Northern District of Oklahoma
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
September Federal Grand Jury 2024-B Indictments AnnouncedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the September Federal Grand Jury 2024-B Indictments.
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.
Selvin Leonel Alvarado-Castillo. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Alvarado-Castillo, 46, a Honduran national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Jun. 2004. Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Brandon is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-359
Freeman Buchanan. Illegal Possession of a Machinegun. Buchanan, 19, of Wagoner, is charged with knowingly possessing a machinegun conversion device. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Brasher is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-351
Mark Allen Burleson. Second Degree 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. Burleson, 44, of Tulsa and a member of the Cherokee Nation, is charged with deliberately and unlawfully killing Heather Martinez. Further, Burelson is charged with using a firearm to assault a second victim, which resulted in bodily injury, and using a firearm during a crime of violence. The FBI, the Tulsa Police Department, and the Ponce City Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Dunn is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-350
Colton Lee Crane. 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; Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition After a Misdemeanor Domestic Violence Conviction. Crane, 32, of Grove and a member of the Cherokee Nation, is charged with intentionally assaulting a victim with a firearm that resulted in bodily injury and using a firearm during a crime of violence. Crane is further charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of a felony. Additionally, Crane is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition after being convicted of a domestic violence crime. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Wright is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-352
Jose Carmelo Dubon-Pena. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Dubon-Pena, 39, a Honduran national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Jul. 2024. Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Jolly is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-353
Edgar Antonio Gomez-Sanchez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Gomez-Sanchez, 36, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Mar. 2023. Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Valeria Luster is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-354
Jose Luis Granados Baltazar. Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor; Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Granados Baltazar, 33, a Mexican national, is charged with attempting to entice an individual he believed was under 18 years old to engage in sexual activity. Further, he is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Jun. 2022. The Owasso Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan Michel is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-337
Gerald Craig Jones. Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crimes; Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition. Jones, 54, of Tulsa, is charged with knowingly possessing cocaine with intent to distribute and maintaining a residence for cocaine distribution. Additionally, Jones is charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was convicted of a felony. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Flesher is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-338
David Wayne Licht. Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography; Possession of Child Pornography in Indian Country. Licht, 47, of Tulsa and a member of the Cherokee Nation, is charged with knowingly receiving and distributing visual images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. Further, Licht is charged with possessing visual images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children under 12 years old. The Homeland Security Investigations, the Tulsa Police Department, and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Police are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Robert is prosecuting the case.
25-CR-339Raymond Thomas McCrary. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. McCrary, 49, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia Hockenbury is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-340
Joel Arturo Moreno-Miron. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Moreno-Miron, 30, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Apr. 2014. Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-355
Jose Guadalupe Naranjo-Cruz. Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor Under 12 Years of Age. Naranjo-Cruz, 28, a Mexican national, is charged with crossing a state line to engage in sexual activity with a child under 12 years old. The Homeland Security Investigations and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Nassar and Ashley Robert are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-341
Jose Manuel Ramirez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Manuel Ramirez, 46, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Jul. 2012. Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shakema Onias is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-356
Rusty Dale Reece; Ryan Scott Ervin. Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country; Robbery in Indian Country; Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country; Robbery in Indian Country. Reece, 32, of Miami and a member of the Quapaw Tribe, and Ervin, 32, a transient, are charged with assaulting the victim, causing serious bodily injury, and taking items of value by force, violence, and intimidation. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Field Resident Office and the Quapaw Nation Marshal Service are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Dewhurst is prosecuting the case.
25-CR-342Gerardo Enrique Renteria-Banda. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Renteria-Banda, 40, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in May 2018. Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Scaife is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-357
Aaron Mitchell Robinson. Distribution of Methamphetamine (Counts 1 & 2); Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises (Count 3); Possession of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime (Count 4). Robinson, 49, of Sperry, is charged with intentionally distributing methamphetamine. He is additionally charged with maintaining a residence for the purpose of drug distribution and possessing a firearm in relation to drug trafficking. The FBI is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shakema Onias is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-361
Jexon Josue Villamil-Sosa. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Villamil-Sosa, 23, a Honduran national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in May 2024. Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Harris is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-358
Carrie Williford. Attempted Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. Williford, 42, of Sand Springs, is charged with attempting to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam McConney is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-343
Stillwater Man Sentenced After Being Convicted of Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Stillwater man was sentenced today after being convicted by a federal jury for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Flint Donavan Luster, 37, to 70 months imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release.
According to evidence presented at trial, Luster was pulled over by a Tulsa County Sheriff’s deputy for a traffic violation in September 2023. The deputy discovered that the truck Luster was driving was stolen, and he was taken into custody. Upon searching the truck, deputies found a puzzle box that contained 437 grams of methamphetamine inside.
During the trial, law enforcement testified to a previous search warrant conducted on Luster's home. During that search, law enforcement found evidence that supported that Luster was distributing drugs, such as scales, firearms, cash, and additional methamphetamine. Further evidence presented at trial showed that Luster was buying methamphetamine in Tulsa and distributing it in smaller areas.
Luster will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Payne County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Bailey and Attila Bogdan prosecuted the case.
September Federal Grand Jury 2025-A Indictments AnnouncedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the September Federal Grand Jury 2025-A Indictments.
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.
Jeffrey Todd Christner. Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor; Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct. Christner, 59, of Paden City, West Virginia, is charged with attempting to coerce and entice a person he believed was under 18 years old to engage in sexually explicit conduct. He is additionally charged with traveling from West Virginia to Tulsa to engage in illicit sexual conduct. The Homeland Security Investigations Tulsa, Homeland Security Investigations Charleston, the Broken Arrow Police Department, and the Tulsa Airport Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Robert is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-325
Christopher Don Harl. First Degree Burglary in Indian Country; Retaliation by Threatening to Cause Bodily Injury; Retaliation by Damaging Tangible Property; Tampering with a Witness and Victim by Using the Threat of Physical Force. Harl, 41, of Tulsa and a member of the Cherokee Nation, is charged with breaking into an occupied home with the intent to commit a crime. He knowingly threatened to cause bodily harm and damage the property of a victim if they provided information about the burglary. Lastly, Harl is charged with threatening to use physical force in an attempt to keep the victim from cooperating with law enforcement. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Heign is prosecuting the case.
25-CR-332Roderick Douwey Jordan; Bertram Jerome Leonard. Conspiracy (Count 1); Passing and Attempting to Pass Counterfeit Obligations and Securities of the United States (Counts 2 through 5). Jordan, 30, of Port Lucie, Florida, and Leonard, 30, of Miami, Florida, are charged with conspiring with each other and with others to pass counterfeit currency by purchasing items from several retailers. Further, they are both charged with attempting to use and using counterfeit currency that was knowingly altered and forged. The U.S. Secret Service, the Tulsa Police Department, the Catoosa Police Department, and the Broken Arrow Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Whipple is prosecuting the case.
25-CR-326Kameron Lee King. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Illegal Possession of a Machine Gun. King, 20, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of a felony. Further, King is charged with knowingly possessing a handgun fitted with a machinegun conversion device. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Elmore is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-323
Agustin Luevano Najera. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Najera, 52, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Sep. 2015. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Ihler is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-324
Barry Wayne Newberry. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. Newberry, 60, of Tulsa and a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, is charged with assaulting the victim with a dangerous weapon that resulted in bodily injury. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Dunn is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-321
Eduin Osmar Ramos-Lemus. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Ramos-Lemus, 39, a Honduran national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Mar. 2022. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Dill is prosecuting the case.
25-CR-322Noe Nava Mata. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Nava Mata, 39, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in June 2023. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-320
Joseph Lee Starkey. Failure to Appear After Pretrial Release. Starkey, 45, of Tulsa, is charged with knowingly and willfully failing to appear before the court as required under the conditions of his pretrial release in a separate case. The Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Greenough is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-331
La’Dontae Lavere Taylor. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition (Counts 1 & 2); Sex Trafficking (Count 3); Transporting an Individual for Prostitution (Count 4) (superseding). Taylor, 27, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition in Dec. 2024 and Feb. 2025, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. He is charged with benefiting financially from recruiting, harboring, and providing transportation to an individual to engage in commercial sex acts. Lastly, Taylor is charged with transporting a person to engage in prostitution and other sexual activities. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John W. Dowdell and Kenneth Elmore are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-134
Tulsan Convicted by Jury of Robbery and Using a Firearm During a Crime of ViolenceRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A federal jury convicted Mark Verron Callshim, Jr., 38, for Robbery in Indian Country and Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.
In November 2021, surveillance video shown to the jury shows two men arriving at a convenience store in a blue Subaru Forester. One man, later identified as Callshim, is seen wearing a black hoodie with the word “savage” on the front, a black Cleveland Indians hat, with visible neck and hand tattoos. Callshim and the other suspect are seen entering the store and pointing guns at the cashier. The cashier is seen pulling money out of the register and is visibly afraid of being shot. Footage shows the cashier calling 911 as Callshim is getting back into the driver's side of the blue Subaru Forester and driving off while the other man fires one shot at the building.
Tulsa Police officers responded to the 911 call and set up a perimeter to canvas the area. A detective testified about responding to the scene where he looked for evidence and watched the surveillance footage. The surveillance footage allowed the detective to share the description of the two men seen in the footage and a description of the blue Subaru Forester. Shortly after the robbery, a citizen reported seeing a man in dark clothing abandoning the blue Subaru Forester nearby. Tulsa Police officers looked up the VIN and discovered that the vehicle was reported stolen a few days earlier. The detective contacted the victim of the stolen vehicle and explained that officers believed the vehicle was used in a robbery. The owner gave consent for the vehicle to be searched. During a search of the vehicle, officers found a partially smoked cigarette, among other things. The items were collected as evidence and submitted for DNA analysis.
The detective further testified to creating an internal tip sheet to share within the Tulsa Police Department. He described sharing details of the robbery and photos of the suspects that they were looking for. The detective received a phone call from an officer who believed he spoke with the suspect on an unrelated call, near the robbery. The detective explained that he reviewed the body camera video of the officer. As the jury was shown an image from the officer's body camera, the detective described the tattoos on Callshim as resembling those of the person seen in the surveillance footage. The detective found Callshim and interviewed him. Callshim denied knowledge of the robbery but allowed the detective to take photos of his tattoos. The jury was shown side-by-side comparison photos of the tattoos seen during the robbery, which were similar to the pictures taken by the detective.
Lastly, two DNA experts testified that the DNA collected from the cigarette matched Callshim’s DNA.
Court records show that Callshim has a lengthy criminal history. He’s been convicted of several crimes, including assault with a dangerous weapon, possessing controlled substances, eluding an officer, and first-degree robbery. He is a citizen of the Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma and will remain in custody, awaiting sentencing that will be scheduled at a later date.
The second suspect involved in the robbery is still unknown. If you have any information about the second suspect, you can submit a tip to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov/home or by calling 405-290-7770. You can also submit an anonymous tip to Tulsa Crime Stoppers here or by calling 918-596-2677.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mike Flesher and John Brasher prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Jenks Man Sentenced for Receiving and Distributing Sexually Explicit Material of ChildrenRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Jenks man was sentenced today after a forensic analysis of his cellphone revealed 99 images and 39 videos of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge John D. Russell sentenced Jason Gardner Davis, 52, for Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography. Judge Russell ordered Davis to 78 months imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release. Judge Russell ordered Davis to pay $5,100 in restitution and monetary assessments. Upon his release, Davis will also be required to register as a sex offender.
From October 2022 through February 2023, Davis admitted to receiving sexual gratification after receiving and sharing sexually explicit images and videos of minor children engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Court records show that Davis was chatting with an undercover agent through a social media app and distributed child sexual abuse material to the undercover agent. The investigation led agents to Davis’ home with a search warrant, where agents found 99 images and 39 videos of child sexual abuse material, including images of pre-pubescent children being sexually abused, and images of sadistic conduct, on Davis’ cellphone.
Davis was taken into custody at his guilty plea in May, and he will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley Robert and Nathan Michel prosecuted 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 Justice.gov/PSC.
Man Ordered to Serve 30 Years in Prison for Second Degree Murder After Killing a Woman Found Near a Bus StopRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Sand Springs man was sentenced today for Second Degree Murder in Indian Country, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge John D. Russell sentenced Anthony Clay Russell, 32, of Sand Springs, to 360 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on October 22, 2024, first responders were dispatched in response to a call about a woman lying on a sidewalk with blood coming from her head. Medical personnel told responding officers that the woman, later identified as Tasha Shepard, was deceased from a gunshot wound to the back of the head.
Surveillance footage from the area showed a BMW pulling into a nearby parking lot. The surveillance showed Tasha getting out of the passenger side of the BMW and walking away from the car. The BMW is seen following Tasha as she walked out of the parking lot and then sped away from the area where first responders found Tasha’s body.
Detectives discovered a cellphone on Tasha and retrieved text messages with Anthony Russell from the evening of the shooting. Russell texted Tasha about paying for sex and coordinating where he could pick her up.
When detectives interviewed Russell, he initially lied about being with Tasha. When confronted with evidence, Russell eventually admitted that he picked up Tasha to have sex for money. Russell admitted he did not have money to pay Tasha, so she got out of the BMW and walked away. Eventually, Russell admitted to shooting at Tasha, claiming he was only trying to scare her.
The investigation further revealed additional surveillance footage of Russell and Tasha together in the BMW several minutes before Tasha was killed. During a search of Russell’s home, detectives found the BMW and the firearm used to shoot Tasha.
Russell is a citizen of the Osage Nation, and he will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The Tulsa Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam D. McConney and John Brasher prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Felon Sentenced After Jury Convicted Him of Unlawful Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Tulsa man was sentenced after a federal jury convicted him in April of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Today, U.S. District Judge John D. Russell sentenced Prophet Kelly Lamar Clark, 53, to 15 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.
Tulsa Police officers responded to a 911 call about a suspect with a gun. The physical description provided to law enforcement was later identified as Clark. Responding officers saw Clark walking away from the caller’s home on the phone, with a pair of keys and a loaded magazine in his right hand.
When the officer asked Clark if he had a weapon, he did not respond. While Clark was being placed in handcuffs, the officer pointed out the magazine in Clark’s hand and asked again if he had a firearm on him. Clark told the officer, “right,” implying the firearm was on his right side. A purple handgun was taken from Clark’s right side. Once Clark’s identity was confirmed, records showed that he was a convicted felon.
Court records show that in 2010, Clark pled guilty to felony possession of a controlled drug in state court, driving without a driver’s license, and improper tail lamps. He was sentenced to a five-year deferred sentence, which was ultimately converted to a conviction in 2011, resulting in Clark being placed on probation.
Clark was detained at sentencing, pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with the Tulsa Police Department, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mallory Richard and Jessica Wright prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Tulsan Retried and Found Guilty of Sexually and Brutally Assaulting a NunRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A federal jury reconvicted a homeless Tulsa man who kidnapped, sexually abused, and physically assaulted a 72-year-old nun, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Elga Eugene Harper, 43, was found guilty of Kidnapping in Indian Country; Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force and Threat in Indian Country; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country.
According to court documents, in May 2022, Harper showed up at the victim's house unannounced. The victim knew Harper, who was homeless, and she would pay him to help fix things around her house. After explaining to Harper that she had no work for him, Harper requested to use the restroom. The victim allowed him to use the restroom.
The victim testified that Harper was gone for a while, and she went to check on him. When she found Harper, he was in her bedroom naked and immediately attacked her. During her testimony, the victim described Harper bound her arms and legs and tied a noose around her neck, all while Harper physically and sexually assaulted her for more than four hours. Before Harper left, he went through her home and took possessions that officers later found.
Harper was found guilty during his federal trial in February and sentenced in July 2023. In August, Harper filed an appeal to the Tenth Circuit Court, and the guilty verdict was overturned in October 2024, causing a retrial. While awaiting retrial, the victim passed away.
The retrial began on Monday, and a new jury was selected. Law enforcement and witnesses retestified to the events that happened in 2022. The jury heard audio from the 911 call where the victim cried for help and described being physically assaulted. The victim could be heard telling the 911 dispatcher, EMSA personnel, and responding officers that “Elga Harper” was the person who attacked her.
A body camera video and photos of the victim's injuries displayed to the jury showed the brutality of the violence that Harper committed on the victim.
Harper is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. He will continue to remain in custody until his sentencing is scheduled.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melody Nelson, Valeria Luster, and Kenneth Elmore prosecuted the case.
August Federal Grand Jury 2024-B Indictments AnnouncedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the August Federal Grand Jury 2024-B Indictments.
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.
Wilmer Ulvin Aguilar-Miranda. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Aguilar-Miranda, 30, a Guatemalan national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Mar. 2013. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Heign is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-308
Christopher Ray Barrett; Jessica Marie Johnson; Katelyn Mary LeBlanc. Carjacking; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Conspiracy to Tamper with a Witnesses, Victims, and Informants (second superseding). Barrett, 40, Johnson, 37, both of Tulsa, and LeBlanc, 27, a transient, are charged with taking a vehicle by force. They further conspired to intimidate and persuade witnesses and victims not to cooperate with the investigation. Barrett is charged with brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and for possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mike Flesher and Jessica Wright are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-024
Joshua Lee Cornog. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. Cornog, 43, of Commerce, is charged with intentionally possessing with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-314
Jerry Charles Creek, Jr. Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling and Suffocating in Indian Country (Counts 1 & 3); Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country (Counts 2 & 7); Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country (Count 4); Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force and Threat in Indian Country (Counts 5 & 9); Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country (Count 6); Kidnapping in Indian Country (Count 8) (superseding). Creek, 53, of Collinsville, is charged with strangling and assaulting an intimate partner, which resulted in serious bodily injury. He is charged with using a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm in Nov. 2023 and Apr. 2024. Plus, sexually assaulting the victim by force and threat in Nov. 2023 and Mar. 2024. Additionally, it is alleged that Creek assaulted the victim with intent to commit murder and held her against her will. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey P. Todd is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-259*
Cameron David Joshua Cox. Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography. Cox, 36, of Tulsa, is charged with knowingly receiving, possessing, and distributing visual images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Ihler is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-307
Henry Joseph Jaquez. Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition (Count 1); Kidnapping in Indian Country (Count 2); Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling in Indian Country (Count 3); Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country (Counts 4 & 6); Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence (Count 5); Abusive Sexual Contact by Force and Threat in Indian Country (Count 7). Jaquez, 42, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing several firearms and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. In Aug. 2025, Jaquez allegedly kidnapped, strangled, and assaulted the victim with a taser and a firearm. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Dowdell is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-296
Marcus Antonio Jones. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Jones, 46, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mallory Richard is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-313
John David Landrum. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Landrum, 45, of Quapaw, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wyandotte Nation Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Augustus Forster is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-306
Antonio Juan Paredes. Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Paredes, 35, of Tulsa, is an individual who is knowingly required to register as a sex offender. He is charged with failing to register as a sex offender from March to July 2025. The U.S. Marshal Service is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Greenough is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-305
Issac Eli Pigeon. First Degree Burglary in Indian Country; Kidnapping in Indian Country. Pigeon, 23, of Tulsa and a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, is charged with breaking into an occupied home with the intent of committing a crime. He is further charged with kidnapping the victim and keeping them from leaving. The FBI, the U.S. Marshal Service, and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-312
Sidney Peter Rivas; Marcus Allen Bearpaw; Michael Anthony Collum; Lindsey Stark Cornell; William Boyd Jones; Jennifer Suzanne Swanson; Juan Carlos Perez-Hernandez. Continuing Criminal Enterprise (Count 1); Drug Conspiracy (Counts 2 through 4); Money Laundering Conspiracy (Count 5); Concealment Money Laundering (Count 6); International Concealment Money Laundering (Counts 7 through 9). Rivas, 46, incarcerated, is charged with organizing, leading, and profiting from the distribution of methamphetamine while in prison. Rivas, Bearpaw, 30, incarcerated, Collum, 41, of Noble, Cornell, 45, of Grove, Jones, 39, and Swanson, 48, of Lindsay, and Perez-Hernandez, 43, is incarcaerate and an El Salvador national, are charged with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and or heroin. Additionally, Rivas, Cornell, Jones, and Swanson are charged with conspiring with others to obtain physical and digital currency from the drug distribution and transferring it to other locations in the United States and Mexico. Rivas and Cornell are charged with concealing or disguising funds received from the unlawful activity. Lastly, Rivas, Cornell, and Swanson are charged with concealing or disguising funds from the unlawful activity and transferring them to Mexico. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the IRS, and the Drug Enforcement Administration are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Jiang is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-295
Alejandro Aguilar Rodriguez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Aguilar Rodriguez, 30, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Jan. 2025. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Augustus Forster is prosecuting the case.
25-CR-303Jimmy Ray Spencer. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. Spencer, 67, of Sapulpa, is charged with possessing with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Nasar is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-294
Jesus Vargas-Gutierrez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Vargas-Gutierrez, 40, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Jan. 2019. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Attila Bogdan is prosecuting the case.
25-CR-304Gualberto Vega. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Vega, 31, of Tulsa, is charged with knowingly possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Further, Vega is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition after being convicted of a felony and in furtherance of drug trafficking. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Scaife is prosecuting the case.
25-CR-302Raphiel Andrew Williams. Cyberstalking (Counts 1 & 2). Williams, 26, of Tulsa, is charged with causing reasonable fear or substantial emotional distress by using an electronic communication service with intent to kill, injure, harass, and intimidate two victims. The Tulsa Police Department is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley Robert and Steve Briden are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-301
Ismael Moreno Zuniga. Alien Unlawfully in the United States in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Moreno Zuniga, 37, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was unlawfully residing in the United States. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Wright is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-300
* Jerry Chares Creek, Jr., was tried by a federal jury in November 2025. He was acquitted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; both counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force and Threat in Indian Country; and Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country. Creek was found guilty of all other charges.
Tulsa Man Sentenced for Aggravated Sexual Abuse and StrangulationRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – In January, a federal jury convicted Denzil Austin Berryman of aggravated sexual abuse and assault by strangulation in Indian country.
Today, U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Berryman, 38, to 210 months imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release. Upon his release, Berryman will also be required to register as a sex offender. Judge Hill further ordered Berryman to pay $5,375 in restitution.
According to trial testimony, in June 2023, Berryman was with the victim at her apartment. Berryman became enraged when he saw that the victim had candy that he believed was a gift from someone else. Berryman began screaming at the victim, slapped her, shoved the candy down her throat, punched the bedroom door, broke several electronics in the apartment, and threatened to harm her cat.
The victim called 911. When officers responded, Berryman told officers he would leave. Berryman did not go and began crying and apologized to the victim. The victim allowed Berryman to return to her apartment. There, Berryman forced the victim into her bedroom, where he sexually assaulted her. When the victim asked Berryman to stop, he proceeded to strangle her. After passing out, the victim woke to Berryman forcibly raping her.
Berryman is a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and will remain in custody pending transfer to the
U.S. Bureau of Prisons.The FBI and Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Ihler and Stephen Scaife prosecuted the case.
The Office on Violence Against Women has resources for survivors of domestic violence. You can find information here.
Claremore Man Sentenced for Sexual Abuse of a Minor and Abusive Sexual ContactRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – Today, Ryan Duke Haight, 45, was sentenced after being convicted by a federal jury in May for the Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country and two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor in Indian Country. In a post-trial order, the court acquitted Haight of one count of Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor in Indian Country.
U.S. District Judge Frizzell sentenced Haight to 120 months imprisonment, followed by 15 years of supervised release. Upon his release, Haight will also be required to register as a sex offender. Judge Frizzell further ordered Haight to pay $3,353.70 in restitution.
According to evidence presented at trial, Haight made sexual comments to the 14-year-old minor victim, began touching her on the buttocks, claiming it was an accident, and played with the seam of her panties. Haight even told the victim that he preferred “butts” over “boobs,” which was why he liked the victim. In the spring of 2024, Haight’s physical contact escalated. On multiple occasions, while driving the victim home, Haight rested his hand on the victim's leg and touched her underneath her clothing. Then, in July 2024, Haight told the victim he wanted to give her a massage as his “prize” for winning a bet. While massaging the victim, Haight sexually abused her.
Haight will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The FBI and the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Scaife and Kate Brandon prosecuted 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 Justice.gov/PSC.
Tulsan Sentenced After Pointing Gun at People Outside a BarRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Tulsa man was sentenced today for Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge John F. Heil, III, sentenced Carl Anthony Epps, II, 43, to 84 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.
In February 2024, Epps was asked to leave a bar for harassing patrons. Upon leaving, Epps threatened an employee at the bar and claimed he had a firearm in his vehicle. Witnesses called 911 and told law enforcement that Epps pulled his vehicle in front of the bar and pointed a rifle with a green laser at the employee. When officers found Epps, they saw the gun sitting in his vehicle.
Epps will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Dowdell prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
California Man Sentenced for Enticing Minors to Create Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A man from Santa Ana, California, was sentenced today for Production of Child Pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge John F. Heil, III, sentenced Alejandro Gomez, 32, to 180 months imprisonment, followed by lifetime supervised release. Upon his release, Gomez will also be required to register as a sex offender.
“Despite living more than a thousand miles away from the victims, the internet allowed Gomez to entice minor boys into sending him nude photos and videos,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “While we use the internet daily, child predators abuse the internet to gain access to children.”
“I commend the work of the FBI and our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in securing justice for the victims in this case, and for ensuring this vile predator faces accountability,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater. “Together, we will continue to aggressively pursue those who exploit children for their own sick gratification.”
According to court documents, the FBI received a tip from a 15-year-old minor victim and their parent in June 2024. The minor victim told agents that he was sharing sexually explicit material with an adult woman. Through court-authorized search warrants, agents discovered that Gomez used two different social media names and presented himself online as an adult woman who was interested in minor boys.
The investigation revealed that Gomez sought out a 16-year-old minor victim before the 15-year-old, and he immediately began grooming the 16-year-old. Their chats became sexual, and Gomez shared sexual images of an adult woman that he was pretending to be. The minor victim, in return, shared sexually explicit photos or videos of themselves. Gomez further persuaded the minor victim to create a chatroom and to invite their friends. This allowed Gomez to meet other minor victims that he ultimately enticed to produce sexually explicit images and photos of themselves for several months.
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) operates a CyberTipline. It is the nation’s centralized reporting system for suspected child sexual exploitation. Online enticement can involve enticing a child to share sexually explicit images, to meet in person for sexual purposes, to engage in sexual role playing, and, in some instances, selling or trading the child’s sexual images with others.
Child predators may use a variety of tactics when enticing a child online. The CyberTipline reports that children are often approached on social media, gaming, or other online platforms. They frequently look for information about the child that is publicly available online, like the child’s school, interests, topics posted, or photos of their location. Typically, when initial contact is made, the perpetrator will persuade the child into switching applications in an attempt to keep the messaging private.
In May, President Donald J. Trump signed the TAKEITDOWN Act into law. This Act requires certain online platforms to promptly remove sexually explicit images of a child, whether authentic or computer-generated. If you believe sexually explicit photos of you are online, you can request that they be taken down through NCMEC here.
Gomez will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Jiang prosecuted 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 Justice.gov/PSC.
Marietta Man Sentenced for Using a BB Airsoft Gun During Two Robberies and One Attempted RobberyRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Marietta man was sentenced today for Attempted Robbery in Indian Country and two counts of Robbery in Indian Country, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Scott Thomas Balch, 50, to 63 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.
In October 2020, Balch entered a convenience store, wearing a mask, brandished a BB airsoft pistol, and told the store clerk he would shoot them if they didn’t comply. The employee complied, opened the register, and gave Balch money. A few weeks later, Balch entered the same convenience store and attempted to rob it again with the same BB airsoft pistol. After the employee ran in fear, Blach is seen on surveillance camera, going behind the counter and stealing several scratch-off lottery tickets.
In November 2020, Balch entered a different convenience store, brandished the same BB airsoft pistol, and demanded money.
The clerk complied and gave Balch the contents of the register.Court records show that Balch was previously convicted in tribal and state courts for more than 11 felonies and three misdemeanors.
Balch is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The FBI, the Tulsa Police Department, and the Sand Springs Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Dunn prosecuted the case.
August Federal Grand Jury 2025-A Indictments AnnouncedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the August Federal Grand Jury 2025-A Indictments.
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.
Elijah Lee Chandler, Jr. Attempted Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (superseding). Chandler, 36, of Tulsa, is charged with attempting to possess more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. He is additionally charged with possessing methamphetamine and fentanyl with intent to distribute. Lastly, Chandler is charged with maintaining a residence to distribute methamphetamine. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Tulsa Police Department, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Nasar is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-231
Nicholas Donell Cotton. Second Degree Burglary in Indian Country (Count 1); Theft in Indian Country – Over $1,000 (Counts 2 & 3); Wire Fraud (Counts 4 & 5). Cotton, 37, of Inola and a member of the Cherokee Nation, is charged with breaking into a fenced-in structure with the intent to steal any property and to commit a felony. He is charged with stealing a vehicle, assorted equipment, and tools valued at over $1,000. Cotton is further charged with fraudulently using two stolen credit cards. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Augustus Forster is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-280
Aldo De Leon Mendoza. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Leon Mendoza, 38, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Apr. 2016. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Regan Reininger is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-284
Alexander Douglas Goins. Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor. Goins, 34, of Tulsa, is charged with attempting to entice an individual he believed was under 18 years old to engage in sexually explicit activity. The Homeland Security Investigations and the Owasso Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Scaife is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-274
Chad Allen Haeberle. Threat to Assault, Kidnap, and Murder a Member of Congress; Cyberstalking. Haeberle, 34, of Jay, is charged with threatening to assault, kidnap, and murder a Member of Congress. Further, Haeberle is charged with causing reasonable fear or substantial emotional distress by using an electronic communication service with intent to harass and intimidate a Member of Congress and their spouse. The U.S. Capitol Police, the U.S. Marshal Service, and the Jay Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathan E. Michel and Tara T. Heign are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-273
Mynor Antonio Hernandez-Aguilar. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Hernandez-Aguilar, 34, a Guatemalan national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Jan. 2020. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Greenough is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-281
Ramsey Nathaniel Hogan. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Hogan, 58, transient, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Probation and Parole Office, and the U.S. Marshal Service are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Wright and Mike Flesher are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-282
Juan Manuel Joaquin-Francisco. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Joaquin-Francisco, 51, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Mar. 2019. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Valeria Luster is prosecuting the case.
25-CR-283Roberto Montel Madden. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Madden, 38, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Brasher is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-275
Simon Martinez-Gonzalez. Kidnapping of a Child (superseding). Martinez-Gonzalez, 44, a Mexican National, is charged with kidnapping a minor child in Dec. 2024. The Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Border Patrol, Webb County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bartlesville Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mallory Richard and Stacey Todd are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-029
Jesus Medina Acevedo. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Medina Acevedo, 37, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in July 2017. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris is prosecuting the case.
25-CR-285Anibal Valentin Rivas Gabino. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Rivas Gabino, 35, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Mar. 2019. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris is prosecuting the case.
25-CR-286Jose Luis Rodriguez Cornejo. Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien (superseding). Rodriguez Cornejo, 43, a Mexican national, is charged with knowingly possessing more than 500 grams of cocaine and methamphetamine with intent to distribute. He is further charged with maintaining a residence to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine. Additionally, he is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Feb. 2001. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam McConney is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-187
Odell Carl Stokes; Arthur Lee Hudgens, Jr.; Roderick Dale Favors; Cornelius James Artis. Drug Conspiracy (Count 1); Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (Counts 2 and 3); Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute (Counts 4 and 5) (superseding). Stokes, 49, Hudgens, 46, Favors, 43, and Artis, 44, of Tulsa, are charged with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine from Oct. 2024 through May 2025. They are additionally charged with knowingly possessing methamphetamine and cocaine with intent to distribute. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Nasar is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-188
Mark Joseph Vossler. Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Vossler, 53, transient, is an individual who is knowingly required to register as a sex offender. He is charged with failing to register as a sex offender from March through July 2025. The U.S. Marshal Service is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele Hulgaard is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-276
Tulsan Sentenced to 30 Years After Taking Sexually Explicit Images of an 8-Year-OldRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Tulsa man was sentenced today for Production of Child Pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge John F. Heil, III, sentenced Gregory Miller, 56, to 360 months imprisonment, followed by lifetime supervised release, ordered to pay a $15,000 fine, and not to have any contact with the victim. Upon his release, Miller will also be required to register as a sex offender.
In February 2024, law enforcement conducted a search warrant on Miller’s home and seized various electronic devices. A search of those devices revealed images and videos of a minor child, known to Miller, posed in a sexually explicit way. The investigation revealed that the images and videos were taken at Miller’s residence. At the time the photos were taken, the minor child was only 8 years old.
Miller will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley Robert and Christopher J. Nassar prosecuted 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 Justice.gov/PSC.
July Federal Grand Jury 2024-B Indictments AnnouncedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the July Federal Grand Jury 2024-B Indictments.
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.
Jonathan Tyler Gross. Possession of Child Pornography; Coercion and Enticement of a Minor (superseding). Gross, 36, of Mounds, is charged with possessing visual images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, including children under 12 years old. He is further charged with coercing and enticing a minor victim under 18 years old to engage in a sexual act. The FBI is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Robert is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-137
Zackery True Huddleston. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. Huddleston, 37, of Afton, is charged with knowingly possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office and the Bixby Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam McConney is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-254
David Lera-Hernandez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Lera-Hernandez, 39, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Oct. 2024. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Wright is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-260
Damon Terrell Lewis. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking; Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Lewis, 47, of Sapulpa, is charged with knowingly possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. He is additionally charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition after being convicted of a felony. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Flynn is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-267
Oscar Omar Munoz-Vasquez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Munoz-Vasquez, 40, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Apr. 2015. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Augustus Forster is prosecuting the case.
25-CR-261Edgar Noel Partida-Valdez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Partida-Valdez, 36, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in May 2008. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Buscemi is prosecuting the case.
25-CR-263Daniel Eduardo Plateado-Martinez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Plateado-Martinez, 31, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Feb. 2017. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Dunn is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-262
Adam Wayne Ruth. Felon in Possession of a Firearm; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Carrying Firearms During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime. Ruth, 42, transient, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. Additionally, Ruth is charged with knowingly possessing more than 500 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and carrying a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Attila Bogdan is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-255
Francisco Sanchez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Sanchez, 32, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Sep. 2012. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia Hockenbury is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-264
Jose Amadeos Sanchez Sanchez. Drug Conspiracy; Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises. Sanchez, 42, a Mexican national, is charged with conspiring to distribute fentanyl. He is further charged with knowingly possessing more than 500 grams of fentanyl with intent to distribute and maintaining a residence for the purpose of drug distribution. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office, the Homeland Security Investigations, and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mandy Mackenzie is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-256
Miguel Gabino Trujillo. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Trujillo, 41, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Dec. 2023. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Brandon is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-265
Ryan David Whittington. Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country. Whittington, 26, of Sand Springs and a member of the Chickasaw Nation, is charged with assaulting a victim, which resulted in serious bodily injury. The FBI, the Bartlesville Police Department, and the Sand Springs Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Heign is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-257
Prague Man Sentenced for Setting Ex-Girlfriend's House on Fire and Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – Today, U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Henry Joseph Arthur, Jr., 52, for Arson in Indian Country and Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Judge Frizzell ordered Arthur to serve 120 months' imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.
In April 2023, Arthur plotted and devised a plan to burn down his ex-girlfriend's home. Surveillance and GPS data showed Arthur was responsible for setting the house on fire and burning it to the ground. While on pretrial bond, Arthur violated the terms of his bond and failed to participate in the court-ordered substance abuse program successfully. The court issued a warrant for Arthur’s arrest, and the U.S. Marshals found Arthur illegally in possession of a loaded handgun.
Court records show that Arthur has been convicted of 19 prior felonies, multiple protective order violations, domestic assault and battery, and crimes that endanger public safety.
Arthur will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Creek County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kellyville Fire Department investigated the case. The U.S. Marshal Service assisted in Arthur’s arrest. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Missouri Man Sentenced for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Warrensburg, Missouri man was sentenced today for Possession of Child Pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Jimmie Lloyd Skelton, 34, to 168 months imprisonment, followed by 15 years of supervised release. Upon his release, Skelton will also be required to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents, the Claremore Police Department responded to a report of child exploitation. The homeowner found Skelton masturbating to a video of a child under 12 years old. When law enforcement searched the home, they found several electronic devices owned by Skelton. Investigators found videos that Skelton recorded secretly of the child victim.
Skelton will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The FBI and the Claremore Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Dunn and Stacey Todd prosecuted 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 Justice.gov/PSC.
Mexican National Sentenced for Possessing More than 65 Pounds of Methamphetamine and Seven FirearmsRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Mexican national was sentenced today for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Marcos Javier Suazo-Mancilla, 23, to 270 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.
In October 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating a drug trafficking organization believed to be responsible for trafficking methamphetamine and cocaine in the Tulsa area. When law enforcement conducted a search warrant at a residence, Suazo-Mancilla was present, and documentation showed that he was residing in the home. During a search of the residence, approximately 26 pounds of methamphetamine, 41 grams of cocaine, seven firearms, and more than $9k in cash were found. The investigation further revealed that this organization rented an auto body shop. When law enforcement searched that business, they found an additional 39 pounds of methamphetamine.
Suazo-Mancilla was previously removed from the United States in August 2018. He will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons and is expected to face removal proceedings following the sentence.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Nasar prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Former Coach and Missouri Middle School Teacher Sentenced for Coercing, Enticing, and Sexually Abusing a Minor ChildRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A former coach and middle school teacher was sentenced today for six counts related to child exploitation and sexual abuse of a minor child, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Ronald Dale Sanders, 57, of Belton, Missouri, for Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct, Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country, Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor in Indian Country, Tampering with Evidence by Corrupt Persuasion, Coercion and Enticement of a Minor, and Production of Child Pornography.
Judge Hill ordered Sanders to serve 360 months' imprisonment, followed by lifetime supervision. Upon his release, Sanders will also be required to register as a sex offender.
“Sanders is a dangerous child predator and every parent's worst nightmare,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “His career in teaching and coaching put him in a position to manipulate and exploit a minor child and their family to fulfill his sexual desires.”
“As a teacher, the defendant held a position of trust in the eyes of his victim and the community. He violated that trust by exploiting a former student for his own sexual gratification,” said FBI Oklahoma City Acting Special Agent in Charge Joe Ogden. “There is no place in our society for predators like Ronald Sanders, and the FBI will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure they face justice.”
On several occasions between August 2023 and October 2023, Sanders admitted to driving from Missouri to Oklahoma to engage in sexual acts with a 14-year-old. Court records show that Sanders began messaging with a former 6th-grade student through social media. The messages quickly turned into inappropriate sexual conversations, and he coerced the minor child to send him sexually explicit photos. Sanders manipulated the minor child into believing that they were in a relationship and to delete messages or deny their relationship if anyone asked. He purchased gifts for the minor child, including lingerie and a ring with Sanders’ initials on it.
Court records show that Sanders' employment career included teaching special education, middle school education, and coaching boys’ and girls’ teams. He used that background to insert himself into the minor child’s life by claiming he was a tutor and befriending the child’s family, attending school football games, and visiting the minor child during school. In October, one of the minor child’s parents caught Sanders outside their house late at night. When the parent attempted to confront Sanders, he hit their vehicle and sped off. The parent followed Sanders and called 911.
Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol pulled over Sanders. He had alcohol and sex toys inside his vehicle. The investigation revealed that Sanders was blatant in his pursuit of the minor child and that he had 1,000’s of messages with the minor child that contained sexually explicit material.
Sanders will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The FBI, the Miami Police Department, the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol investigated the case. Miami Public Schools played a significant role in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alicia Hockenbury and Valeria Luster prosecuted 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 Justice.gov/PSC.
Grove Man Sentenced for Possessing and Producing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Grove man was sentenced today for Possession of Child Pornography in Indian Country and Production of Child Pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Dakota Austin Clark, 24, to 240 months imprisonment, followed by 15 years of supervised release. Upon his release, Clark will also be required to register as a sex offender.
In February 2023, Clark began communicating with a 14-year-old through social media. The investigation revealed that Clark coerced and enticed the minor child to produce sexually explicit photos. Law enforcement further discovered that Clark possessed hundreds of images that contained the sexual abuse of minor children.
Clark is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Grove Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Harris prosecuted 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 Justice.gov/PSC.
Colorado Woman Sentenced After Using Deceased Person’s Identity to Cash Counterfeit ChecksRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – In March 2025, a federal jury convicted Sarai Jamila Nyasha Freeman, 41, of Aurora, Colorado, for two counts of Passing and Uttering Counterfeit Obligations and Securities, two counts of Aggravated Identity Theft, and one count for Failure to Appear for her trial initially scheduled for December 2024.
Today, U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Freeman to 48 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Frizzell further ordered Freeman to pay $2,826 in restitution.
In July 2024, Freeman was indicted after fraudulently using a deceased person's identity to cash two counterfeit U.S. Treasury Checks in 2020 in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, totaling a loss of $2,826. Freeman’s transactions in Sand Springs were part of a larger operation spanning across several states from Louisiana to Colorado, with Freeman also fraudulently cashing checks in at least Missouri and Arkansas. While on Pretrial bond, Freeman requested and was provided a plane ticket to accommodate her out-of-state travel for trial but failed to appear for trial. Freeman was arrested in Colorado by the U.S. Marshal Service for failing to appear at trial.
Three months before Freeman fraudulently cashed U.S. Treasury checks in this case, Freeman was arrested and charged in State Court after cashing four other fraudulent checks. Like her federal case, when released on State bond, she failed to appear, resulting in bench warrants for failing to appear.
Freeman will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Inspector General, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and Wal-Mart Global Investigations investigated the case, and the U.S. Marshals Service assisted in the arrest.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys David D. Whipple and Charles Greenough prosecuted the case.
Mexican National and Violent Repeat Offender SentencedRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – The U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Jose Luis Moreno-Yanez, 39, for Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Judge Frizzell ordered Moreno-Yanez to serve 78 months' imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Frizzell ordered that 39-months of his federal sentence be served consecutively to his current State sentences for unrelated crimes. Upon his release, Moreno-Yanez is expected to face removal proceedings.
“While Moreno-Yanez is unlawfully in the United States, his criminal history shows that he commits acts of violence,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “He has no regard for the laws in the United States and continues to show that he is a threat to lawful citizens. I commend the work of State and Federal prosecutors and law enforcement for working hard to keep our
communities safe.”In May and June 2023, illegally re-entered the United States and was charged in two separate State cases for robbery with a firearm. He pleaded guilty in both cases and was additionally convicted of possessing a controlled drug, assault and battery, among several other charges. He was sentenced to serve 18 years and 20 years, concurrently, in the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. Additionally, because Moreno-Yanez illegally re-entered the United States while subject to a term of federal supervision, he pleaded guilty in Federal Court for violating the terms of his supervised release. A Federal Judge ordered Moreno-Yanez to serve 24 months' imprisonment.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David D. Whipple prosecuted the case.
Justice Department Opens Application Period to Enhance Tribal Access to National Crime Information DatabasesRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – The Department of Justice is pleased to announce the opening of the application period for federally recognized Tribes and intertribal consortia to participate in the Tribal Access Program (TAP) for National Crime Information. TAP improves public safety by providing federally recognized Tribes the ability to access and exchange data with national crime information databases for authorized criminal justice and non-criminal justice purposes, including the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
“This program allows our tribal partners to access, enter, and obtain information from the National Criminal Information Center,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Access to this database will further support investigations and collaboration between tribal, federal, local, and state law enforcement.”
“As a TAP Pilot Tribe, the Cherokee Nation has been participating in TAP for many years,” said Suzanne Drywater, Senior Director of Justice Services for the Cherokee Nation. “From sex offender registrations, law enforcement, foster home certification, human resources, and child support, our tribe has been able to exercise our sovereignty, and TAP has proven to be an invaluable resource that we use daily in a multitude of ways.”
There are currently 149 federally recognized Tribes participating in TAP, including seven tribes within the Northern District of Oklahoma. TAP provides software, hardware, and training, as well as a web-based application and biometric/biographic kiosk workstations to process fingerprints, take mugshots, and submit information to FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) systems.
Using TAP, Tribes have shared information about missing persons; entered domestic violence orders of protection for nationwide enforcement; registered convicted sex offenders; run criminal histories; located fugitives; entered bookings and convictions; and completed fingerprint-based record checks for non-criminal justice purposes such as screening employees or volunteers who work with children.
The Department will accept TAP applications from July 9 to August 29. Tribes selected to participate will be notified in September. For Tribes that are considering applying, TAP staff will be conducting informational webinars describing the program and its capabilities. Webinars will be offered throughout July and August. For more information about TAP, including webinar dates, times and access information, visit www.justice.gov/tribal/tribal-access-program-tap.
TAP is funded by the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking; the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services; the Office for Victims of Crime; and the Office on Violence Against Women. TAP is co-managed by the department’s Office of the Chief Information Officer and Office of Tribal Justice.
July Federal Grand Jury 2025-A Indictments AnnouncedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the July Federal Grand Jury 2025-A Indictments.
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.
Kennedy Antonio Ramirez Acosta. Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute. Ramirez Acosta, 39, a Mexican national, is charged with knowingly possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office, and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyson McCoy is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-239
Ventura Rivera Arteaga; Ruben Amadow Meza Medina. Drug Conspiracy (Count 1); Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute (Counts 2 & 4); Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien (Count 3); Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises (Counts 5 & 6). Rivera Arteaga, 40, a Mexican national, and Meza Medina, 20, a Mexican national, are charged with conspiring to distribute fentanyl. They are separately charged with knowingly possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute and maintaining two separate residences for fentanyl distribution. Additionally, Rivera Arteaga is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Dec. 2024. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office, and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mandy Mackenzie is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-229
Elijah Lee Chandler, Jr. Attempted Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises. Chandler, 36, of Tulsa, is charged with attempting to possess more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and with possessing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. He is further charged with maintaining a residence to distribute methamphetamine. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Tulsa Police Department, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Nasar is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-231
Douglas Eugene Chaney.Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Chaney, 50, of Tulsa, is an individual who is knowingly required to register as a sex offender. He is charged with failing to register as a sex offender from April to May 2025. The U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Office and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele Hulgaard is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-230
Daniel Contreras-Martinez.Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Contreras-Martinez, 46, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in June 2008. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Bailey is prosecuting the case.
25-CR-244Ramey Joe-Don Dill. Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Dill, 38, of Ochelata, is an individual who is knowingly required to register as a sex offender. He is charged with failing to register as a sex offender in May 2025. The U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele Hulgaard is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-232
Luis Flores-Rodriguez.Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute. Flores-Rodriguez, 34, a Mexican national, is charged with knowingly possessing cocaine with intent to distribute. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shakema Onias is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-245
Franklin Francisco Gioani-Arubio. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Gioani-Arubio, 31, a Honduran national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Nov. 2017. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mallory Richard is prosecuting the case.
25-CR-246Jarod Wade Jenkins. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Jenkins, 26, of Hominy, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of a felony. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the FBI are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Harris is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-247
Thomas William Martin.Production of Child Pornography; Possession of Child Pornography. Martin, 42, of Mannford, is charged with coercing a minor child to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct. He is additionally charged with possessing visual images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children under 12 years old. The FBI, the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Broken Arrow Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara Heign and Ashley Robert are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-233
Felecia Martinez. Attempted Bulk Cash Smuggling Out of the United States. Martinez, 40, of Tulsa and a member of the Potawatomi Nation Tribe, is charged with concealing $32,950 in cash and attempting to transport it to Mexico. At the time of the offense, Martinez was on pre-trial release in the Northern District of Oklahoma related to a case charging her with drug conspiracy, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and maintaining a drug-involved premises. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, the U.S. Probation Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma, the Department of Homeland Security Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team, and the Laredo Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam McConney and Matthew Cyran are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-234
Sebastain Quino-Velasco. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Quino-Velasco, 51, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in June 2010. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Valeria Luster is prosecuting the case.
25-CR-248Rebecca Dawn Quintero Torres. Drug Conspiracy; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Use of a Communication Facility in Committing, Causing, and Facilitating the Commission of a Drug Trafficking Felony. Quintero-Torres, 50, of Tulsa, is charged with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine in June 2025. She is further charged with using the United Parcel Service and knowingly possessing more than 500 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyson McCoy is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-240
Dominic Rocky Torres. Conspiracy to Commit Hobbs Act Robbery; Hobbs Act Robbery; Aiding and Abetting Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Use of Minor in Crime of Violence (superseding). Torres, 22, of Tulsa and a member of the Cherokee Nation, is charged with conspiring with others and aiding and abetting others to obstruct commerce by robbery. Further, he knowingly aided and abetted in brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Lastly, Torres intentionally used a minor child to commit a crime of violence. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stacey Todd and Jessica Wright are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-112
Luciano Vasquez, Jr. Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. Varquez, 58, of Sand Springs, is charged with conspiring with others to launder more than $16 million, including depositing two fraudulent United States Treasury tax refund checks totaling more than $727,800. The U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ammon Brisolara is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-242
John Edgar Williams, IV; Jeremy Mindez Ruff; Savannah D’naisha May Gage; Nevaeh Charise Cox; Trinity Rinique Goudeau; Shavari Shantell Melton; Vanessa Lashay Bell; Ashley Elaine Charles. Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking (Count 1); Transporting an Individual for Prostitution (Counts 2, 3, 7, 9, 10, and 13); Interstate Travel to Aid Racketeering (Count 4); Distribution of Child Pornography (Count 5); Sex Trafficking (Counts 6 & 12); Sex Trafficking a Minor (Counts 8, 11, and 14) (superseding). Williams, 38, Gage, 25, Cox, 39, Goudeau, 24, Melton, 20, Bell, 20, Charles, 37, of Tulsa, and Ruff, 39, of Dallas, Texas, are charged with conspiring with each other to recruit, entice, and harbor a person by threats of force to engage in a commercial sex act for payment. Williams, Gage, Ruff, and Goudeau are charged separately for transporting people to engage in prostitution and other sexual activities. Williams, Ruff, Gage, Cox, Goudeau, Melton, and Charles are further charged with using interstate and foreign commerce to promote and manage a business enterprise involving prostitution. Ruff, Cox, Gage, Goudeau, and Melton are charged with recruiting and enticing minor children, between 14 and 18 years old, to engage in sexually explicit acts. Additionally, Williams, Gage, and Goudeau are charged with benefiting financially from recruiting, harboring, and providing transportation to an individual to engage in commercial sex acts. Lastly, Cox is further charged with knowingly distributing visual images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. The Tulsa Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Muscogee Creek Nation Lighthorse Police are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth Elmore, John Brasher, and John W. Dowdell are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-197
Allan Ray Wright; Jamie Lynn Wright. Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor. Allan Wright, 30, and Jamie Wright, 32, of Tulsa are charged with attempting to coerce a minor child they believed to be under 18 years old to engage in sexually explicit activity. The Homeland Security Investigations and the Owasso Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Wright and Ashley Robert are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-241
Mexican National Sentenced for Unlawful Reentry After Pleading Guilty to Possessing Stolen Vehicle and DrugsRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Mexican National was sentenced today for Unlawfully Reentering the United States, after four prior removals, and possessing a stolen vehicle and drugs, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Rodrigo Chacon Villegas, 36, for Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Judge Frizzell ordered Chacon Villegas to serve 18 months imprisonment in the United States Bureau of Prisons, followed by three years of supervised release. Upon his release, Chacon Villegas is expected to face removal proceedings.
In December 2024, immigration officials found Chacon Villegas at the Tulsa County Jail after being arrested in November for driving a stolen vehicle, possessing methamphetamine, and marijuana. In State Court, Chacon Villegas was sentenced to a two-year suspended sentence in the Department of Corrections after pleading guilty.
Records show that Chacon Villegas is a Mexican national who has previously been deported and removed from the United States four times.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele Hulgaard prosecuted the case.
Two Men Sentenced After Robbing Dispensary with a FirearmRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – Today, U.S. District Judge John D. Russell sentenced Ronald Buckley, Jr., 39, for Robbery in Indian Country and Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, and Terrance Vohn Morrow, 41, for Accessory After the Fact to Obstructing, Delaying, and Affecting Commerce by Robbery.
Buckley was ordered to serve 150 months' imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release. Morrow was ordered to serve 21 months' imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Their sentences will be served in the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
In May 2024, Tulsa Police officers were dispatched to a robbery at a marijuana dispensary. Officers spoke with witnesses who described the suspect producing a handgun, demanding money, and weed. Surveillance footage captured the robbery and the suspect leaving in a vehicle that was waiting for him. Law enforcement discovered that Buckley had robbed the dispensary, and during the robbery, he had discharged the handgun.
The investigation further revealed that Buckley was seen getting into Morrow’s vehicle. After Buckley was arrested, Morrow moved his vehicle into a heavily wooded area, attempting to hide it.
During the robbery, court records show that Buckley was under the supervision of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections for a previous robbery. He is a citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
The FBI, Tulsa Police Department, and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Flynn and Kenneth Elmore prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Tulsa Doctor Charged in National Healthcare Fraud TakedownRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – Today, United States Attorney Clint Johnson announced criminal charges against a doctor in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud Medicare and/or Medicaid. The charges filed in federal court are part of the Department of Justice’s 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown.
“The actions of Ladd Atkins not only hurt taxpayers within the Northern District but also put illegal drugs on our streets,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “I want to thank our federal partners for their hard work and dedication to keeping the public safe.”
“This record-setting Health Care Fraud Takedown delivers justice to criminal actors who prey upon our most vulnerable citizens and steal from hardworking American taxpayers,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Make no mistake – this administration will not tolerate criminals who line their pockets with taxpayer dollars while endangering the health and safety of our communities.”
The charges announced today by United States Attorney Clint Johnson are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in criminal charges against 324 defendants, including 96 doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and other licensed medical professionals, in 50 federal districts and 12 State Attorneys General’s Offices across the United States, for their alleged participation in various health care fraud schemes involving over $14.6 billion in intended loss. In connection with the Takedown, the Government seized over $245 million in cash, luxury vehicles, cryptocurrency, and other assets.
An additional 170 defendants were involved in various healthcare fraud schemes, allegedly involving over $1.84 billion in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance companies for diagnostic testing, medical visits, and treatments that were medically unnecessary, provided in connection with kickbacks and bribes, or never provided at all.
In the Northern District of Oklahoma, Ladd Clayton Atkins, 50, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was charged by information with Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance Unlawfully as a Registrant and Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud. As alleged in the information, Atkins, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, knowingly conspired with others to unlawfully prescribe Adderall, a Schedule II controlled substance. Atkins scheme further defrauded healthcare benefit programs, including Medicare and Medicaid.
The Northern District of Oklahoma worked with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the Office of the Inspector General for Homeland Security Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration to investigate this case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joel-lyn McCormick, Attila Bogdan, and Vani Singhal.
The Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, and Texas Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Arizona, Central District of California, Northern District of California, Southern District of California, District of Columbia, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle, District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Middle, District of Georgia, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern District of Kentucky, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Maine, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Northern District of Mississippi, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nevada, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Western District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, District of North Dakota, Northern District of Ohio, Southern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, District of South Carolina, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Washington, and Northern District of West Virginia; and State Attorney Generals’ Offices for Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania are prosecuting the cases in the National Health Care Fraud Takedown, with assistance from the Health Care Fraud Unit’s Data Analytics Team. Descriptions of each case involved in today’s enforcement action are available on the Department’s website here.
A complaint, information, or indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Six Foreign Nationals Sentenced for Unlawfully Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – The U.S. District Judge Eric F. Melgren separately sentenced six foreign nationals for unlawfully reentering the United States after previously being removed.
Raul Luna-Gonzalez, 30, a Mexican national, pleaded guilty in March to Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Luna-Gonzalez was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Court records show that Luna-Gonzalez was arrested for Driving Under the Influence and Transporting an Open Container. While being booked into jail, Luna-Gonzalez’s fingerprint record showed that he was an alien unlawfully residing in the United States and had been previously deported in April 2019. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Harris prosecuted the case.
Yair de Jesus Trejo-Mendoza, 37, a Mexican national, pleaded guilty in March to Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Trejo-Mendoza was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Court records show that Trejo-Mendoza was arrested for his second offense of Driving Under the Influence, Eluding, and Obstruction, among other charges. While being booked into jail, Trejo-Mendoza’s fingerprint record showed that he was an alien unlawfully residing in the United States and had been previously deported in 2008, 2015, and 2023. Court records further show that Trejo-Mendoza has three convictions related to drinking and driving, plus resisting arrest, and assault and battery upon an officer. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles Greenough and Michele Hulgaard prosecuted the case.
Benigno Villezcas Alcantar, 42, a Mexican national, pleaded guilty in February to Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Villezcas Alcantar was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release. Court records show that Villezcas Alcantar was arrested for Conjoint Robbery. While being booked into jail, Villezcas Alcantar’s fingerprint record showed that he was an alien unlawfully residing in the United States and had been previously deported in August 2015. Villezcas Alcantar told law enforcement that he reentered the United States in 2023. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris prosecuted the case.
Julio Martinez-Perez, 36, a Mexican national, pleaded guilty in March to Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Martinez-Perez was sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Court records show that Martinez-Perez was previously deported in 2016 after receiving a 24-month sentence for Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin. In 2022, he was arrested again in Tulsa County and pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated trafficking of fentanyl and heroin. Assistant U.S. Attorney Augustus Forster prosecuted the case.
Santiago Lopez Gonzalez, 43, a Mexican national, pleaded guilty in March to Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Lopez Gonzalez was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Court records show that Lopez Gonzalez was arrested for an outstanding warrant for various crimes, including possession of a controlled drug. While being booked into jail, Lopez Gonzalez's fingerprint record showed that he was an alien unlawfully residing in the United States and had been deported three times. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mandy Mackenzie prosecuted the case.
Alexander Enemias Ortiz-Gonzalez, 23, a Guatemalan national, pleaded guilty in March to Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Ortiz-Gonzalez was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release. Court records show that Ortiz-Gonzalez was arrested for driving under the influence. While being booked into jail, Ortiz-Gonzalez's fingerprint record showed that he had an active warrant in Minnesota for fleeing from a police officer and that he had been previously deported in 2023. Assistant U.S. Attorney Augustus Forster prosecuted the case.
Record checks show that the defendants did not seek permission to re-enter the United States and that they never received consent from the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States. The defendants are expected to face removal proceedings following their sentence.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated the cases.
Mannford Man Sentenced for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Mannford man was sentenced today for Possession of Child Pornography, announced U.S. Attorney
Clint Johnson.U.S. District Judge Eric F. Melgren sentenced Gary Syd Goldberg, 77, to 120 months imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release. Upon release, Goldberg will also be required to register as a sex offender.
In October 2023, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a cybertip concerning an image being uploaded to an artificial intelligence (AI) image generator platform. Law enforcement discovered that Goldberg was the user who uploaded the image of a child being sexually abused. Investigators served a search warrant on Goldberg’s home, seizing several electronic devices. When law enforcement spoke with Goldberg, he admitted to having hundreds of images of child pornography. Further, Goldberg admitted to viewing images and videos of children being sexually abused, daily for the past 24 years.
Federal court records show that Goldberg pled guilty in 2001 to Receipt of Child Pornography through the Mail. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison. Goldberg will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The Mannford Police Department and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mallory Richard and Ashley Robert prosecuted 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 Justice.gov/PSC.
Collinsville Man Sentenced for Recording and Sharing Videos of Child Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Collinsville man was sentenced today for Production of Child Pornography and Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Eric F. Melgren ordered Brady Cort Dozier, 22, to serve 240 months imprisonment, followed by a lifetime of supervised release. Upon his release, Dozier will be required to register as a sex offender. The Judge further ordered Dozier to pay $63,000 in restitution to the victims he exploited through the distribution of pornography.
In 2022, Dozier sexually exploited a 10-year-old minor victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Dozier used a cellphone to record himself sexually abusing the victim. Dozier further admitted to distributing and possessing more than 3,700 files of child pornography. Many of the files contained sadistic child pornography, including acts of extreme violence, and images and videos of infants and toddlers being raped and tortured. Analysts with the Child Victim Identification Program, run by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, identified more than 35 victims in this investigation.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children provides assistance and support to families impacted by child sexual exploitation. They offer crisis intervention to families, as well as local referrals for long-term support.
Dozier will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The Homeland Security Investigations and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Jolly prosecuted 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 Justice.gov/PSC.
June Federal Grand Jury 2024-B Indictments AnnouncedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the June Federal Grand Jury 2024-B Indictments.
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.
Alejandro Aldave. Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute (Counts 1 and 2); Possession of 3,4-Dichloro-N-[2-(dimethylamino)cyclohexyl]-N-methylbenzamide (U47700”) with Intent to Distribute (Count 3); Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises (Count 4); Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crime (Count 5) (superseding). Aldave, 36, of Tulsa, is charged with two counts of possessing more than 500 grams of cocaine and one count of possessing 3,4-Dichloro-N-[2-(dimethylamino)cyclohexyl]-N-methylbenzamide (U47700”) with intent to distribute. He is additionally charged with maintaining a residence to distribute cocaine and 3,4-Dichloro-N-[2-(dimethylamino)cyclohexyl]-N-methylbenzamide (U47700”). Lastly, Aldave knowingly possessed a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam D. McConney is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-173
Roman Ramos Chacon. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Chacon, 27, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Oct. 2023. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Scaife is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-206
Jesus Reyes Chi. Alien Unlawfully in the United States in Possession of Firearms. Reyes Chi, 36, a Mexican national, is charged with possessing firearms knowing he was an alien unlawfully living in the United States. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Jolly is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-207
Jose Guadalupe Peralez Diaz. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Peralez Diaz, 43, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Apr. 2022. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Whipple is prosecuting the case.
25-CR-208Brandon Eugene Fanning. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Fanning, 47, of Wyandotte, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shakema Onias is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-219
Cruz De Jesus Garcia-Dimas. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Garcia-Dimas, 34, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Mar. 2012. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Augustus Forster is prosecuting the case.
25-CR-209Jason Dewayne Glass; Justin Monrow Wilson. Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force and Threat in Indian Country (Count 1); Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country (Counts 2 through 4); Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence (Count 5); Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (Count 6); Carrying and Using a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime (Count 7) Maintaining a Durg-Involved Premises (Count 8) Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition (Counts 9 & 10). Glass, 41, of Locust Grove, is charged with engaging in a sexual act by force and threat. He is charged with intentionally assaulting a victim with a firearm, a propane torch, a knife, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Wilson, 49, of Locust Grove, and Glass are jointly charged with knowingly possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possessing a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking, and maintaining a drug house. Additionally, Glass and Willson are charged with possessing numerous firearms and ammunition, knowing they had previously been convicted of several felonies. The FBI, the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey Todd is prosecuting the case.
25-CR-220Kiaona Richelle Hill. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Hill, 43, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing she was previously convicted of felonies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara Heign and Eric O. Johnston are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-211
Bradley Justin Kelley. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; Eluding Police Officers in Indian Country. Kelley, 35, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies, and possessing a firearm while drug trafficking. Kelley is further charged with maintaining a residence for drug distribution and possessing more than 500 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Additionally, Kelley is charged with failing to bring his vehicle to a stop after being directed by a peace officer in an official vehicle with a red light and siren. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Nasar is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-203
Jorge Luis Garcia-Lopez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Garcia-Lopez, 27, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in May 2021. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Flynn is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-210
Arturo Hidalgo Luna. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Luna, 59, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Feb. 2003. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Harris is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-212
Jason Allen Lynn. Second Degree Murder in Indian Country. Lynn, 31, a transient and a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, is charged with intending to kill Alan Underwood without premeditation and deliberation, but with intent to do serious bodily harm. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Elmore is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-204
Cale Michael Mitchell Persinger. Assault of a Spouse by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle in Indian Country. Persinger, 25, of Tulsa and a member of the Osage Nation, is charged with assaulting his spouse by strangling her. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Weems is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-221
Austin Dewayne Nation. Use of a Communication Facility in Committing, Causing, and Facilitating the Commission of a Drug Trafficking Felony; Attempted Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Felon in Possession of Firearms; Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Nation, 29, of Kellyville, is charged with attempting to possess and distribute methamphetamine received through the mail. He is further charged with attempting to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Additionally, Nation is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies and possessing a firearm while attempting to traffic drugs. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office and the USPS-OIG are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyson McCoy is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-213
Bryan Omar Orozxo-Cahuex. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Orozxo-Cahuex, 30, a Guatemalan national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Dec. 2017. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Jolly is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-214
Jose Pacheco-Quezada. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Pacheco-Quezada, 24, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Apr. 2019. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Ihler is prosecuting the case.
25-CR-215Silvia Nicole Ramos-Ramos. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Ramos-Ramos, 23, a Honduran national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Jun. 2023. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Bailey is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-216
Marissa Ayde Ruiz. Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute; Carrying a Firearm in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime. Ruiz, 33, of Amarillo, Texas, is charged with knowingly possessing more than 500 grams of cocaine with intent to distribute and carrying a firearm while drug trafficking. The Homeland Security Investigations and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Bailey is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-205
Allan Segovia. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. Segovia, 42, of Tulsa, is charged with knowingly possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, the Tulsa Police Department, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Attila Bogdan is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-222
Bristow Man Sentenced to Life After Violently Killing His 5-Year-Old Daughter and Setting Her on FireRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Bristow man was sentenced today for the murder of his 5-year-old daughter, announced U.S. Attorney
Clint Johnson.U.S. District Judge John D. Russell sentenced Adam Raymond Mason, 34, for Second Degree Murder in Indian Country.
Judge Russell ordered Mason to serve life imprisonment.“What Mason did to this 5-year-old little girl was inhumane. There will be no first dances for her. She will not have the opportunity to attend college or become a mother herself,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “This was a hard-fought case for prosecutors and law enforcement. Life imprisonment shows the seriousness of this crime and ensures public safety.”
“The suffering this innocent child endured at the hands of her own father is completely incomprehensible. The defendant deserves every second of the sentence imposed, and more,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will use every tool and authority to pursue this kind of evil in our community. I commend the efforts of the investigators and prosecutors who handled this case with unwavering dedication. Our thoughts remain with all who loved this child.”
On August 26, 2020, the Creek County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to check on the well-being of a 5-year-old child. The mother of the child told law enforcement that their daughter was staying the night with her father, Mason, and that he would not let her speak with the child. Upon arrival, deputies located the burned body of a child, which they believed to be the 5-year-old.
Deputies found Mason hiding in the woods nearby and took him into custody. Mason told law enforcement that he believed the 5-year-old was controlled by witchcraft. Court records show that Mason punched the child in the head multiple times. Mason took her to a nearby creek where he placed a tire on top of her, set her on fire, and fled the scene.
Mason is a citizen of the Muscogee Creek Nation and will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Creek County Sheriff’s Office, and the Muscogee Creek Nation Lighthorse Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew P. Cyran prosecuted the case.
Tulsan Sentenced for Assaulting and Strangling Ex-GirlfriendRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – Today, U.S. District Judge John D. Russell sentenced Nicholas Jarrod Weeden, 43, for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country and Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling and Suffocating in Indian Country. Judge Russell ordered Weeden to serve 115 months' imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, in April 2024, Weeden went to his ex-girlfriend’s house. They began arguing and Weeden strangled the victim. He then hit her head against the wall and door, grabbed a wooden club, and hit her over the head with it. The victim fought back enough to escape and called 911 for help.
Weeden is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stacey Todd and Melissa Weems prosecuted the case.
Business Owner Sentenced After Receiving More than $1.6 Million in Funds from the CARES ActRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A former Oklahoma man with business ties in Florida was sentenced today after pleading guilty to four counts of bank fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Shawn Ray Murnan, 57, of Windemere, Florida, to 33 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release. Judge Hill further ordered Murnan to pay $1,641,796.47 in restitution to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
“In 2020, the CARES Act funding was established to provide emergency financial assistance to help businesses that were disrupted,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Investigators and prosecutors are committed to finding those like Murnan who steal government funding and prosecuting them to the fullest extent of the law.”
From April 2020 through October 2021, Murnan admitted to falsifying several CARES Act applications to the SBA. Murnan was the owner of numerous business ventures in Oklahoma, Florida, and other states. He submitted 14 applications on behalf of his businesses, including Blujett, LLC, which was based in Broken Arrow. He submitted applications claiming to have several employees and falsified his payroll expenses. Murnan requested more than two million and successfully received $1,641,796.47 from seven Paycheck Protection Program loans and two Economic Injury Disaster Loans. After receiving the funds, Murnan applied for the loans to be forgiven.
Previously released on bond, Murnan was taken into custody following the sentencing today, where he will remain pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Office of Inspector General for the Small Business Administration, and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Whipple prosecuted the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division's prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Since the inception of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 150 defendants in more than 95 criminal cases and has seized over $75 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at Justice.gov/OPA/pr/justice-department-takes-action-against-covid-19-fraud.
Tulsa Man Arrested at Airport Sentenced for Attempting to Coerce and Entice Minor and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – Nicholas Kyle Dietzel, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, was sentenced Tuesday for Attempting to Coerce and Entice a Minor Child and Possession of Child Pornography in Indian Country, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Nicholas Kyle Dietzel, 45, to 210 months imprisonment, followed by 15 years of supervised release. Upon his release, Dietzel will also be required to register as a sex offender. Judge Hill also ordered Dietzel to pay a $200 special monetary assessment.
According to court documents, Nicholas Kyle Dietzel, used a website and an encrypted messaging app to communicate with a woman Dietzel believed to be a mother of a seven-year-old female child. From November 2023 to January 2024 Dietzel communicated with the mother about grooming and engaging in sexual activity with the seven-year-old child. Dietzel sent videos of child pornography to mother so that she could show them to the child and Dietzel also sent sex toys to the mother for her to use on the child. Court documents indicate that Dietzel believed this woman and her child lived in Phoenix, Arizona and he booked a flight to Phoenix. On January 18, 2024, law enforcement officers arrested Dietzel at the Tulsa International Airport where he was about to board an airplane to Phoenix to meet the purported mother of the child, who in fact was an undercover law enforcement officer. During this same time, Dietzel also possessed child pornography in Indian Country
Nicholas Kyle Dietzel is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation Tribe.
Dietzel will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The Homeland Security Investigations – Tulsa and Phoenix offices, the Tulsa International Airport Police Department, the Tulsa Police Department, the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, the Creek County Sheriff’s Office, and the Collinsville Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Robert prosecuted 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 Justice.gov/PSC.
Man Sentenced in the Death and Injury of Two-Month-Old TwinsRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – Michael David Gregory from Commerce, Oklahoma was sentenced today for the death of a two-month-old child who died from severe head and eye injuries that a child abuse pediatrician diagnosed as abusive head trauma. Additionally, Gregory was also sentenced for assault related to brain injuries he caused to another two-month-old child, the twin sister of the first infant, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Gregory, 30, to a total of 240 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Hill further ordered Gregory to pay a $200 special monetary assessment.
According to a charging document, Gregory pleaded guilty to one count of Voluntary Manslaughter in Indian Country and one count of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country. According to his plea agreement, Gregory was caring for the twin two-month-old infants at an apartment he shared with his girlfriend in Commerce, Oklahoma. While Gregory’s girlfriend was at work, Gregory forcefully picked up and handled the newborn infants. Gregory admitted that his actions caused traumatic and severe brain and eye injuries in both infants, resulting in the death of one child identified as A.M.R.
Michael David Gregory is not a member of a federally recognized tribe. However, the apartment in which Gregory cared for the twins is located on the Quapaw Nation reservation, and both infants are considered “Indian persons” because they are eligible for membership in the Choctaw Nation.
Michael David Gregory was previously released on bond in this case. Judge Hill ordered him to report to a United States Bureau of Prisons facility on July 22, 2025.
The Commerce Police Department and the Quapaw Nation Marshal Service in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melody Nelson prosecuted the case.
Greenwood Arkansas Man Sentenced to 320 Months Imprisonment for Soliciting and Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Greenwood Arkansas man was sentenced today for production of child pornography and the attempted receipt of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Grant Stephen Goers, 24, to 320 months imprisonment followed by 20 years of supervised release. Upon his release, Goers will also be required to register as a sex offender. Judge Frizzell further ordered Goers to pay a $200 special monetary assessment.
According to court documents, Grant Stephen Goers began communicating with a minor victim who he knew to be under the age of 18 years on Instagram. Goers repeatedly requested the child to send him sexually explicit photos of herself. The minor victim eventually sent Goers sexually explicit photos. According to his plea agreement, Goers convinced the minor victim to meet and have sex. Goers separately solicited two other minor victims who he knew to be 14 years-old to send him sexually explicit photos of themselves via online messages sent from Goers’ cell phone.
Previously released on bond, Goers was taken into custody at his change of plea hearing where he will remain pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The Tulsa Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Robert prosecuted 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 Justice.gov/PSC.
June Federal Grand Jury 2025-A Indictments AnnouncedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the June Federal Grand Jury 2025-A Indictments.
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.
Mitchell Lee Keene. Escape from Federal Custody. Keene, 63, of Rose, is charged with escaping federal custody and knowingly departing the Turley Residential Center without permission. The U.S. Marshal Service is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Greenough is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-186
Jose Gledin Ramires-Lopez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Ramires-Lopez, 28, a Honduran national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Aug. 2018. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Valeria Luster is prosecuting the case.
25-CR-195Jose Luis Rodriguez Cornejo. Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Rodriguez Cornejo, 43, a Mexican national, is charged with knowingly possessing more than 500 grams of cocaine and more than 50 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. He is further charged with maintaining a residence to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine. Additionally, he is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Feb. 2001. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam McConney is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-187
Odell Carl Stokes; Arthur Lee Hudgens, Jr.; Roderick Dale Favors; Cornelius James Artis. Drug Conspiracy (Count 1); Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (Counts 2 and 3); Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute. Stokes, 49, Hudgens, 46, Favors, 43, and Artis, 44, of Tulsa, are charged with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine from Oct. 2024 through May 2025. Hudgens, Favors, Artis, and Stokes are additionally charged with knowingly possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Lastly, Stokes is charged with possessing cocaine with intent to distribute. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Nasar is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-188
John Edgar Williams, IV; Jeremy Mindez Ruff; Savannah D’naisha May Gage; Nevaeh Charise Cox; Trinity Rinique Goudeau; Shavari Melton; Vanessa Lashay Bell; Ashley Charles. Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking (Count 1); Transporting an Individual for Prostitution (Counts 2 & 3); Interstate Travel to Aid Racketeering (Count 4); Distribution of Child Pornography (Count 5). Williams, 38, Gage, 25, Cox, 39, Goudeau, 24, Melton, 20, Bell, 20, Charles, 37, of Tulsa, and Ruff, 39, of Dallas, Texas, are charged with conspiring with each other to recruit, entice, and harbor a person by threats of force to engage in a commercial sex act for payment. Williams and Gage are charged separately for transporting people to engage in prostitution and other sexual activities. Additionally, Williams, Ruff, Gage, Cox, Goudeau, Melton, and Charles are charged with using interstate and foreign commerce to promote and manage a business enterprise involving prostitution. Lastly, Cox is further charged with knowingly distributing visual images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. The Tulsa Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Muscogee Creek Nation Lighthorse Police are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth Elmore, John Brasher, and John W. Dowdell are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-197
Juan Rojo Yanez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Yanez, AGE, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Mar. 1999. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Ihler is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-196
Transient Man Sentenced for Three Counts of Assault with a Dangerous WeaponRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A transient man was sentenced today for three counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge John D. Russell sentenced Christian Douglas Cook, 36, to serve 120 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, in October 2022, the victim was walking his dog outside a hotel when Cook approached him. Court records show that Cook appeared to be under the influence and struck the victim on the hand with a bottle for no reason, causing him to bleed. The hotel manager witnessed the incident. The victim returned to his hotel room, grabbed a baseball bat, and confronted Cook. Cook produced a knife and lunged at the victim and his girlfriend. Both told responding officers that they believed Cook was trying to stab them.
Police arrested Cook and transported him to the hospital for medical treatment. Cook made continuous threatening comments about killing the victim once released from jail. He also referred to the victim's race in a derogatory manner. Officers noted that Cook threatened to head butt the police officers and “take that charge.” He further stated that he stabs people and gets away with it.
In February 2023, during a second assault, Cook went into a bar, causing trouble, and was asked to leave the property. Instead of leaving, Cook pulled a knife from his backpack and approached a customer. That customer hit Cook’s arm, causing Cook to release the knife. Cook then pulled a second knife and stabbed another customer in the right shoulder blade. Cook called 911, stating he had injuries from stabbing the victim. Court records show that while being booked at the jail, Cook said to officers, “Do you know the stand my ground law? I should have killed all of them. I have done it before and gotten away with it.”
During a third assault in December 2023, the victim was in the parking lot of his girlfriend's apartment. Cook approached the car and began banging on the windows, asking for money or cigarettes. The victim stepped out of the car, and Cook started to hit the victim in the head several times. The victim realized he was bleeding and drove himself to the hospital. At the hospital, the victim learned that he was stabbed multiple times throughout his body, including the head, neck, back and upper torso. The victim and his girlfriend identified Cook in a photo lineup. When Tulsa Police officers found and arrested Cook, he possessed several knives.
Cook is a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Dunn and Emily Dewhurst prosecuted the case.
Former Senior Vice President of Private Banking Sentenced for Fraud and Ordered to Repay More than $5.3 MillionRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – Today, U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced William Shane Garrow, 49, of Tulsa, for Bank Fraud and Willfully Making and Subscribing a False Federal Income Tax Return. Judge Frizzell ordered Garrow to serve 71 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release. Garrow was further ordered to pay $3,863,527.94 in restitution to the Bank of Oklahoma and $1,519,158 to the IRS.
“Garrow deceived people for over 12 years, and his actions wreaked havoc on banking personnel who were tasked with correcting his wrongs,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “This was not a simple banking error or an accident, but rather a criminal scheme. Garrow abused the trust given to him by the bank and its customers.”
Garrow worked for a subsidiary of BOK Financial Corporation from 2007 through 2024. As the Senior Vice President of Private Banking, Garrow provided investment and other banking services to wealthy clients. Beginning in 2012 and continuing until caught in 2024, Garrow devised a scheme by lying to clients and colleagues and directing fraudulent wire transfers and cashier’s checks from at least 16 client accounts, without their knowledge. The funds were transferred to entities and bank accounts that Garrow controlled. If a client inquired about the odd transaction, Garrow continued the lie, claiming it was a banking error, and attempted to cover his tracks. He would then return the funds stolen or transfer money from another unsuspecting victim's account.
While maintaining his scheme, Garrow falsified his tax returns by underreporting his increase in earnings to the IRS. He admitted to stealing over $4.2 million from at least 16 client accounts and was further ordered to forfeit more than $700,000 in previously seized currency and two real estate properties.
Previously released on bond, Garrow was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons on July 9, 2025.
The U.S. Secret Service, the IRS Criminal Investigations, and the FDIC-OIG investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Whipple prosecuted the case.
Former Child Abuse and Neglect Investigator Sentenced for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Sapulpa man and former child abuse and neglect investigator was sentenced today for Possession of Child Pornography in Indian Country, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Joseph Allen Dale Koss, 45, to 108 months imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release. Upon his release, Koss will also be required to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents, Koss knowingly possessed hundreds of videos and images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Some of those files contained pre-pubescent children being sexually abused and images of sadistic conduct.
When arrested, Koss was working as a child abuse and neglect investigator with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. He will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
Homeland Security Investigations, the Tulsa Police Department, and the Sapulpa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley Robert and Christopher J. Nassar prosecuted 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 Justice.gov/PSC.
Former Coach and Child Predator Sentenced for Sexual Crimes Against Three Minor ChildrenRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – Today, U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Brandon Earl Presley, 30, of Bixby, for two counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country, two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor in Indian Country, and one count each of Production of Child Pornography, and Possession of Child Pornography. Judge Hill ordered Presley to serve 264 months imprisonment, followed by a lifetime of supervised release. Upon his release, Presley will also be required to register as a sex offender.
“Presley is a child predator who used his position as a coach to groom and seek out minor children through social media. His actions were undetected until someone had the courage to report him,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “I want to encourage parents and teens to learn about the dangers of social media.”
Law enforcement began investigating a tip that Presley had sex with a 14-year-old on a college campus during a high school track meet. The tip included a photo of Presley from social media and described how Presley would often hang out in his car or help at high school track practice or meets.
While investigating the tip, law enforcement discovered a photo Presley took while sexually abusing an unknown minor child. Law enforcement found the location of the minor child and discovered that the child was only 13 years old. Presley chatted with the minor child through social media. When the minor child was at home alone, Presley showed the minor child pornography for “education,” coerced the minor child to engage in sexual activity, and photographed it. Court records show that Presley admitted to sexually abusing the minor child, taking a photo of the sexual abuse, and keeping the photo.
During the investigation, law enforcement discovered that Presley had other minor victims.
In the summer of 2022, Presley found another 13-year-old minor victim online through social media. He lied to the minor victim, stating he was 18 years old. Presley attempted to coerce the minor child to engage in sexually explicit activity. Court records show that Presley admitted to abusive sexual contact with the minor child.
Presley further admitted to abusive sexual contact and sexual abuse of a 15-year-old minor victim in 2019, which led to his termination as an assistant football coach. He approached the minor at school, groomed and coerced her using social media. When Presley convinced the minor child to meet, he showed her a video of himself engaging in sexual activity to “teach” the minor. He repeatedly told the minor not to tell anyone.
Presley is a citizen of the Muscogee Creek Nation and will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
Homeland Security Investigations, the Bixby Police Department, the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Norman Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kate Brandon, Alicia Hockenbury, and Elliot Anderson prosecuted 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 Justice.gov/PSC.
May Federal Grand Jury 2024-B Indictments AnnouncedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the May Federal Grand Jury 2024-B Indictments.
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.
Alejandro Aldave. Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute (Counts 1 and 2); Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises (Count 3); Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (Count 4). Aldave, 36, of Tulsa, is charged with knowingly possessing more than 500 grams of cocaine with intent to distribute. He is additionally charged with maintaining a residence to distribute cocaine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam D. McConney is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-173
Daniel Allen Ash; Amber Dawn Murphy. Second Degree Murder in Indian Country (Count 1); Child Neglect in Indian Country (Counts 2 through 5); Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor Under 12 Years of Age in Indian Country; (Count 6); Second Degree Murder in Indian Country (Count 7); Child Neglect in Indian Country (Counts 8 through 11) Possession of Child Pornography in Indian Country (Count 12) (superseding). Both from Commerce, Ash, 32, and Murphy, 30, a member of the Cherokee Nation, are charged with unlawfully killing a minor child in Sep. 2024 and willfully neglecting the health, safety, and welfare of four minor children. Ash is further charged with engaging in a sexual act with a minor child under 12 years old. Additionally, he is charged with possessing visual images depicting the sexual abuse of at least one prepubescent minor. The FBI and Quapaw Nation Marshal Service are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia Hockenbury is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-088
David Moses Castro-Rivera. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Castro-Rivera, 22, a Honduran national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in June 2021. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Dill is prosecuting the case.
25-CR-183Javier Cortez Banda. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Banda, 36, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Sep. 2020. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Whipple is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-184
James Devon Davis. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition After Conviction for a Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence. Davis, 29, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of a felony and a domestic violence misdemeanor. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Dewhurst is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-177
Bradley Ray Dick. Child Abuse in Indian Country. Dick, 47, of Claremore and a member of the Cherokee Nation, is charged with willfully and maliciously injuring a child under the age of 18. The FBI and the Claremore Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Heign is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-176
Stephen Dale Homer. Production of Child Pornography; International Production of Child Pornography; Possession of Child Pornography. Homer, 57, of McAlester and a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, is charged with using a minor child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of child sexual abuse material. He also coerced a minor child to engage in sexually explicit conduct outside of the United States for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of the sexually explicit conduct. This visual depiction was then transported to the United States. Additionally, Homer is charged with possessing visual images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children under 12 years old. The FBI Tulsa, FBI Charlotte, the Federal Air Marshal Service, the Tulsa Police Department, and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Robert is prosecuting the case with assistance from the Western District of North Carolina USAO. 25-CR-171
Robert Marcus Johnston. Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle in Indian Country. Johnston, 19, of Tulsa and a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, is charged with assaulting a minor victim by strangulation. The FBI and Sapulpa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Weems is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-169
Kaci Anne-Rene Lima. Bank Fraud (Counts 1 through 3); Aggravated Identity Theft (Counts 4 through 6). Lima, 36, of Tulsa, is charged with fraudulently obtaining funds from the victim's bank account without permission. Further, Lima used the victim’s identity while committing a felony. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Catoosa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-179
Jorge Antonio Lopez Vasquez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Lopez Vasquez, 39, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in July 2018. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Dewhurst is prosecuting the case.
25-CR-180Olajuwon Hasan Myers. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. Myers, 39, of Phoenix, Arizona, is charged with knowingly possessing more than 500 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mandy Mackenzie is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-178
Ricardo Plateado-Martinez; Rosa Maria Olmos; Rafael Gonzalez; Joel Rosales Pina. Drug Conspiracy; Conspiracy to Commit International Money Laundering; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Conspiracy to Import a Controlled Substance (third superseding). Plateado-Martinez, 34, of Broken Arrow; Olmos, 35, of Broken Arrow; Gonzales, 31, of Beaumont; and Pina, 40, a Mexican National are charged with conspiring to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine. Plateado-Martinez, Olmos, Gonzalez, and Pina are charged with conspiring to move money internationally with the intent to promote methamphetamine distribution and the conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Pina is further charged with maintaining a residence to distribute drugs. Gonzalez, and Pina are charged with conspiring to import more than 500 grams of methamphetamine from Mexico. The Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Tulsa Police Department, Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, Broken Arrow Police Department, and Oklahoma City Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Nasar is prosecuting the case.
24-CR-131Jordan Frazier Payne. Second Degree Murder in Indian Country; Child Neglect in Indian Country. Payne, 31, of Grove, is charged with unlawfully killing the minor victim by blunt force trauma to the head. Further, Payne is charged with willfully failing to provide medical care for the minor victim. The FBI, the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, the Grove Police Department, and the Jay Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Valeria Luster and Emily Dewhurst are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-168*
Adan Orozco-Godines. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Orozco-Godines, 38,
a Guatemalan national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Dec. 2016. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Harris is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-182Lekeith Deshawn Russell. Use of a Communication Facility in Committing, Causing, and Facilitating the Commission of a Drug Trafficking Felony (Counts 1 and 2); Attempted Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (Count 3). Russell, 38, of Tulsa, is charged with attempting to possess methamphetamine through the mail. He is further charged with attempting to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyson McCoy is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-172
*A federal jury tried Jordan Frazier Payne in November 2025 and acquitted him.
Claremore Man Convicted of Sexually Abusing a Minor and Abusive Sexual Contact of Two MinorsRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A federal jury yesterday convicted Ryan Duke Haight, 45, of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country and two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor in Indian Country, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
At trial, the jury heard the testimony of the two minor victims, who were 14 and 15 years old at the time of the offenses, as well as other individuals. According to evidence presented at trial, Haight began making sexual comments to the 14-year-old victim in the summer of 2023. Haight also began touching the minor victim on the buttocks, claiming it was an accident, and played with the seam of her panties. He even told the victim that he preferred “butts” over “boobs,” which was why he liked the victim. In the spring of 2024, Haight’s physical contact escalated. On multiple occasions, while driving the victim home, Haight rested his hand on the victim's leg and touched her underneath her clothing. Then in July 2024, Haight told the victim he wanted to give her a massage as his “prize” for winning a bet. While massaging the victim, Haight sexually abused her.
Also in July 2024, Haight sought out the second victim at a Fourth of July party at his home. The second victim was 15 years old. During the party, Haight reached under the victim's clothing to touch her bra strap and purposefully touched the minor’s buttocks. He later called her a "vagina" for being scared of a spider. When Haight testified, he admitted that he called the second victim a “gina,” and claimed that the term was a “buzz word the teens were saying,” that meant vagina, and he was trying to fit in with the teenagers. Haight also told the second victim that she “owed him” because he removed the spider for her.
While awaiting trial, Haight was allowed to remain on bond. After the guilty verdict was returned, Haight was taken into custody, where he will await sentencing, which will be scheduled for a later date.
The FBI and the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Scaife and Kate Brandon prosecuted 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 Justice.gov/PSC.
Update: In a post-trial order on June 2, 2025, the court acquitted Haight of one count of Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor in Indian Country.
Former Youth Pastor Sentenced for Coercion of a Minor and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A former youth pastor was sentenced today for Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor and Possession of Child Pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge John F. Heil, III, sentenced Chaz Chinsethagid, 34, of Jenks, to serve 168 months imprisonment, followed by lifetime supervised release. Upon his release, Chinsethagid will also be required to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents, from December 2023 through March 2024, Chinsethagid knowingly entered an online chat room. He engaged in several conversations and initiated a conversation with someone he believed to be 14 years old. Chinsethagid spoke with the 14-year-old about school and quickly turned the conversation sexual. He then attempted to entice the 14-year-old to participate in a video call or provide sexually explicit photos.
Chinsethagid further admitted to possessing explicit videos and images of children, some under 12 years old, engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Chinsethagid will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The Homeland Security Investigations and the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Robert prosecuted 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 Justice.gov/PSC.
Tulsa Drug Dealer Convicted by Federal Jury of Fentanyl DeathRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A federal jury convicted Tulsan, Brandon Jerome Silas, 45, of Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Death, four counts of Use of a Communication Facility in Committing, Causing, and Facilitating the Commission of a Drug Trafficking Felony, and Money Laundering.
In February 2022, a witness found Haley Scruggs unresponsive at home and called 911. Paramedics attempted to revive Haley but were unsuccessful. A medical examiner testified that Haley’s death was an accident and that she died from fentanyl toxicity.
When a DEA agent testified, he explained how they discovered messages between Haley and Silas discussing the purchase of fentanyl directly before her death. The last few messages between Haley and Silas describe how to get to Haley’s house, and Silas tells her that he is there. The agent further explained that Haley’s phone showed transactions through a cash application, consistent with payment for drugs.
Silas’ bank records presented to the jury showed that money was being digitally transferred from various peer-to-peer cash applications into his accounts. Over 14 months, bank records indicated that Silas deposited or transferred more than $450,000 into his accounts.
Two witnesses took the stand and explained to the jury how they originally started purchasing pills from Silas. When they went to Silas for fentanyl, he warned both of them to “be careful.”
DEA fentanyl seizures represent over 133 million deadly doses in 2025. Click here to find additional resources or learn more about the OnePillCanKill campaign.
The Drug Enforcement Administration Oklahoma City Resident Office investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Bailey and Charles Greenough prosecuted the case.
Oologah Man Sentenced to More than 16 Years for Child EnticementRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – An Oologah man was sentenced today for coercing and enticing a minor child to engage in sexually explicit conduct, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Terence C. Kern sentenced Bradley Andrew Friend, a/k/a Bradley Andrew Schutt, 40, for Coercion and Enticement of a Minor. Judge Kern ordered Friend to serve 200 months imprisonment, followed by 15 years of supervised release. Upon his release, Friend will also be required to register as a sex offender.
In December 2024, Friend was engaging with an undercover agent online. Court records show that Friend discussed extremely graphic conversations about family incest with the agent, believing the undercover agent was an adult man with minor children. Homeland Security Agents found that Friend lived in Oologah. After agreeing to talk with agents, Friend confessed to possessing child pornography and allowed agents to search his cellphone.
Agents found the messages and images sent to the undercover agent. They further discovered that from September 2023 through July 2024, Friend knowingly engaged in messaging with a 16-year-old and enticed the minor victim to produce and share sexually explicit photos. Friend then sent the 16-year-old sexually explicit pictures of himself.
Additionally, Friend admitted to possessing, receiving, and distributing more than 600 images of minor children, some younger than 12, who were engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Friend will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey Todd prosecuted it.
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 Justice.gov/PSC.
Botnet Dismantled in International Operation, Russian and Kazakhstani Administrators IndictedRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A domain seizure warrant was unsealed, along with an indictment charging four foreign national hackers with conspiracy and other computer crimes, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Russian nationals, Alexey Viktorovich Chertkov, 37, Kirill Vladimirovich Morozov, 41, Aleksandr Aleksandrovich Shishkin, 36, and Dmitriy Rubtsov, 38, a Kazakhstani national, were charged with Conspiracy and Damage to Protected Computers for conspiring with others to maintain, operate, and profit from botnet services known as Anyproxy and 5socks.
The Indictment alleges that a botnet was created by infecting older-model wireless internet routers worldwide, including in the United States, using malware without their owners’ knowledge. The installed malware allowed the routers to be reconfigured, granting unauthorized access to third parties and making the routers available for sale as proxy servers on the Anyproxy.net and 5socks.net websites. Both website domains were managed by a company headquartered in Virginia and hosted on computer servers worldwide.
Additional court documents reveal that the 5socks.net website advertised more than 7,000 proxies for sale worldwide, including in the United States. Users paid a monthly subscription fee, ranging from $9.95 to $110 per month. The website's slogan, “Working since 2004!”, indicates that the service has been available for more than 20 years. The defendants are believed to have amassed more than $46 million from selling access to the infected routers that were part of the Anyproxy botnet.
Chertkov and Rubtsov are additionally charged with False Registration of a Domain Name. They allegedly falsely identified themselves when they registered and used the domains Anyproxy.net and 5socks.net during the commission of these
felony crimes.During the investigation, the FBI’s Oklahoma City Cyber Task Force discovered that business and residential routers in Oklahoma had malware installed without the users' knowledge.
Pursuant to a seizure warrant in the Eastern District of Virginia and in conjunction with the unsealing of the Indictment in the Northern District of Oklahoma, the FBI seized the Anyproxy.net and 5socks.net domain names. The botnet overseas was also seized and disabled by foreign law enforcement partners.
The FBI Oklahoma City Cyber Task Force is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys George Jiang and Christopher J. Nassar, with the Northern District of Oklahoma, are prosecuting the case, along with Ryan K.J. Dickey and Jane Lee, Senior Counsel from the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section.
The Justice Department collaborated closely with investigators and prosecutors from multiple jurisdictions in this investigation, including the Eastern District of Virginia, the Dutch National Police – Amsterdam Region, the Netherlands Public Prosecution Service (Openbaar Ministerie), and the Royal Thai Police. Black Lotus Labs of Lumen Technologies, Inc., provided significant assistance and worked closely with investigators.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Victim Assistance Advisory for Owners of Wireless Internet Routers Infected by the Anyproxy/5socks Malware
On July 23, 2025, the U.S. District Judge John D. Russell issued an order directing the government to provide notice to potential victims in the United States v. Alexey Viktorovich Chertkov, et al., criminal case number, 25-CR-160.
In May 2025, an Indictment was unsealed charging four foreign national hackers for conspiring with others to maintain, operate, and profit from botnet services known as Anyproxy and 5socks. The Indictment alleges that a botnet was created by infecting older-model wireless internet routers worldwide, including in the United States, using malware without their owners’ knowledge.
The installed malware allowed the routers to be reconfigured, granting unauthorized access to third parties and making the routers available for sale as proxy servers on the Anyproxy.net and 5socks.net websites. As part of the investigation, the FBI executed a federal search warrant directed at the infected devices located in the United States and further remediated the security vulnerabilities in 547 of them.
Members of the community who believe they may be the victim of this botnet may contact Victim Witness Coordinator and Supervisor, Brandi Duvall at 918-382-2700. For more information regarding the malware, please see Alert Number I-050725-PSA and FLASH-20250507-001 listed on the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Court Documents
Unsealed Indictment Unsealed Search Warrant