occurred within the Muscogee Nation Reservation.
The Tulsa Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan H. Heatherman and Reagan V. Reininger are prosecuting the case.
Federal Grand Jury B Indictments Announced- AugustRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the August 2021 Federal Grand Jury B. The grand jury met the week of Aug. 16.
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.
Jacquelyn Ellaine Blossom. Child Abuse in Indian Country. Blossom, 41, of Oaks, allegedly abused the minor victim by attempting to drown the child in a creek on April 10, 2021. The FBI is the investigative agency. 21-CR-352
Cody Buzzard. First Degree Murder in Indian Country; 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. Buzzard, 27, of Jay, is charged with the first degree murder of Jerry Tapp. He and others allegedly aided and abetted one another when they shot and killed Mr. Tapp on Aug. 1, 2019. In count 2, Buzzard, along with others, allegedly shot a second victim during the same incident. Finally, the defendant is charged with brandishing and discharging a firearm during and relation to a crime of violence. The FBI; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and Delaware County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-351
Pamela Kathryn Conley. Bank Fraud (Counts 1-24); Aggravated Identity Theft (Counts 25-28) (2nd superseding). Conley, 59, of Catoosa, is charged with defrauding ten Oklahoma banks when she falsified and submitted documents to apply to apply for approximately $1 million in loans. Of that, Conley was able to secure more than $800,000. From September 2016 to the date of the second superseding indictment, Conley allegedly executed a scheme to enrich herself by knowingly submitting loan applications containing false income and employment information at ten banks and credit unions. According to the indictment, Conley forged earning statements which she provided to the financial institutions as proof of income. Conley falsified the statements to reflect that she held positions such as manager and chief financial officer, earning a salary of more than $100,000 annually or approximately $10,000 or more a month.
The indictment alleges that on occasion, when loans were secured with collateral, Conley created fictitious lien releases for the collateral, using the notarized signature of unwitting financial institution employees. Conley then caused the bogus lien releases to be filed with the Oklahoma Tax Commission, which in turn provided Conley with titles to the collateral, free and clear of any liens. Conley would then approach new lenders to obtain loans secured by collateral she did not own free and clear. IRS-Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Secret Service are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-64
William Colby Cox; Laura Kay Sawyer. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition (counts 1 and 2); Drug Conspiracy (count 3); Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (Count 4); Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (Count 5); Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises (Count 6). Cox, 37, and Sawyer, 33, both of Tulsa, are each charged with being felons in possession of a FEG 9mm pistol, a Rohm GMBH .25 caliber pistol; an Intratec 9mm pistol; a Rohm GMBH .22 caliber revolver; a Lorcin .380 caliber pistol; a Taurus Inc. .22 caliber pistol, and more than 85 rounds of ammunition. Cox and Sawyer are further charged with drug conspiracy and with knowingly possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The two are also charged with possessing the firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking crime. Finally, the duo is charged with maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing methamphetamine. Cox and Sawyer are alleged to be involved with the Irish Mob. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs are the investigative agencies. 21-CR 356
Dreko Donaldson. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Donaldson, 22, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Springfield Armory 9mm pistol and 50 rounds of ammunition. The Tulsa Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-357
Robert P. Garcia. Felon in Possession of a Firearm; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises. Garcia, 39, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Smith &Wesson 9 mm pistol. He is further charged with possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of cocaine. He is further charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes and with maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing methamphetamine and cocaine. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Broken Arrow Police Department is the investigative agency. 21-CR-358
Andre Kevin Harris. 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); Felon in Possession of a Firearm (Count 5). In count one, Harris, 49, of Claremore, allegedly assaulted the victim on June 26, 2021, by shooting at her multiple times, striking her in the leg. He is further charged in count two with brandishing and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence for the assault on the first victim. As law enforcement responded to the scene, Harris shot at a responding Rogers County Sheriff’s Office Deputy, as alleged in count 3. Harris is further charged in count 4 with brandishing and discharging his firearm during a crime of violence for the assault on the responding deputy. Finally, he is charged with being a felon in possession of a Ruger 9 mm pistol. The FBI and Rogers Country Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-359
Britney Kay Hays. Financial Institution Fraud (1-4); Mail Fraud (Count 5); False Statements (Counts 6-10); Aggravated Identity Theft (Count 15). Hays, 28, of Tulsa, allegedly carried out a scheme to enrich herself. She fraudulently opened various accounts with another individual’s personal identifying information, such as date of birth, social security number and address, to conduct financial transactions on the internet or to make in-person purchases using debit or credit cards issued for the opened accounts. Hays further forged checks addressed to herself for deposit at various financial institutions or unlawfully paid to others on her behalf. Hays used the fraudulently opened accounts to conduct a series of purchases and transactions which caused an aggregate loss in the approximate total amount of at least $11,024.03. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is the investigative agency. 21-CR-360
Clifton Jackson. 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; Witness Tampering; Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding (Misdemeanor). On July 28, 2021, Jackson, 48, of Tulsa, allegedly assaulted the victim by striking and beating her. He then allegedly struck the victim with gun then pointed it at her, warning the victim not to tell the police. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-372
Merle Jason Lancaster. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Kidnapping in Indian Country; Robbery in Indian Country. Lancaster, 42, allegedly struck the victim with a baseball bat and forced the victim to drive his vehicle to an ATM and withdraw money from his account. Lancaster took the money, forced the victim out of the car, then drove off with the victim’s Toyota Prius. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-373
Dwight Vernon Leleux. Carjacking; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Obstruction of Justice by Threatening Physical Force Against a Witness; Carrying, Using, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Witness Tampering. Leleux, 20, of Tulsa, is alleged to have brandished a firearm and unlawfully attempted to take a Honda CR-V by force on March 5, 2021. Leleux and defendant Waylon Goss allegedly pulled the victim from his vehicle and began beating him, including striking him with a firearm. The victim was able to get back into the vehicle and drive away. Leleux allegedly discharged his firearm at the vehicle as the victim drove away. Leleux is further charged with tampering with a witness in the case. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-183
Cameron Kelly McAbee. Child Exploitation Enterprise; Sexual Exploitation of a Child by a Parent; Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography; Possession of Child Pornography in Indian Country. From July 19, 2019, to July 26, 2021, McAbee, 31, of Broken Arrow, allegedly engaged in a child exploitation enterprise when he was involved in three or more incidents of child exploitation crimes that involved more than one victim. The defendant committed the crimes in concert with three or more others. As part of his enterprise, McAbee knowingly permitted a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child sexual abuse material, also known as child pornography. He is further alleged to have distributed and received child pornography via electronic means, as well as to have possessed, accessed and viewed the child pornography. The visual depictions involved at least one minor who was 12 years of age or younger. The FBI is the investigative agency. 21-CR-361
Vernon Jenedia Neel. Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force and Threat in Indian Country; Assault with Intent to Commit Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country. Neel, 42, is alleged to have held a victim down, choked her, then struck her in the face as he attempted to sexually assault her on July 3, 2021. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-362
Michael Lamont Phillips. Possession of Cocaine Base with Intent to Distribute; Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition (superseding). Phillips, 40, of Muskogee, is charged with knowingly possessing with intent to distribute cocaine base. He is further charged with being a felon in possession of a Forjas Taurus 9mm Luger caliber semi-automatic pistol. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-363
Johnathan Ross Robins. Distribution and Receipt of Child Pornography; Possession of Child Pornography in Indian Country. From June 1, 2003, to March 8, 2021, Robins, 52, of Sand Springs, allegedly distributed and received child sexual abuse material, also known as child pornography. He further allegedly possessed, accessed and viewed the child sexual abuse material from June 1, 2003, to March 4, 2021. The material involved at least one minor who was younger than 12-years-old. 21-CR-364
Adam Ray Schach. Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle in Indian Country. Schach, 35, of Tulsa, is charged with assaulting an intimate partner by strangling and attempting to strangle the victim. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-365
Ricky Larson Shannon. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition (Counts 1- 2). Shannon, 34, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Glock 30 caliber pistol on June 11, 2021, and on Aug. 13, 2021. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-366
Adam Douglas Sherwood. Drug Conspiracy (Count 1); Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (Count 2); Unlawful Use of a Communication Facility (Counts 3-13); Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crimes (Count 14) (2nd superseding indictment). From January 2018 to January 2021, Sherwood, 43, of Wyandotte, co-conspirator 1, and others allegedly conspired to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. On May 23, 2020, Sherwood and co-conspirator 1 aided and abetted each other to knowingly possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Sherwood further used a cell phone to send or receive at least 13 texts communicating about the distribution of the drug. Sherwood and co-conspirator 1 possessed a Lorcin Engineering Company .380 ACP caliber single action pistol and a Sturm, Ruger & Co. .22 MWR caliber double-action revolver. Additionally, Sherwood is alleged to have distributed methamphetamine to a number of drug dealers and drug users across Northeast Oklahoma for a period of over least two years dating back to early 2018. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration, and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 20-CR-307.
Kenneth Dale Walker. Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country. Walker, 54, of Collinsville, is charged with assaulting the victim by strangling her and punching her in the head, which caused a concussion, on July 14, 2021. The FBI and Collinsville Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-374
Elisha Ethan Watashe. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. Watashe, 44, of Tulsa, is charged with assaulting the victim by stabbing the victim with a knife. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-375
Shawn Duschenne Wilde. Kidnapping in Indian Country; Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country; Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling in Indian Country. Wilde, 38, of Sapulpa, is charged with kidnapping the victim by forcing her into a vehicle and driving her to another location on May 14, 2021. From May 14 through May 15, 2021, he also allegedly assaulted the victim by threatening to kill her then strangled her repeatedly until she lost consciousness. During the assault, he told the victim she was going to die. Finally, Wilde is charged with assaulting the victim, an intimate partner, by strangling her to the point she passed out. The FBI and Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-367
Tulsa Man Pleads Guilty to Sending Emails to Newson6 Threatening President BidenRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man pleaded guilty today in federal court for sending threatening emails to KOTV Channel 6 directed at President Joseph Biden, unnamed members of the Congress, and their families, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
John Jacobs Ahrens, 58, 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. He will be sentenced on Dec. 22, 2021.
“This office and our federal law enforcement partners take seriously any online threats made against the President and members of Congress,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “I appreciate the staff at Newson6 for reporting John Ahrens’ threatening emails. It is their action along with the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn McCormick, the U.S. Secret Service, FBI, and OSBI that ensured Mr. Ahrens was held accountable today in federal court.”
According to court documents, an executive producer from the station contacted the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center to report the threatening emails dated between May and June 2021.
In his messages, Ahrens demanded money, and if it wasn’t sent, he wrote that he would kill the President, members of Congress, and their families.
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.”
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.”
Other messages included “America is going to get to see a sitting President get his head blown off right in front of them” and “…your families will start dying. After that is over, I’m going to come back here one more time and tell you to hand over my money.”
Ahrens was arrested at his Tulsa residence on June 18, 2021, by agents of the FBI and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and task for officers with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.
The U.S. Secret Service, FBI, and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn A. McCormick is prosecuting the case.
Defendant Sentenced for Killing a Man and Injuring Another in a DUI CollisionRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man who drove intoxicated and caused a wreck that killed one man and seriously injured another was sentenced today in federal court.
“Redex Lester Jr. acted without regard for human life when he drove intoxicated on May 25, 2020, killing Wayne Thomas and injuring a second victim in a head-on collision. This conviction follows four previous state convictions for DUI. He will now spend the next 15 years in federal prison to account for this senseless crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
At today’s hearing, Chief U.S. District Judge John F. Heil III sentenced Redex Lester Jr., 54, to 15 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release.
Judge Heil reminded Lester that a life was lost and that such a tragedy couldn’t be fixed or changed. He urged Lester to take part in treatment programs while imprisoned so that a loss like this could never happen again. He further urged others not to make the same mistakes.
On April 8, 2021, Lester pleaded guilty to murder in the second degree in Indian Country and to assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country.
In the early evening of May 25, 2020, Lester Jr. drove intoxicated, exceeded the speed limit, and struck a vehicle head on. Wayne Thomas, a passenger in the other vehicle, died of his injuries three days following the crash. Another man suffered extensive, serious bodily injuries. At the time of the collision, Lester Jr. was driving on a suspended license and had a blood alcohol level of .239.
Previously, the defendant had been convicted by the state of DUI in 1992, 1994, 2005, and, again, in February 2020. For his February 2020 DUI conviction, Lester Jr. was sentenced to six months, suspended. The May 25, 2020, DUI collision and death occurred less than four months later while Lester was still on state supervision.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chantelle D. Dial and Christopher J. Nassar are prosecuting the case.
Former Bixby High School Teacher Pleads Guilty After Recording Inappropriate Video of his StudentsRead the Press Release
A former Bixby High School teacher who was caught using his cell phone to inappropriately record underneath a female student’s skirt pleaded guilty today in federal court, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Jason Scott Byrd, 46, of Jenks, pleaded guilty to attempted receipt of child pornography; video voyeurism in Indian Country; and obstruction of justice by corruptly destroying records, documents, or other objects. He will be sentenced on Dec. 16, 2021.
“Jason Byrd violated the trust placed in him as a teacher in the Bixby community. It was extremely difficult for the victim to know she was inappropriately filmed by a teacher she trusted and in her school, a place where she should feel safe,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The alert witness who saw and reported the crime is to be commended. He exposed Byrd’s criminal acts and helped ensure the safety of his fellow students.”
On Aug. 25, 2020, Byrd was observed walking closely behind the victim holding his iPhone underneath the victim’s skirt for several seconds. The witness noticed the red recording square and timer on the screen, indicating the phone was actively recording. The video was taken in a stairwell as students were returning to class after a fire drill. The witness reported the incident to two Bixby Police Department school resource officers. The victim was unaware she was being recorded.
Byrd was brought to a school office and held until law enforcement could question him, but he was briefly left unattended with his phone. Byrd admitted that when he saw law enforcement, he began deleting photographs and video, making them unrecoverable.
When questioned, Byrd initially denied the allegations but then indicated he was sorry and that he had a problem. He admitted to taking the video of the victim, as well as taking several similar photos or videos of other students over the past year. He said those photos and videos were taken using the same cell phone.
In a written plea agreement, Byrd admitted that between Aug. 1, 2019, and Aug. 25, 2020, he intentionally attempted to use a camera to record and receive images of the victim and other students’ pubic areas. He further admitted that he captured those private images without their consent and under circumstances in which the individuals had a reasonable expectation of privacy. He further stated that on Aug. 25, 2020, he knowingly destroyed evidence on his phone so it would be unusable in a trial.
The crimes occurred within the boundaries of the Muscogee Nation reservation. Bryd, a Cherokee Nation citizen, started teaching at Bixby High School in 2008.
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Police Department, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and Bixby Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Man Sentenced to 33 Years in Federal Prison for Kidnapping and Assaulting his Ex-WifeRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A man who kidnapped and assaulted his ex-wife in April 2017 was sentenced today in federal court, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced Randy Alan Hamett, 64, of Choctaw, to a total of 396 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. She further ordered the defendant to pay $4,075 to the victim for medical costs incurred.
Judge Eagan called the crimes “harrowing and terrifying” and denied Hamett’s request for downward departure from the advisory sentencing guidelines range. She recommended the defendant be remanded to a maximum security facility and that the defendant’s out-going mail be monitored.
On April 21, 2021, a federal jury convicted Hamett on 12 counts including: kidnapping in Indian Country; carjacking; possessing and receiving a stolen firearm and stolen ammunition; possession of a firearm while subject to a domestic violence protective order; burglary in the second degree in Indian Country; assaults with a dangerous weapons (2 counts) in Indian Country; domestic violence in Indian Country; interstate violation of a protective Order (2 counts); carrying, using, and brandishing firearms during and in relation to a crime of violence (2 counts).
“The victim in this case exemplifies resilience and strength. Alisa survived a traumatic assault, faced Randy Hamett through two trials and is now an advocate for other victims of domestic violence. She, like so many other victims, is a survivor,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “I am thankful for the coordinated investigative work of the Broken Arrow and Siloam Springs Police Departments, Rogers State University Police, and the ATF. Their swift action helped bring Alisa home and ensured Hamett’s conviction.”
On April 25, 2017, Hamett parked his truck at a nearby Wal-Mart, walked to the victim’s home, and cut a hole in an outside wall to gain entry. When she returned home, Hamett tased her, pointed his own revolver at her, and bound her hands and feet. Hamett then forced the victim into a car, stole a revolver she had purchased after obtaining a protective order against him, then kidnapped her and sexually assaulted her. During the two-day ordeal, Hamett threatened to kill himself, the victim, and anyone who tried to help her.
Convinced that Hamett was going to kill her, the victim made every effort to prolong the trip and gain the defendant’s trust. She convinced Hamett they should get back together and remarry in Arkansas. The defendant eventually allowed her to text her parents and her boyfriend so they would not become suspicious concerning her whereabouts. Based on the nature of the text, the victim’s parents became worried that she was in danger and contacted the Broken Arrow Police Department. Through a concerted investigation by the Broken Arrow and Siloam Springs Police Departments, officers were able to locate Hamett and the victim at a hotel in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, where they determined Hamett was holding the victim against her will. When arrested, officers found Hamett in possession of a firearm and ammunition, along with Taser cartridges. Officers also discovered a murder preparation list in his pocket that included the words: taser, rope, zip ties, machete, and shovel.
In 2018, Hamett was convicted in federal court for the kidnapping, but he appealed the conviction. In June 2020, the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed his conviction and ordered a new trial. In a 2-1 decision, the appellate court found that the trial judge had “erred in finding that Mr. Hamett knowingly and intelligently waived his right to counsel” at his 2018 trial.
Following his successful appeal, the U.S. Attorney’s Office charged Hamett in a superseding indictment in September 2020, several months after the Supreme Court’s ruling that recognized the Creek Nation reservation remained intact. Because Hamett is Cherokee and he committed his crimes within the Muscogee (Creek) Nation reservation, federal prosecutors were further able to charge Hamett with Indian Country crimes, which they were previously unable to charge in 2018.
In 2018, the defendant was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison. Today, he was sentenced to 33 years in prison due, in part, to the additional Indian Country convictions at trial.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Broken Arrow Police and Siloam Springs Police Departments, and the Rogers State University Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey Gallant and Devon Lash prosecuted the case.
Tulsa Man Sentenced to 210 Months in Federal Prison for Strangling his Wife to DeathRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man who strangled and killed his wife in 2019 was sentenced today in federal court, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
“Brandon Smith was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison for the murder of Cynthia Mayfield. My thoughts today are with the victim’s loved ones who have been affected by this horrific crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “My office and our partners at the FBI and Tulsa Police Department will continue to pursue justice on behalf of victims of domestic violence and their families."
Following his nearly 18-year prison sentence, Smith, 38, will spend five years on supervised release.
In May 2021, Smith pleaded guilty to second degree murder Indian Country. Smith admitted that on March 4, 2019, he strangled his wife until she became unconscious and then continued until she was dead.
After he killed the victim, the defendant called a relative in Tahlequah to come pick up the children. The family member arrived, checked the victim’s pulse, and told Smith to call 911. While on the phone, the 911 operator suggested that Smith perform CPR. Smith replied that he did not want to do CPR because the victim had been dead for over an hour.
According to evidence presented at the sentencing, Mayfield was about to leave the abusive relationship and move back to her home state of California, but Smith killed her before she was able to flee.
In a statement to the court, the victim’s daughter told the judge that although her mother and the defendant slept in separate rooms the last few years, the rooms were not equal. The victim was forced to sleep in a room with no doors and no bed. She slept on the floor with only a blanket and pillow while the defendant slept in a room with a door, a television and a queen size bed. She stated that he had control over every aspect of her mother’s life. “He was endlessly cruel and vicious. My heart aches knowing how she suffered."
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ross Lenhardt presented evidence that showed the defendant was a long-time drug user. Smith regularly abused heroin, cocaine, mushrooms, marijuana, LSD, methamphetamine and alcohol. Lenhardt further put into the record sexually suggestive text messages that were sent by the defendant to a minor. He asked U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan to also consider those texts when handing down the sentence.
Smith is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. The crime occurred at the couple’s home within the boundaries of the Muscogee Nation reservation. Smith remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service until transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt prosecuted the case. Mr. Lenhardt is a prosecutor from the Western District of Pennsylvania. He volunteered to assist prosecution efforts here in the Northern District of Oklahoma due to increased jurisdictional responsibilities regarding crimes involving Native American victims or defendants and that occur within the Muscogee Nation and Cherokee Nation Reservations.
United States Attorneys' Joint Statement Regarding Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals Decision State Ex Rel. Matloff v. WallaceRead the Press Release
"This morning the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals issued its decision in State ex rel. Matloff v. Wallace holding the United States Supreme Court’s ruling in McGirt v. Oklahoma does not apply retroactively. The United States Attorney’s offices in Oklahoma are reviewing today’s OCCA opinion and assessing its potential impact on cases previously referred to the United States for potential federal criminal prosecution,” said Acting United States Attorneys Christopher Wilson, Clint Johnson and Robert Troester. “In the interim, our offices will continue to focus on our mission of ensuring public safety and holding defendants accountable for their criminal acts.”
Justice Department Announces Expansion of Firearms Technical Assistance Project to Strengthen Community Response to Domestic Violence Incidents Involving FirearmsRead the Press Release
Today, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) announced the expansion of its Firearms Technical Assistance Project (FTAP) to help communities across the country reduce domestic violence homicides and injuries committed with firearms. OVW will award an estimated $6 million for up to 12 sites and $4 million for training and technical assistance on firearms and domestic violence.
“Enforcing gun laws and keeping firearms from the hands of perpetrators of domestic violence is crucial to keeping victims safe,” said OVW Acting Director Allison Randall. “The FTAP expansion is another example of the Department’s commitment in its efforts to reduce violent crime. The funding will help our grantees develop and implement community-based and culturally specific strategies to enforce firearms laws and is an important part of preventing homicides.”
In 2019, OVW and the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges launched FTAP, which was designed to help communities implement policies, protocols and promising practices to prevent abusers from having access to firearms in domestic violence cases. As part of the announcement, OVW released a solicitation to fund six new FTAP sites in addition to the six existing FTAP sites, which include: Birmingham, Alabama; Muscogee (Creek) Nation; Columbus, Ohio; Brooklyn, New York; the state of Vermont; and Spokane, Washington. The deadline for applications in Grants.Gov is Sept. 20, 2021, and the JustGrants deadline is Sept. 22, 2021. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a non-binding Letter of Intent by Sept. 7, 2021.
“In homes where domestic abusers have access to firearms, women are five times more likely to be killed and there is increased risk of multiple homicides,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The Muscogee Nation has a strong reputation for working to protect and serve families endangered by domestic violence. This FTAP funding is another avenue in which they have sought to protect victims. I appreciate their work and encourage other communities to apply for these critical resources.”
“The Muscogee Nation’s resolve to address and put full commitment to eradicating family violence on our reservation has never been stronger,” Principal Chief David Hill said. “With more resources and these type of partnerships we can realize the dreams we’ve always had, for a safe and prosperous future for our people.”
The FTAP expansion will provide direct financial support for all sites, as well as new technical assistance designed to help each site incorporate community partners, particularly partner organizations that center underserved populations, into their efforts to implement effective responses to firearms and domestic violence. Training and technical assistance projects will include $2 million to help the sites implement an effective firearms response. Of particular importance will be an additional $2 million to train and support the sites on the cultural context of domestic violence in underserved communities. Additionally, OVW will award $750,000 to continue a domestic violence and firearms national resource center.
This solicitation supports the Justice Department’s comprehensive strategy for reducing violent crime. Under federal law, individuals with domestic violence misdemeanor and felony convictions, as well as individuals subject to domestic violence protective orders, are prohibited from possessing firearms. The data shows that offenders with domestic violence in their past pose a high risk of homicide. In fact, domestic violence abusers with a gun in the home are five times more likely to kill their partners.
About the Office on Violence Against Women
The Office on Violence Against Women provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. To learn more about this grant visit: /media/1160536/dl?inline.
Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison after Committing Second Degree MurderRead the Press Release
A man was sentenced today in federal court for shooting and killing an acquaintance during a small gathering at a Tulsa hotel, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Johnny Little Cook, 43, to 20 years in federal prison. Cook was further ordered to pay $1,600 in restitution for the victim’s funeral expenses.
Cook pleaded guilty to second degree murder in Indian Country on May 5, 2021. In his plea agreement, Cook admitted to shooting and killing XZavior Frost on Feb. 24, 2021. Cook killed the victim at a Tulsa hotel during a small gathering in one of the rooms. His body was found by cleaning staff on Feb. 25, around noon.
During an investigation by the Tulsa Police Department Homicide Unit, witnesses stated that the victim entered the hotel room to join the group, and Cook, who was already there, pointed a gun at the victim and shot him. One witness who had just arrived at the hotel claimed he saw Cook run from the room and heard him say “either I killed him or he’s faking it.” Another witness said she witnessed Cook and the victim arguing the same day the victim was murdered.
Officers located and arrested Cook later on March 1. Cook stated in an interview that he felt threatened by the victim based on earlier incidents. He claimed that he thought the victim was reaching for a gun so he shot the victim. He then stated he thought the victim was reaching for another weapons so he shot him a second time. An individual who witnessed the crime stated that the victim possessed firearm in a holster but never drew the weapon.
Cook is a citizen of the Rosebud Sioux Nation, and the crime occurred on the Muscogee Nation reservation.
The Tulsa Police Department, FBI, and Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Reagan V. Reininger prosecuted the case.
Former Police Officer Sentenced for Making a False Statement to a Firearms Dealer to Purchase a Gun for BoyfriendRead the Press Release
A former Tulsa police officer was sentenced today in federal court for conspiring to make a false statement to a firearms dealer when purchasing a pistol on behalf of her boyfriend, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Chief U.S. District Judge John F. Heil III sentenced Latoya Lisa Dythe, 27, to five years of probation. Judge Heil further ordered the defendant to pay a fine of $1,000. In April, Dythe pleaded guilty to conspiracy to make a false statement to a firearms dealer and to false statement to a firearms dealer.
“My office is committed to holding accountable individuals who engage in illicit firearms transactions, including straw purchases,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Too often, straw purchases are linked to gun violence within communities across our nation. Latoya Dythe’s choice to illegally purchase a firearm on behalf of another not only ended her career as a Tulsa police officer, but also placed Tulsans at risk.”
In a written plea agreement, Dythe admitted that she and her codefendant Devon Jamyll Jones, her boyfriend at the time of the crime, agreed that Dythe would purchase a firearm for him at a Bass Pro Shop. Jones gave Dythe money to purchase a specific firearm, a FN HERSTAL S.A., 5.7 X 28mm. As mandated by law, Dythe filled out required forms to purchase the firearm. When asked on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Form 4473 “Are you the actual transferee/buyer of the firearm(s) listed on this form,” Dythe answered “Yes”. Her response was a false statement made to obtain the firearm for Jones. Dythe admitted that she did in fact obtain the firearm and immediately gave it to Jones following the purchase. She admitted that she knew her actions were Illegal when she committed the crime.
The ATF Form 4473 specifically issues a warning to purchasers: “Warning: You are not the actual transferee/buyer if you are acquiring the firearm(s) on behalf of another person. If you are not the actual transferee/buyer, the licensee cannot transfer the firearm(s) to you.”
Devon Jones, 28, was charged as a coconspirator with Dythe in the indictment announced in December and is awaiting trial. Jones is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Snow prosecuted the case.
This case was 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 for Shooting a Teenager during a Road Rage IncidentRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man arrested for shooting a teenager in a 2018 road rage incident pleaded guilty today in federal court, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Joshua Fort, 41, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm in Indian Country. U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell will sentence Fort on Dec. 17, 2021.
“Joshua Fort pulled a gun on a teenager during a traffic dispute. He shot the young man then tried to blame the shooting on the victim,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “I am thankful the victim survived the incident and that he has since recovered from his injuries. There are legal consequences to road rage especially when that rage turns violent.”
Fort stated in a plea agreement that on June 23, 2018, he intentionally shot the teenager with a handgun during a fight Fort initiated. The victim was wounded in the arm, requiring surgery.
The incident first started when the parties pulled into a parking lot at 9447 E. 31st Street in Tulsa due to a traffic dispute. The defendant stepped out of his vehicle, pulled a gun on the driver and victim, and started an argument. According to witnesses, Fort verbally threatened to shoot the two then grabbed the victim by the neck, trying to strangle him. The victim fought back and then Fort shot him. The victim and driver left the scene to receive medical care.
When officers arrived at the scene, they made contact with Fort, who fit the description of the reported shooter. Officers observed a .38 caliber revolver on the sidewalk in front of the defendant’s vehicle, a pool of the victim’s blood beside the vehicle and a trail of blood that led around the vehicle and into the parking lot. Fort initially told officers that the victim and driver had the gun and started the altercation in the parking lot after he pulled in. He said that the gun was dropped and he didn’t know how it went off. The evidence indicated otherwise. During a search of Fort, officers observed a gun holster on the defendant that appeared to match the .38 used in the shooting and located a spent .38 caliber shell casing in his right pocket. Two more rounds were found in the lining of Fort’s shorts. Video surveillance was also located that verified the witnesses’ and victim’s statements.
Fort is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, and the crime occurred within the Muscogee Nation reservation. The defendant was previously convicted in Tulsa County District Court for the offense but appealed his conviction based on the Supreme Court’s McGirt decision.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi is prosecuting the case.
Tulsa Man Sentenced for Applying for Paycheck Protection Program Loans under False PretensesRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man who fraudulently applied for Paycheck Protection Program forgivable loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was sentenced today in federal court, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced Ibanga Etuk, 41, to a total of four years in federal prison— two years for bank fraud and two years for aggravated identity theft. Judge Eagan also ordered Etuk to pay $168,000 in restitution to Chickasaw Community Bank.
In a plea agreement, Etuk admitted that from April 6, 2020, to April 29, 2020, he knowingly applied for a Paycheck Protection Program loan from Frontier State Bank under false pretenses. The defendant lied about the number of people employed during the previous months of purported operations, the payroll expenditures during the previous months, taxes paid during previous months of operation, ownership of the business, and relationships between the parties in a $300,000 loan application submitted for AboveAll Business Inc.
During the same time, Etuk unlawfully used another individual’s identity on payroll records submitted to Frontier State Bank when he applied for the $300,000 loan.
Etuk’s wife, Teosha Etuk, also fraudulently applied for Paycheck Protection Program loans. She pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud on April 6, 2021. She was sentenced on July 19, 2021, to one year and a day in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. She was further ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $150,000 to First Liberty Bank.
In a plea agreement, Teosha Etuk, 33, admitted that from April 14, 2020, to April 29, 2020, she fraudulently applied for a Paycheck Protection Program loan through First Liberty Bank. Specifically, she lied about the number of people employed during the previous months of purported operations, the payroll expenditures during the previous months, taxes paid during previous months of operation, ownership of the businesses and relationships between the conspirators in a loan application for $150,000 for the company TMARK Enterprises, Inc.
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. Attorneys Kristin Harrington and Victor A.S. Régal are prosecuting the case.
To learn more about the Justice Department’s COVID response, 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.
To report a COVID-19-related fraud scheme or suspicious activity, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) by calling the NCDF Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-for
Man Sentenced for Inappropriately Touching a Customer at a Sapulpa Convenience StoreRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man was sentenced today in federal court for inappropriately touching a 17-year-old customer at a Sapulpa convenience store, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Sajjad Ali Khan, 51, of Tulsa, to five years of probation with six months on home detention. The defendant is also required to register as a sex offender.
On Feb. 2, 2021, Kahn pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact in Indian Country. In the blind plea, Khan admitted that he engaged in abusive sexual contact by intentionally touching the victim’s breasts without her permission on Sept. 15, 2020. The crime occurred at a convenience store owned and operated by Khan, which is across the street from a public park and swimming pool.
The FBI, Sapulpa Police Department, and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marianne Hardcastle prosecuted the case.
Federal Grand Jury A Indictments Announced- AugustRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the August 2021 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.
Christopher Leon Beauchamp. Assault of an Intimate and Dating Partner by Strangling, Suffocating, and Attempting to Strangle and Suffocate in Indian Country. Beauchamp, 30, of Chouteau, is charged with assaulting a Cherokee Nation citizen by strangling and suffocating the victim on June 7, 2018. The FBI, Mayes County Sheriff’s Office and Choteau Police Department are the investigative agencies. (21-CR-336).
Camaran Blake Breazeale. Robbery in Indian Country; 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; Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Breazeale, 29, of Sand Springs, is charged with committing the July 13, 2021, robbery and assault of a Sand Springs convenience store owner. Breazeale allegedly knocked down, repeatedly punched, and struck the victim six times in the head with the butt of a 12-guage shot gun. The defendant, a convicted felon, was prohibited from possessing a firearm by federal law. See Complaint press release here. The FBI and Sand Springs Police Department are the investigative agencies. (21-CR-344)
Christopher Dean Dana. Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country; Coercion and Enticement of a Minor in Indian Country; Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country; Abusive Sexual Contact with a Child Under the Age of 12 Years in Indian Country; Abusive Sexual Contact with a Child Between the Ages of 12 and 16 Years in Indian Country (superseding). Dana is charged with sexually abusing a child starting when the victim was under the age of 12 and as she grew older. The abuse began in 2014 and continued through 2020. The FBI and Broken Arrow Police Department are the investigative agencies. (21-CR-228)
Bobby Antonio Deleon Jr. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; First Degree Burglary in Indian Country. Deleon Jr., 29, of Tulsa, allegedly shot a Cherokee Nation citizen on July 13, 2021. Earlier on June 26, 2021, Deleon also allegedly kicked in the same victim’s door, threatened the victim, and discharged his firearm into the floor. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. (21-CR-338)
Marshall Chippewa. Arson in Indian Country. On July 26, 2021, Chippewa, 35, of Tulsa, allegedly set fire to the outside of a QuikTrip on Memorial Dr. in Tulsa. He then allegedly poured gasoline on an inside countertop and lit it on fire. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. (21-CR-337)
Paul W. King. False Tax Return (superseding). King, 57, of Grove, allegedly created, signed and filed four false tax returns for the years 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. Each return included a schedule C for King as the owner of King’s Guttering that reported gross receipts. In those, King did not report $68,350 in gross receipts for 2011; $153,364 for 2012; $136,831 for 2013; and $74,209 for 2014. In total, King failed to report $432,754 in gross receipts to the IRS. IRS-Criminal Investigation is the investigative agency. (21-CR-74)
Dameon Lamar Leathers. First Degree Murder in Indian Country; First Degree Felony Murder in Indian Country; Robbery in Indian Country; Causing Death by Using 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). New to this superseding indictment are counts 2-5. Leathers, 39, of Tulsa, allegedly shot and killed Howard Eugene Thompson during a robbery on April 6, 2018. Leathers also struck a Tulsa County assistant district attorney in the head with a water pitcher on Nov. 22, 2019, after receiving a guilty verdict at his state trial for the murder of Mr. Thompson. Leathers’ state conviction was later dismissed due to lack of jurisdiction. He was then was charged by federal prosecutors. Leathers is a citizen of the Muscogee Nation, and the crime occurred within the Cherokee Nation reservation. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. (21-CR-163)
Michael David Pierce. Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor in Indian Country. Pierce, 32, of Tulsa, is charged with attempting to engage in sexual contact with a minor between the ages of 12 and 16 on Oct. 21, 2019, in Claremore. The FBI and Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) Lake Police are the investigative agencies. (21-CR-345)
Victor Miguel Flores Pina; Daniel Ibarra Calderon. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises. Flores, 27, and Ibarra, 41, both illegally in the United States, are charged with possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and with possessing with intent to distribute marijuana. They are also charged with furthering their drug trafficking crimes by possessing a Smith &Wesson .40 caliber pistol; a Glock 23 .40 caliber pistol; and a shotgun with pistol grip. Finally, the two are charged with maintaining a residence for the purpose of manufacturing, storing, and distributing methamphetamine. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. (21-CR-339)
Wade Andrew Rutherford. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Rutherford, 53, of Skiatook, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Marlin Firearms Co. .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle and more than 200 rounds of ammunition. The FBI; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Cherokee Nation Marshal Service; and Washington County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. (21-CR-346)
Camren Dion Sanders. Robbery in Indian Country. Sanders, 20, of Tulsa, allegedly robbed a man at gunpoint on July 2, 2021, taking money, cigarettes and a rifle from the victim. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. (21-CR-347)
Joshua David Slinkard. Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country (Counts 1 & 2); Possession of Child Pornography (Count 3) (superseding). Slinkard, 40, of Tulsa, is charged with sexually abusing a minor between Jan. 1, 2009, and Nov. 26, 2010. In this superseding indictment, Slinkard is also charged with possessing videos that showed the sexual abuse of minors. At least one of the children was under the age of 12. Slinkard was previously convicted in Tulsa County District Court for the crime. His conviction was later dismissed due to lack of jurisdiction. He was then charged by federal prosecutors. Slinkard is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, and the crime occurred within the Muscogee Nation reservation. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-266
Alexander Nicholaus Sweet. Coercion and Enticement of a Minor; Production of Child Pornography; Receipt of Child Pornography; Possession of Child Pornography. From September 2019 to July 26, 2021, Sweet, 28, of Tulsa, allegedly used electronic devices and social media to persuade and entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. During the same time, Sweet allegedly persuaded the minor to engage in sexually explicit behavior to produce child pornography using the victim’s computer and cell phone. Sweet is also charged with receiving and with possessing child pornography. The initial Complaint press release can be found here. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. (21-CR-340)
Delawnsha Lemar Tiger. Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor; Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country (superseding). From June 18, 2020, to June 22, 2020, Tiger, 27, of Bristow, allegedly coerced and enticed a minor between the ages of 12 and 16 to engage in sexual activity. He is further charged with sexually abusing the minor in Indian Country. The Bristow Police Department and FBI are the investigative agencies. (20-CR-124)
Daijon Marque Welch. Second Degree Murder in Indian Country; Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Welch, 25, is charged with the second degree murder of Cameron Maurice Wilson by shooting him multiple times in the back, hip, chest and right hand. Welch is also charged with being a felon in possession of a Ruger 9mm Luger semi-automatic pistol. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. (21-CR-343)
Christian Joshua Wilson. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Wilson, 20, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Springfield .45 caliber pistol and associated ammunition. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. (21-CR-341)
Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine and Heroin Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
An Arizona man was sentenced Wednesday in federal court for taking part in a methamphetamine and heroin drug conspiracy, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Anthony Ward Irving pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy on Nov. 25, 2020, and today was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan. Following his prison sentence, Irving will serve 5 years on supervised release.
In his written plea agreement, Irving admitted to conspiring with Tymalk Love, Casey Eastwood, and others to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine from January 2018 to February 2019. He further admitted to possessing with the intent to distribute heroin.
Irving acted as a “broker” for the transfer of the drugs between bulk distributors in Arizona and Love and his associates in Oklahoma and elsewhere. Irving admitted that he and his coconspirators coordinated drug deals using cell phones, drug couriers, and electronic transfers of cash. Irving received monetary compensation for his participation in the drug conspiracy.
In December, Eastwood also pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy. Love, who led the conspiracy while incarcerated in the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, pleaded guilty in June to drug conspiracy and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas E. Duncombe and Kevin C. Leitch prosecuted the case.
Sapulpa Man Sentenced to 15 years in Federal Prison for Attempting to Lure a Minor for SexRead the Press Release
A Sapulpa man who thought he was meeting a 14-year-old for sex but instead was met by deputies from the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office was sentenced today in federal court, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Nicholas Robert Hale, 36, to serve 15 years in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release. Hale pleaded guilty to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor in April.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will identify, locate, and prosecute individuals, like Nicholas Hale, who seek to harm children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The Rogers County Sheriff’s Office and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chris Nassar and Sandy Urban are to be commended for taking this child predator off the streets.”
In a written plea agreement, Hale admitted that from Nov. 9, 2020, to Dec. 22, 2020, he used a social media app to persuade and entice an individual he believed was a minor to engage in sexual activity. Hale believed he was interacting with a 14-year-old male but instead was communicating with an undercover officer from the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office. The two eventually agreed to meet at a convenience store in Verdigris in order to have sex. When Hale arrived, he was arrested and found to be in possession of methamphetamine, a loaded pistol in the front driver’s side door and an AR-15 rifle in the trunk of the car. During the investigation, child pornography, also known as child sexual abuse material, was discovered on Hale’s electronic devices.
The Rogers County Sheriff’s Office opened the investigation into Hale after they received a tip that Hale had tried to entice a minor living within the Northern District of Oklahoma.
The Rogers County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation with assistance from the Creek County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sandra M. Urban and Christopher J. Nassar prosecuted the case.
The case was a part of the Justice Department’s Project Safe Childhood initiative. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
California Man Pleads Guilty for Selling Methamphetamine in Northeastern OklahomaRead the Press Release
A man who was arrested after a Mannford police officer discovered methamphetamine, fentanyl, and firearms in his vehicle pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Eric Steven Bentley, 34, of Bakersfield, California, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and to possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Bentley faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison.
In his plea agreement, Bentley stated that on Oct. 31, 2020, he and two codefendants, Derrick Deeds and Nicole Dileva, possessed more than 500 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute the drug. He said the trio traveled from Bakersfield, California, to the Northern District of Oklahoma to sell the methamphetamine and had already distributed quantities of the methamphetamine in exchange for cash and firearms.
He further stated that the three defendants possessed a Hermann Weihrauch (Arminius) .38 Special caliber revolver, a Jimenez Arms, Inc. 9 mm Luger caliber semi-automatic pistol, and a 9 mm privately made firearm. Bentley, Deeds, and Dileva received the guns as payment for methamphetamine and used the firearms for protection while selling the drug.
The three were charged after an October 2020 traffic stop conducted by the Mannford Police Department. During a probable cause search of the vehicle, officers discovered three pounds of methamphetamine, pills later determined to be fentanyl, and the three firearms.
Deeds, 36, and Dileva, 34, both of Bakersfield, also pleaded guilty in July. The three defendants will be sentenced in November.
The Mannford Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica L. Wright and Justin G. Bish are prosecuting the case.
Tulsa Man Charged for Enticing a Minor and Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A 28-year-old Tulsa man was charged in federal court today after he allegedly enticed a 16-year-old and received sexually explicit pictures and videos of the girl, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Alexander Nicholaus Sweet, of Tulsa, made an initial appearance today in federal court after being charged by Criminal Complaint with coercion and enticement of a minor, production of child pornography, receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography. Sweet will next appear in court for a detention hearing on July 30.
The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office requests any other possible victims to contact the agency at 405-290-7770.
According to the affidavit filed with the Complaint, in December 2020, the FBI received information that Sweet was in an intimate relationship with a 16-year-old girl and was in possession of sexually explicit images of the victim that is considered child pornography. The information was allegedly corroborated during a resulting investigation.
The defendant also allegedly bragged about dating underage girls on multiple social media platforms.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward Snow and Christopher Nassar are prosecuting the case.
This matter will proceed in U.S. District Court in Tulsa, where the Complaint is currently pending. 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. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Four More Individuals Face Charges Related to the Kidnapping and Death of an Osage Nation CitizenRead the Press Release
Eleven defendants from the Joplin, Missouri, area have now been charged in a third superseding indictment for a kidnapping conspiracy that led to the death of an Osage citizen and for attempting to obstruct the ensuing federal investigation.
“The 11 defendants charged were allegedly involved in either the kidnapping and resulting death of Jolene Walker Campbell or with threatening witnesses and concealing evidence to cover up their crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “This indictment reflects a year’s worth of thorough investigative work and commitment from FBI special agents and federal prosecutor Kevin Fletcher to provide justice for the victim and her family.”
Jolene Walker Campbell’s body was discovered on July 15, 2020, in a remote field in Mayes County within the boundaries of the Muscogee Nation. The victim’s identity was initially unknown. Through an investigation involving the FBI, Mayes County Sheriff’s Office, Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Police Department and the Joplin Police Department, Ms. Walker Campbell was soon identified. The kidnapping and resulting death is alleged to have occurred between July 4 and 5, 2020.
Brothers Tre Robert Allan Ackerson and Lane Ryan Bronson along with Jacob Ryan Scribner and Kimberly Kay Grissom are newly charged in the third superseding indictment. Grissom is Ackerson and Bronson’s mother. The two brothers are in state custody in Missouri. Scribner and Grissom remain at large. All other defendants are in custody or are on pre-trail release.
Defendants Breanna Lynn Sloan, Tre Robert Allen Ackerson and Lane Ryan Bronson, all non-Indians, are charged with a kidnapping conspiracy that resulted in the death of Jolene Walker Campbell, a citizen of the Osage Nation. According to the indictment, the defendants conspired with one another and others to kidnap the victim whom they suspected was a federal informant. On July 4, 2020, Bronson allegedly pointed a gun at the victim’s head and forced her into a vehicle in Joplin, Missouri. Between July 4 and July 5, 2020, Ackerson and Sloan are alleged to have transported the victim across state lines into Oklahoma, through both the Cherokee and Muscogee Nations, and left her body in a field in Mayes County within the boundaries of the Muscogee Nation. Counts 1-3 relate to the kidnapping and death of Ms. Walker Campbell.
In count 4, the trio is further charged with desecrating the victim’s body by disposing of it to conceal the crime and to impede any possible investigation and prosecution.
Chloe Louise Stith, David William Morris, Breanna Lynn Sloan, Morgan Lee Bowman, Sarah Michelle Humbard, Megan Louise Detherage, Ariel Sue Paige Divine, Tre Robert Allen Ackerson, Lane Ryan Bronson, Jacob Ryan Scribner, and Kimberly Kay Grissom are charged in Count 5 with conspiracy to tamper with a witness, victim, and informant by using and threatening physical force. From July 5, 2020, to the date of the third superseding indictment (July 20, 2021) the defendants allegedly intimidated, threatened, and used physical force against at least four victims/witnesses/informants to prevent them from communicating with agents regarding the death of Ms. Walker Campbell.
Chloe Louise Stith, Ariel Sue Paige Divine, Tre Robert Allen Ackerson and Layne Ryan Bronson are charged in Count 6 with disposing of the victim’s belongings and her body on July 5, 2020, to make them unavailable as evidence in an investigation into the killing.
Breanna Lynn Sloan, Morgan Lee Bowman, Megan Louise Detherage, Tre Robert Allen Ackerson, and Lane Ryan Bronson are charged with tampering with a witness, victim, and informant in Count 7. On July 7, 2020, the defendants allegedly bound and blindfolded two witnesses, kidnapped them, and took them to a remote location. According to the indictment, the defendants then shot at Witness 1 with a semi-automatic rifle and told the witness to “dance” while Witness 2, still blindfolded, was forced to listen to the gunshots and Witness 1 scream. The two were then warned not to speak with law enforcement. In Count 8, the same defendants are charged for attempting to destroy evidence of the assault by cleaning one of the witnesses’ car with bleach.
Tre Robert Allen Ackerson, Lane Ryan Bronson, and Jacob Ryan Scribner are charged in Count 9 with tampering with a witness, victim, and informant when they allegedly carjacked Witness 1 to remind and warn the witness not to speak with law enforcement about the federal investigation. The incident occurred on July 19, 2020, two days after the news reported that the body found in Oklahoma was Ms. Walker Campbell.
Breanna Lynn Sloan is charged in Count 10 with tampering with a witness, victim, or informant by corrupt persuasion when on Aug. 8, 2020, she allegedly offered Witnesses 1 and 2 $1,000 if the witnesses recanted their testimony in Missouri state court against Tre Robert Allen Ackerson for the carjacking discussed in Count 9.
In Count 11, David William Morris, Sarah Michelle Humbard and Lane Ryan Bronson are charged with threatening physical force against Witness 2 with intent to hinder the witness’ testimony in Missouri state court. On Aug. 11, 2020, Morris and Humbard allegedly reminded Witness 2 about the death of Ms. Walker Campbell, warned that the witness was playing with fire, and directed the defendant to drive to a hotel in Carthage, Missouri, where they met Bronson. The indictment states that Bronson then demanded that Witness 2 appear in court the next day and change his testimony about Tre Robert Allen Ackerson or he would pay.
Chloe Louise Stith and Lane Ryan Bronson are charged in Count 12 with tampering with a witness, victim and informant. On Aug. 13, 2020, the two defendants allegedly covered Witnesses 3 and 4’s eyes with duct tape, bound their hands with zip ties, forced them into a car, and took them to a remote location. Bronson then allegedly beat Witness 3 while making Witness 4 watch. He stated that he heard Witness 4 was talking about the disappearance of Ms. Walker Campbell. He then allegedly warned that witness 4 would be beaten if the witness spoke to law enforcement.
Chloe Louise Stith and Jacob Ryan Scribner are charged in Count 13 with conspiracy to retaliate against a witness, victim and informant. On Aug. 22, 2020, the two allegedly conspired together and with others to retaliate against Witness 4 for speaking to authorities.
Finally, in Count 14, Tre Robert Allen Ackerson, Jacob Ryan Scribner, and Kimberly Kay Grissom are charged with conspiracy to retaliate against a witness, victim and informant. On April 26, 2021, they are alleged to have conspired together and with others to retaliate against Witness 3.
An indictment is merely an allegation and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Below is a list of defendants named in the indictment:
Chloe Louise Stith, 34
David William Morris, 34
Breanna Lynn Sloan, 22
Morgan Lee Bowman, 26
Sarah Michelle Humbard, 24
Megan Louise Detherage, 27
Ariel Sue Paige Divine, 29
Tre Robert Allen Ackerson, 27
Lane Ryan Bronson, 28
Jacob Ryan Scribner, 33
Kimberly Kay Grissom, 46
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Fletcher is prosecuting the case. AUSA Fletcher is a prosecutor from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Iowa. He volunteered to assist prosecution efforts here in the Northern District of Oklahoma due to increased jurisdictional responsibilities regarding crimes involving Native American victims or defendants and that occur within the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and Cherokee Nation Reservations.
Federal Grand Jury B Indictments Announced- JulyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the July 2021 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.
Nicholas Scott Avery, Chelsea Marie Fishinghawk. Carjacking. On June 17, 2021, Avery, 30, and Fishinghawk, 23, allegedly aided and abetted each another when they attempted to take a 2008 Maroon Honda Accord from the victim by force, violence, and intimidation. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-330
Dustin James Gullett. Coercion and Enticement of a Minor; Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor by Force in Indian Country; Receipt of Child Pornography. Gullett, 41, of Ardmore, is charged with coercion and enticement of a minor, aggravated sexual abuse of a minor by force, and receipt of child pornography. The crimes allegedly took place from March 5, 2021, to March 8, 2021, and the victim was between 12 and 16 years old. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Bartlesville Police Department, and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-324
Joseph Dale Irby. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Irby, 30, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Strassell’s Machine Inc. 9 mm Luger caliber pistol and 37 rounds of associated ammunition. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-331
Russell Rudolph Johnson. Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling and Suffocating in Indian Country; 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. Johnson, 47, of Tulsa, is charged with strangling an intimate partner on June 21, 2021. He is further charged with shooting the woman with a firearm the same day. Finally, he is charged with discharging the firearm during a crime of violence. The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office and FBI are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-334
Rafael Gomez Medina; Daniel Rico Nolasco; Anabel Rodriquez Cervantes. Drug Conspiracy; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. Medina, 51, of Tulsa, Nolasco, 42, of Tulsa, and Rodriguez, 33, of Oklahoma City, are charged with conspiring together and with others to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The trio are further charged possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The Drug Enforcement Administration is the investigative agency. 21-CR-325
David Anthony Romannose. Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force and Threat in Indian Country; Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country. Romannose, 44, of Stilwell, allegedly sexually abused a minor between 12 and 16 years of age on July 4, 2017. See initial charging press releases here. The FBI, Oneida Indian Nation Police Department, and Craig County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-332
Johnny Wayne Rose, Jr. Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor. Rose Jr., 40, of Mannford allegedly attempted to entice an individual he believed to be a minor to engage in sexual activity. The Roger’s County Sheriff’s Office is the investigative agency. 21-CR-326
Adam Douglas Sherwood. Drug Conspiracy; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Unlawful Use of a Communication Facility; Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crimes. As early as 2018, Sherwood, 43, of Wyandotte, co-conspirator 1, and others known to the grand jury allegedly conspired to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. On May 23, 2020, Sherwood and co-conspirator 1 aided and abetted each other to knowingly possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Sherwood further used a cell phone to send or receive at least 13 texts communicating about the distribution of the drug. Sherwood and co-conspirator 1 possessed a Lorcin Engineering Company .380 ACP caliber single action pistol and a Sturm, Ruger & Co. .22 MWR caliber double-action revolver. Additionally, Sherwood is alleged to have distributed methamphetamine to a number of drug dealers and drug users across Northeast Oklahoma for a period of over least two years dating back to early 2018. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration, and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. 20-CR-307
Kip Jerome Shotpouch. Coercion and Enticement of a Minor in Indian Country; Possession of Child Pornography. Shotpuch, 37, of Jay, is alleged to have knowingly enticed and coerced a minor into engaging in sexual activity on April 17, 2016. He is further charged with possessing one or more child pornography images and video files of children younger than 12 years old. At the time of the crime, Shotpouch was a bailiff at the Delaware County Courthouse. U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-333
Aleta Necole Thomas; Pepper Jones; Katrina West. False Statement to a Financial Institution (Counts 1-18); Aggravated Identity Theft (Counts 16-17). Pepper Jones, 42, and Katrina West, 38, both of Tulsa, are newly charged in this superseding indictment. Thomas, 42, of Tulsa, was previously charged. In total, Thomas, Jones, and West, together and separately, are alleged to have fraudulently applied for and received more than $795,000 worth of Paycheck Protection Program forgivable loans administered by the Small Business Administration under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Some of the false businesses the defendants allegedly used to apply for the loans included the Lead Us Kids Home Daycare, Coming Correction Community Ministries, Coming Correct Community Ministries II, and Lead Us Kids Daycare II. The Office of Inspector General Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; U.S. Department of Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-239
Brandon Tyler Trammell. Theft in Indian Country - Over $1,000. Trammell, 25, of Sand Springs, is charged with stealing a 2006 Pontiac G6 Sedan. The FBI and Bixby Police Department are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-327
Tulsa Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Firearms in Exchange for Distribution Amounts of High-Grade MarijuanaRead the Press Release
A Tulsa gang member pleaded guilty for conspiring with others to collect firearms and exchange them for marijuana to sell on the black market, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Shelvon Tyrone Williams, 27, pleaded guilty Thursday, July 15, to firearms conspiracy and will be sentenced Nov. 18, 2021.
In his plea agreement, Williams admitted that from November 2018 to March 2020, he collected and transported firearms from Oklahoma to northern California in exchange for distribution amounts of high-grade marijuana. Williams then sold the marijuana in the Northern District of Oklahoma.
“Shelvon Williams and his coconspirators furthered their illegal marijuana distribution operation by putting firearms into the hands of other dangerous criminals. The trafficking of firearms fuels violent crime and places those living in communities across our nation at risk,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The Justice Department is focused on preventing and disrupting violent crime. My office will work alongside our local, state, federal, and tribal partners to vigorously prosecute the criminal trafficking of firearms.”
On March 4, 2020, the U.S. Attorney’s Office charged Williams and five others for their involvement in the firearms conspiracy and drug conspiracy. Williams and other defendants are members of the Squeeze Team, a violent street gang made up of various members affiliated with the Bloods, Neighborhood Crips, and 5-tre Crips.
According to the indictment, the conspirators concealed the firearms in backpacks, duffel bags, and suitcases and transported them in cars and buses to individuals in California. The defendants purchased bus tickets with cash using false names to help conceal their crimes. In exchange for each handgun they delivered to California, the defendants received one to two pounds of high-grade marijuana shipped through the U.S. Postal Service. Conspirators in California shipped the packages of marijuana to a specific geographical region in Tulsa where U.S. Postal Service employee and codefendant, Whitney D’ron Clark, retrieved the packages. She then delivered the packages to other conspirators who re-packaged the marijuana for sale in northeastern Oklahoma.
Codefendants Brian Lee Thomas, Whitney D’ron Clark, and Kenyante Hampton previously pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy. Also pleading guilty to firearms conspiracy was codefendant Sheldon Tyrone Christopher Williams Jr.
“ATF and our partners are committed to stopping the illegal flow of firearms across the United States. Mr. Williams and his partners’ greed put the safety of Oklahomans and Californians at risk. They were living the high life for a while, but the law will always catch up with you. I applaud the efforts of all the agencies involved in this significant investigation” stated ATF Dallas Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II.
This prosecution was a part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation Squeezed Out. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
The Tulsa Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn A. McCormick prosecuted the case. AUSA McCormick serves as the lead attorney for the U.S. Attorney’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces.
Sapulpa Man Sentenced after Child Pornography ConvictionsRead the Press Release
Aaron James Seney, 33, of Sapulpa, was sentenced today to 78 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to distribution and receipt of child pornography and to possession of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell further ordered Seney to serve 10 years on supervised release following his prison sentence. The defendant will also forfeit property used to commit his crimes: an Iphone, USB Drive, a Samsung smartphone, a digital camera, and a desktop computer.
During his April plea hearing, Seney admitted that between March 24, 2020, and September 2, 2020, he distributed and received child pornography via the internet using file sharing programs. He further admitted that he knowingly possessed and accessed the child sexual abuse material. In total, investigators discovered 193 images and 33 videos depicting the abuse and rape of children as young as infants.
Judge Frizzell remanded Seney into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service until transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Tulsa Police Department, Sand Springs Police Department and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar prosecuted the case.