Western District of Oklahoma
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Oklahoma City Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking of a ChildRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, MARLON DEWAYNE MARTIN, 44, of Oklahoma City, pleaded guilty to sex trafficking of a child, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On September 17, 2024, a federal Grand Jury returned a four-count Indictment against Martin, charging him with sex trafficking and sexual exploitation of a child, and distribution and possession of child pornography. According to the Indictment, between September 15, 2023, and February 26, 2024, Martin knowingly recruited and caused a child to be engaged in a commercial sex act, while also producing, distributing, and possessing child sexual abuse material.
Today, Martin pleaded guilty to Count 1 of the Indictment, and admitted he arranged commercial sex dates between the minor child and others and provided hotel rooms for that purpose. At sentencing, Martin faces a minimum of ten years and a maximum of life in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000.
This case is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bow Bottomly is prosecuting the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Justice Department Secures Agreement with Oklahoma City Public Schools to Resolve Alleged Discrimination Against U.S. Air Force Reserve MemberRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Justice Department announced today that a federal judge in Oklahoma City has approved an agreement with Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) to resolve allegations that OKCPS violated Air Force Reserve Staff Sergeant Michael J. McCullough’s rights under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA). The department’s lawsuit alleged that OKCPS violated USERRA when it failed to renew Mr. McCullough’s employment contract because of his military deployment and then failed to reinstate him on his return.
“When servicemembers answer their nation’s call — leaving home and work to serve and protect us — federal law protects them against employment discrimination and unjust termination,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Kathleen Wolfe of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Veterans must be able to serve their country free from worry about jeopardizing civilian career opportunities.”
“We owe it to our service members to safeguard their employment rights when they are deployed,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma. “Doing so shields the service member and their families from suffering financial and other hardships extending beyond the term of the deployment. My office will continue to vigorously defend the rights justly earned by military veterans who serve our country.”
According to the complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, Mr. McCullough was employed as a music teacher at OKCPS’s Fillmore Elementary School in January 2022. He was under contract for the remainder of the school year, and his principal told him that she wanted him to return to teach the following year. In February 2022, Mr. McCullough was ordered to perform military service. When he notified his principal, she suggested it would be easier if he just resigned his teaching position. Less than a month later, during his deployment, OKCPS advised Mr. McCullough that his contract would not be renewed for the 2022-2023 school year. Prior to and on his return from active military duty, OKCPS refused Mr. McCullough’s repeated requests for reemployment, despite available positions.
Under the agreement, OKCPS will pay Mr. McCullough monetary damages, and it will revise its polices, practices, and trainings to prevent violations of USERRA.
USERRA is a federal statute that prohibits employment discrimination based on military status, service, or obligation and protects the rights of uniformed servicemembers to retain their civilian employment following absences due to military service obligations. The Justice Department gives high priority to the enforcement of servicemembers’ rights under USERRA. Additional information about USERRA can be found on the Justice Department’s websites at https://www.justice.gov/crt/laws-we-enforce and www.justice.gov/servicemembers, as well as on the Department of Labor’s website at www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra.
The Department of Labor referred this matter to the Justice Department following an investigation by its Veterans’ Employment and Training Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Fagan and Senior Trial Attorneys Robert Galbreath and Kathleen Lawrence of the Civil Rights Division’s Employment Litigation Section are handling this case.
Justice Department Secures Agreement with Oklahoma City Public Schools to Resolve Alleged Discrimination Against U.S. Air Force Reserve MemberRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that a federal judge in Oklahoma City has approved an agreement with Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) to resolve allegations that OKCPS violated Air Force Reserve Staff Sergeant Michael J. McCullough’s rights under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA). The department’s lawsuit alleged that OKCPS violated USERRA when it failed to renew Mr. McCullough’s employment contract because of his military deployment and then failed to reinstate him on his return.
“When servicemembers answer their nation’s call — leaving home and work to serve and protect us — federal law protects them against employment discrimination and unjust termination,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Kathleen Wolfe of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Veterans must be able to serve their country free from worry about jeopardizing civilian career opportunities.”
“We owe it to our service members to safeguard their employment rights when they are deployed,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma. “Doing so shields the service member and their families from suffering financial and other hardships extending beyond the term of the deployment. My office will continue to vigorously defend the rights justly earned by military veterans who serve our country.”
According to the complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, Mr. McCullough was employed as a music teacher at OKCPS’s Fillmore Elementary School in January 2022. He was under contract for the remainder of the school year, and his principal told him that she wanted him to return to teach the following year. In February 2022, Mr. McCullough was ordered to perform military service. When he notified his principal, she suggested it would be easier if he just resigned his teaching position. Less than a month later, during his deployment, OKCPS advised Mr. McCullough that his contract would not be renewed for the 2022-2023 school year. Prior to and on his return from active military duty, OKCPS refused Mr. McCullough’s repeated requests for reemployment, despite available positions.
Under the agreement, OKCPS will pay Mr. McCullough monetary damages, and it will revise its polices, practices, and trainings to prevent violations of USERRA.
USERRA is a federal statute that prohibits employment discrimination based on military status, service, or obligation and protects the rights of uniformed servicemembers to retain their civilian employment following absences due to military service obligations. The Justice Department gives high priority to the enforcement of servicemembers’ rights under USERRA. Additional information about USERRA can be found on the Justice Department’s websites at https://www.justice.gov/crt/laws-we-enforce and www.justice.gov/servicemembers, as well as on the Department of Labor’s website at www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra.
The Department of Labor referred this matter to the Justice Department following an investigation by its Veterans’ Employment and Training Service.
Senior Trial Attorneys Robert Galbreath and Kathleen Lawrence of the Civil Rights Division’s Employment Litigation Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Fagan for the Western District of Oklahoma are handling this case.
Oklahoma City Man Pleads Guilty to Committing Bank FraudRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – AARON D. JOHNSON, 42, of Oklahoma City, has pleaded guilty to defrauding Farmers Bank, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On January 3, 2025, Johnson was charged by Information with bank fraud. Between September 2017 and November 6, 2018, Johnson was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Farmers Bank (the Bank), with branches in Carnegie and Oklahoma City, and had access to the Bank’s operating account credit card. According to the Information, between September 2017 and July 30, 2018, Johnson used the Bank’s card to pay his personal expenses, causing an overdraft in the Bank’s operating account of approximately $200,000. On July 30, 2018, Johnson approved a modification to a loan, without approval from the Bank’s board of directors, that renewed the loan in an increased amount. The Information further alleges that Johnson caused a $200,000 advance on the loan, wired the money into an account he controlled, and used the $200,000 to repay the overdraft that he caused.
On February 4, 2025, Johnson pleaded guilty, and admitted he knowingly executed a scheme to obtain money from the Bank by means of false or fraudulent pretenses. At sentencing, Johnson faces up to 30 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia E. Barry is prosecuting the case.
Midwest City Man Sentenced to Serve 160 Months in Federal Prison for Manufacturing Crack Cocaine and Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – ANTONIO LARINGO KNOX, 53, of Midwest City, has been sentenced to serve more than 13 years in federal prison for manufacturing cocaine base, commonly known as crack cocaine, and illegal possession of firearms after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On January 17, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a Superseding Indictment against Knox, charging him with manufacturing cocaine base and being a felon in possession of firearms, amongst other charges. On November 7, 2024, following a two-day trial, a federal jury convicted Knox of these two charges. According to evidence presented at trial, on September 12, 2023, Oklahoma City Police Department officers executed a search warrant at Mr. Knox’s home, where they found cocaine base, razor blades, digital scales, ammunition, and firearms. Mr. Knox admitted to manufacturing the cocaine base that was recovered.
At the sentencing hearing on January 31, 2025, U.S. District Judge Stephen P. Friot sentenced Knox to serve 160 months in federal prison, followed by 8 years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Friot noted the nature and circumstances of the offense, along with Knox’s criminal history. Public record reflects that Knox’s criminal history includes convictions in Oklahoma County District Court for conspiring to distribute a controlled dangerous substance in case number CF-2004-3693 and possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction in case number CF-2006-6617.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Hoch and Matthew Anderson prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Lawton Man Sentenced to Serve Life in Federal Prison for Murder After Woman's Body is Found in Wildlife RefugeRead the Press Release
Co-Defendant Previously Sentenced to Serve 96 Months for Accessory After the Fact to Murder
OKLAHOMA CITY – TEVIN TERRELL SEMIEN, 30, of Lawton, has been sentenced to serve life in federal prison for second-degree murder and illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
According to public record, on May 17, 2023, Karon “Dinkers” Conneywerdy Smith, 68, was found dead in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Investigators searched Smith’s home, which was within Indian Country, and observed blood consistent with a violent struggle. Smith’s vehicle was missing as well. On May 21, 2023, Texas law enforcement observed Smith’s vehicle driving south of Dallas, Texas. Officers attempted to pull the vehicle over, but the vehicle fled at a high speed and eventually crashed into a lake. The two occupants of the vehicle, later identified as Semien and Nicole Leigh Logsdon, attempted to flee on foot but were apprehended.
On October 17, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a four-count Indictment against Semien and co-defendant Nicole Leigh Logsdon, 25, also of Lawton. The Indictment charged Semien with one count of first-degree premeditated murder, one alternative count of second-degree murder, and one count of illegally possessing a firearm after a previous felony conviction. Logsdon was separately charged with accessory after the fact to murder.
On April 22, 2024, Semien pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm. As part of his plea, Semien admitted to deliberately and intentionally killing Smith.
On January 10, 2024, Logsdon pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact to murder and admitted to helping Semien in his attempt to avoid arrest and prosecution. On July 15, 2024, Logsdon was sentenced to serve 96 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
At the sentencing hearing on February 3, 2025, U.S. District Judge Stephen P. Friot sentenced Semien to serve life in federal prison. In announcing his sentence, Judge Friot noted the nature and circumstances of the offense, pointing out that Semien’s choices and conduct amounted to an “unfathomably cruel and depraved murder.” Judge Friot also noted Semien’s criminal history. Public record further reflects that Semien has previous felony convictions which include burglary in Jefferson County, Texas, and conspiracy to commit second degree burglary in Comanche County District Court case number CF-2022-292.
This case is in federal court because Smith and Logsdon are enrolled members of the Comanche Nation and the murder occurred within Indian Country.
This case is a result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City, Dallas, and New Orleans field offices; the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; the Comanche Nation Police Department; the Comanche County Sheriff’s Office; the Lawton Police Department; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Rice, Texas Police Department; and the Navarro County, Texas Sheriff’s Office. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaleigh Blackwell and Trial Attorney Mark Stoneman with DOJ’s Criminal Division (former AUSA with the Western District of Oklahoma) prosecuted the case.
The case furthers the Department of Justice’s Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons efforts to address violence against Native American individuals. More information about this initiative is at https://www.justice.gov/tribal/mmip.
Reference is made to public filings for more information.
Guatemalan National Charged with Transportation, Distribution, and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal complaint has been unsealed charging GUSTAVO GORDILLO, 41, of Guatemala, with transportation, distribution, and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
According to an affidavit filed in support of a criminal complaint, in July 2020, investigators with the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) received a cyber tip after files containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) were uploaded to a Google Photos account. The affidavit alleges that the suspect who uploaded the photos, later determined to be Gordillo, lived in Oklahoma City. OCPD detectives investigated the tip, as well as additional tips from Facebook, and learned that Gordillo had communicated with a child living out of state. The affidavit further alleges Gordillo provided CSAM to and received CSAM from the child. In December 2024, additional investigation led law enforcement to a residence in the Oklahoma City metro that was connected with Gordillo. Gordillo was charged by Complaint on January 27, 2025, and was arrested by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and OCPD on January 29, 2025.
Public records show Gordillo had entered into the United States on a temporary visa that had expired.
If found guilty as charged in the Complaint, Gordillo faces up to sixty years in federal prison. The public is reminded these charges are merely allegations, and that Gordillo is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is the result of an investigation by HSI and OCPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon is prosecuting the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Oklahoma City Man who Possessed Firearms while on Federal Supervised Release Sentenced to Serve Six Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – ROBERT KESHIAN NORWOOD, 72, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 72 months in federal prison for illegal possession of firearms after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On April 2, 2024, a federal Grand Jury charged Norwood with being a felon in possession of firearms. According to public record, on February 1, 2024, officers of the United States Probation Office made contact with Norwood at his apartment to conduct a search pursuant to conditions of his supervised release. Norwood was on supervised release following his previous federal conviction for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. In Norwood’s apartment, officers found ten firearms and numerous rounds of ammunition.
On July 1, 2024, Norwood pleaded guilty, and admitted he possessed the firearms despite his previous felony conviction.
At the sentencing hearing on January 29, 2025, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced Norwood to serve 72 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Heaton noted Norwood’s lengthy criminal history.
Public record reflects that Norwood’s criminal history includes federal felony convictions in the Western District of Oklahoma for possession of methamphetamine after two or more prior convictions and knowingly carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime in case number CR-94-010063-001, and possession with intent to distribute a schedule II controlled substance in case number CR-13-43-HE-1. Norwood’s criminal history also includes felony convictions in Oklahoma County District Court for:
- second degree burglary in case number CF-1980-3241;
- possession of a controlled dangerous substance in case number CRF-1982-5111;
- first degree robbery in case number CRF-1984-2497;
- possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a firearm after former conviction, and concealing stolen property after former conviction in case number CRF-1987-3021;
- unauthorized use of a motor vehicle after former conviction in case number CF-1988-5321;
- two counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, maintaining a vehicle where a controlled dangerous substance is kept, and possession of drug paraphernalia in case number CF-2001-1140;
- unlawfully possessing a signed and unsigned credit card and larceny of merchandise in case number CF-2005-5469; and
- possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute and possession of proceeds derived from a violation of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substance Act in case number CF-12-2446.
This case is the result of an investigation by the United States Probation Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary E. Walters prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Serve More Than Three Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of Machinegun Conversion DevicesRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – JOHN ANTHONY OWEN, 24, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 46 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of machineguns, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On June 3, 2024, Owen was charged by Information with unlawful possession of machineguns. According to public record, on April 4, 2024, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department executed a search warrant at Owen’s residence. During the search, officers recovered two firearms which had been modified with machinegun conversion devices (MCDs). When installed, MCDs convert semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic machineguns. Possession of these devices violates federal law.
On July 3, 2024, Owen pleaded guilty and admitted he knowingly possessed two MCDs.
At the sentencing hearing on January 30, 2025, U.S. District Judge Jodi W. Dishman sentenced Owen to serve 46 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the nature and circumstances of the offense.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hoch 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. This case is also part of “Project Switch Off,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s local implementation of PSN. “Project Switch Off” targets illegal machinegun conversion devices to address the significant danger these illegal devices present and to remove them from our streets. For more information about PSN, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Fentanyl and Illegal Firearm Possession Lands Oklahoma City Man in Federal Prison for More Than Three YearsRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – ABEL JOSE FARIAS, 21, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 46 months in federal prison for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and illegal possession of two firearms after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On July 18, 2024, a federal Grand Jury returned a four-count Indictment against Farias, charging him with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. According to public record, in December 2023, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents received information regarding a subject selling fentanyl pills. The agents arranged to meet with the subject to buy fentanyl at a gas station in Moore, Oklahoma, where they encountered and ultimately arrested Farias. In his vehicle, agents discovered a bag of fentanyl pills, as well as a firearm. After executing a federal search warrant, law enforcement found another firearm at Farias’s residence.
On November 13, 2024, Farias pleaded guilty to counts 1, 2, and 4 of the Indictment, and admitted he possessed fentanyl which he intended to distribute, as well as two firearms, which he could not possess because of his felony convictions.
At the sentencing hearing on January 28, 2024, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced Farias to serve 46 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the dangerous nature of fentanyl, and that firearms were involved in Farias’s previous convictions, leading Judge Heaton to the conclusion that the sentence needed to promote respect for the rule of law.
Public record further reflects that Farias has previous felony convictions in Oklahoma County District Court, including those for first-degree burglary in case number CF-2022-2403 and being a felon in possession of a firearm in case number CF-2022-1866.
This case is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Oklahoma City Police Department, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the 21st District Attorney Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan J. West prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Lawton Couple Charged with Child Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal Grand Jury has charged JACKIE ANTONIO DUNCAN, 35, and NIA HALL, 30, both of Lawton, with sex trafficking of children, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
According to public record, in May 2024, two juveniles ran away from a juvenile group home in Lawton, Oklahoma, and were entered into law enforcement databases as missing juveniles. One of the juveniles was located by officers with the Plano Police Department on July 16, 2024, at a motel in Collin County, Texas, where she disclosed she and the other missing juvenile had been sex-trafficked. The juvenile told officers that after she and the other juvenile had fled the group home, they were approached by two people, later identified as Hall and Duncan, at a gas station. The juveniles began living with Hall and Duncan, who soon after transported the juveniles to various cities in Texas, where they performed sex acts for money, which Hall and Duncan kept. In return, the juveniles were provided food and shelter. The juvenile told authorities she had recently escaped Hall and Duncan’s car in the Dallas area. On September 30, 2024, the second juvenile was found and recovered in San Antonio, Texas. She recounted a similar story of being sex-trafficked by Hall and Duncan in exchange for food and shelter. During the investigation, local and federal law enforcement reviewed sex advertisements associated with Hall. These advertisements contained photos of the juveniles.
Public record further reflects that Hall and Duncan were arrested on December 16, 2024. On January 21, 2025, a federal Grand Jury returned a three-count Indictment against Duncan and Hall, charging them with sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. If found guilty, Hall and Duncan face up to life in federal prison and fines of up to $250,000 on each count.
The public is reminded these charges are merely allegations, and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Lawton Police Department, Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics & Dangerous Drugs Control, Fort Smith Police Department, Arkansas State Police, San Antonio Police Department, Plano Police Department, and Fort Worth Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jordan Ganz and Brandon Hale are prosecuting the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Fentanyl Death in Indian Country Leads to Lawton Man's Conviction for Fentanyl Distribution and Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal jury has convicted BREON MONTE BELLAMY, 36, of Lawton, Oklahoma, of distribution of fentanyl and drug conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On September 4, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a two-count Superseding Indictment against Bellamy, charging him with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and drug conspiracy resulting in death. On January 16, 2025, after a four-day trial, a federal jury found Bellamy guilty on the lesser-included offenses of distribution of fentanyl and drug conspiracy. Evidence presented at trial indicated that on August 21, 2023, Bellamy sold fentanyl to Reecy Bench, 22, at a casino in Lawton, Oklahoma. Bench then gave a portion of the fentanyl to Joanie Wilson, 38, while still at the casino. The federal investigation suggested that some of this fentanyl was then distributed to another Stephens County resident who died of fentanyl and methamphetamine toxicity on August 23, 2023. Both Bench and Wilson have previously pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing.
At sentencing, Bellamy faces up to 60 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000.
This case is in federal court, in part, because Bench is a member of the Choctaw Nation, and a portion of the crimes occurred within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lawton Police Department, and demonstrates the importance of the DEA’s “One Pill Can Kill” campaign. More information about “One Pill Can Kill” can be found at https://www.dea.gov/onepill. Further information about the danger associated with fentanyl distribution and use can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16O7TkhFH9k.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaleigh Blackwell and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Joynes are prosecuting the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Cushing Man Sentenced to Serve Five Years in Federal Prison after Firearm and Stolen Truck, Log Splitter, and Other Items are Found on PropertyRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – JIM BOB STORY, 49, of Cushing, has been sentenced to serve 60 months in federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction and receiving and concealing stolen property, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On April 3, 2024, a federal Grand Jury returned a two-count Indictment against Story, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and receiving and concealing stolen property. According to public record, on February 21, 2024, officers with the Sac and Fox Nation Tribal Police Department received information that a stolen vehicle was being kept on Story’s property. After executing a search warrant, authorities recovered a rifle and ammunition, as well as other items previously reported as being stolen out of Cushing including a welder and a log splitter.
Public record further reflects that Story has a lengthy criminal history that includes felony convictions for second-degree burglary in case number CF-2003-82 and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in case number CF-2002-204, both in Payne County District Court, and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Lincoln County District Court case number CF-2004-195.
This case is in federal court because Story is a member of the Sac and Fox Nation and these crimes took place on land held in trust for the Sac and Fox Nation.
At the sentencing hearing on January 15, 2024, U.S. District Judge Jodi W. Dishman sentenced Story to serve 60 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing her sentence, Judge Dishman noted Story’s extensive criminal history and the need to deter Story from future crimes.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Sac and Fox Nation Tribal Police Department, and the Cushing Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Stephens County Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – DAMIEN CHRISTOPHER HAMILTON, 23, of Stephens County, has pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography in Indian Country, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On September 4, 2024, a federal Grand Jury charged Hamilton with possession of child pornography in Indian Country. According to the Indictment, on June 13, 2024, Hamilton possessed an iPhone that contained images of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
On January 22, 2025, Hamilton pleaded guilty, and admitted he possessed images and videos of CSAM. At sentencing, Hamilton faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
This case is in federal court because Hamilton is a member of the Chickasaw Nation and the crimes were committed within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department, the Duncan Police Department, and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaleigh Blackwell is prosecuting the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Stratford Man Pleads Guilty to Committing Child Abuse in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, DONAVEN LEE NOTARO, 24, of Stratford, pleaded guilty to committing child abuse, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On December 27, 2024, Notaro was charged by Superseding Information with child abuse. According to public record, between January 1, 2024, and April 16, 2024, Notaro willfully injured or harmed the health, safety, or welfare of three children for whom he was responsible.
Yesterday, Notaro pleaded guilty to the Superseding Information, and admitted he willfully injured or harmed the health, safety, or welfare of the victims. After his plea, Notaro was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals.
This case is in federal court because Notaro is a member of the Creek Nation and the crimes took place within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation.
At sentencing, Notaro faces up to life in federal prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office and the Stratford Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon is prosecuting the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Oklahoma City Pilot Pleads Guilty to Transporting Firearm in Aircraft from Mexico to OklahomaRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, AIMAN SOBHY ELKHATIB, 31, of Oklahoma City, pleaded guilty to engaging in interstate transportation of a firearm while under indictment, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On June 17, 2024, a federal Grand Jury returned a two-count Superseding Indictment against Elkhatib, charging him with transportation of a firearm while under indictment and bringing in certain aliens. According to public record, on April 25, 2024, agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received information that an aircraft had unlawfully entered the United States from Mexico and failed to stop for a customs inspection. Agents encountered the aircraft at Sundance Airport in Yukon, Oklahoma, where it was occupied by Elkhatib and another individual. Upon searching the aircraft, agents found and seized a firearm. At the time of the incident, Elkhatib was under criminal indictment in Oklahoma County District Court, where he previously pleaded guilty to larceny of an automobile, second degree burglary, and possession of a firearm while in the commission of a felony in case number CF-2023-940.
Yesterday, Elkhatib pleaded guilty to Count 1 of the Superseding Indictment, and admitted he flew from Mexico through Texas to Yukon, Oklahoma, in an aircraft he knew contained a firearm.
At sentencing, Elkhatib faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
This case is the result of an investigation by HSI, Customs and Border Protection, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Air and Marine Operations Center. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bow Bottomly is prosecuting the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Guthrie Man Sentenced to Serve 16 Months in Federal Prison for Communicating ThreatsRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, JEFFREY ADAM WINDBIGLER, 32, of Guthrie, Oklahoma, was sentenced to serve 16 months in federal prison for communicating a threat, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On February 20, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a four-count Indictment against Windbigler, charging him with four counts of communicating a threat. According to the Indictment, in January 2024, Windbigler posted several threatening messages on social media, where he threatened to kill children and threatened to “shoot up” the Edmond public library, an Oklahoma school, and a Texas school.
On October 31, 2024, Windbigler pleaded guilty to Count 1 of the Indictment, and admitted he communicated a threat to kill children, shoot up the Edmond library, and shoot up a school, and that he knew the communication would be viewed as a threat.
At the sentencing hearing today, U.S. District Judge Stephen P. Friot sentenced Windbigler to serve 16 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Friot noted Windbigler’s history and characteristics, including his apparent obsession with violence. Judge Friot further noted that his sentence was based, in part, on the need for adequate incapacitation and to deter similar conduct.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Dillon is prosecuting the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Armed Bank Robbery Lands Oklahoma City Man in Federal Prison for More Than a DecadeRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, AKIN ZHON WOFFORD, 29, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 135 months in federal prison for armed bank robbery and possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On February 7, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a two-count Indictment against Wofford, charging him with armed bank robbery and possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. On August 21, 2024, a federal jury convicted Wofford on both counts.
According to evidence presented at trial, on November 7, 2022, Wofford entered a branch of City National Bank and Trust in Oklahoma City. After he waited several minutes in the lobby, Wofford pulled out a firearm, jumped over the teller counter, pointed it at a bank employee, and demanded money. Wofford then opened the teller drawer and grabbed handfuls of cash before he exited the bank. An investigation into the vehicle used during the bank robbery ultimately led authorities to Wofford. He was arrested on November 18, 2022.
At the sentencing hearing on January 9, 2025, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell sentenced Wofford to serve 135 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the circumstances of the offense, including the risk of danger caused by the robbery, and Wofford’s history of violence.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Gridley and Stanley J. West 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.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Chinese Nationals Sentenced to Serve 20 Years Collectively in Federal Prison for Illegally Trafficking Black-Market Marijuana from Oklahoma Grow OperationRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – JEFF WENG, 47, of China and Brooklyn, New York, has been sentenced to serve 120 months in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On June 6, 2023, a federal grand jury charged Weng and co-defendant Tong Lin, 29, with conspiracy to possess marijuana plants with intent to distribute. On January 18, 2024, after a two-day trial, a federal jury deliberated about an hour before it found Weng and Lin guilty of drug conspiracy.
Between December 2022 and May 2023, evidence at trial indicated that Weng managed a marijuana grow in Wetumka, Oklahoma, and licensed by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority. Evidence showed that Lin managed matters when Weng was not present. One witness testified that, as part of their participation in the drug conspiracy, they drove delivery vans disguised as commercial vehicles, including one disguised as an “Amazon” delivery van, to the Wetumka Grow 10 to 15 times between December 2022 and March 31, 2023. The witness further testified that they picked up between 150 and 200 pounds of marijuana each time from the Wetumka Grow, and that Lin helped load the fake “Amazon” delivery van with marijuana. The witness testified they transported the marijuana to a stash house in Oklahoma City. Every Friday, the witness transported the marijuana from the stash house to a warehouse in Oklahoma City. There, they loaded more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana at a time into a semi-truck trailer, which transported the marijuana from Oklahoma to the East Coast. Over approximately seven months, the witness shipped upwards of 56,000 pounds of marijuana out of Oklahoma via semi-truck. Evidence also showed that law enforcement searched the Wetumka Grow in May 2023 and located 19,661 marijuana plants in various stages of growth, more than $100,000 of vacuum-sealed cash hidden in Weng’s closet attic space, and a firearm.
At the sentencing hearing on December 19, 2024, U.S. District Judge Scott L. Palk sentenced Weng to serve 120 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Palk noted the role Weng played in a “significant” illegal marijuana operation, and the need for deterrence. On June 17, 2024, Lin was sentenced to serve 120 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, along with assistance from the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics. It is also a part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wilson D. McGarry and David Nichols, Jr. prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Cardiology Clinic and Physician Pay $270,000 to Settle Allegations of Submitting False Claims to Medicare and TRICARERead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Cardiovascular Specialists, Inc., (“Cardiovascular Specialists”) and Stewart Katz, MD (“Dr. Katz”), paid $270,000 to settle civil claims stemming from allegations that Cardiovascular Specialists and Dr. Katz submitted false claims to Medicare and TRICARE, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
Cardiovascular Specialists is an Oklahoma corporation which operated a cardiology clinic in Tulsa, Oklahoma, (“Clinic”). Dr. Katz is a cardiologist who owned and practiced at the Clinic. The United States alleges that from January 1, 2016, through February 28, 2020, Cardiovascular Specialists and Dr. Katz engaged in improper “incident-to” billing. Specifically, Cardiovascular Specialists and Dr. Katz submitted or caused the submission of claims to Medicare for the payment of evaluation and management (“E&M”) services under Dr. Katz’ National Provider Identification number that were performed by nurse practitioners when Dr. Katz was not in the Clinic supervising them. The United States also alleges that from January 1, 2015, through June 16, 2022, Cardiovascular Specialists and Dr. Katz submitted or caused the submission of claims to Medicare and TRICARE for E&M services that should have been billed at a lower reimbursement level. To resolve the claims, Cardiovascular Specialists and Dr. Katz agreed to pay $270,000 to the United States.
The settlement resolves allegations filed in a lawsuit by a whistleblower who formerly worked for Cardiovascular Specialists. The lawsuit was filed in federal district court in Oklahoma City under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act (the “Act”), which permit private individuals to sue on behalf of the United States for false claims and to share in the recovery. The Act also allows the United States to intervene in the lawsuit, which it did in this case. The allegations raised in the lawsuit will be dismissed as part of the settlement.
In reaching this settlement, Cardiovascular Specialists and Dr. Katz did not admit liability, and the United States did not make any concessions about the legitimacy of the claims. The agreement allows the parties to avoid the delay, expense, inconvenience, and uncertainty involved in litigating the case.
Investigative assistance was provided by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and HHS-OIG Office of Audit Services. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ronald R. Gallegos and Amanda R. Johnson prosecuted the case.
Production of Child Pornography Lands Yukon Man in Federal Prison for 25 YearsRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, LYNN EDWARD STOKES, 46, of Yukon, was sentenced to serve 300 months in federal prison for production of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On April 16, 2024, a federal Grand Jury returned a three-count Indictment against Stokes, charging him with production, receipt, and possession of child pornography. According to public record, on March 6, 2024, agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed a federal search warrant for Stokes’s home and electronic devices, after they identified Stokes as a suspected collector of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) due to his membership in a group chat where CSAM was being exchanged. HSI agents later discovered that Stokes sexually abused and exploited a minor to produce CSAM for him.
On August 9, 2024, Stokes pleaded guilty to Count 1 of the Indictment, and admitted he persuaded a minor to produce CSAM and send the files to his phone.
Today, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell sentenced Stokes to serve 300 months in federal prison, followed by supervised release for life. In announcing his sentence, Judge Russell noted the egregious nature of Stokes’s conduct, and the need for a long sentence to remove the threat Stokes poses to society.
“The repulsive actions of this predator to sexually exploit children cannot and will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “The lengthy sentence imposed in this case sends a clear message to deter others from victimizing children. I commend the efforts by both investigators and prosecutors and their deep commitment to protecting children.”
“HSI is committed to leveraging our forensic and investigative expertise to apprehend criminals who exploit the most vulnerable members of society,” said Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard, who oversees HSI operations in North Texas and Oklahoma. “Due to the collaborative efforts of the special agents and law enforcement partners of the Tornado Alley Child Exploitation Task Force, this defendant will spend the next 25 years behind bars right where he belongs.”
This case is the result of an investigation by HSI and the Yukon Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Ganz prosecuted the case.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Tornado Alley Child Exploitation Task Force, which is led by HSI. The Tornado Alley Child Exploitation Task Force is an implementation of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. PSC 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 PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Norman Man Pleads Guilty to Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, JACOB EDWARD KAMOLZ, 39, of Norman, pleaded guilty to production of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On September 17, 2024, a federal Grand Jury returned a four-count Indictment against Kamolz, charging him with production, attempted production, possession, and distribution of child pornography. According to public record, in August 2024, Kamolz connected with an FBI Online Covert Employee (OCE) who was purporting to be a juvenile on a social media messaging app. Over the course of several days, Kamolz sent child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to the OCE and requested that they send CSAM in return. Public record further reflects that, after his arrest, the FBI determined Kamolz produced CSAM with a child using his cell phone.
On December 17, 2024, Kamolz pleaded guilty and admitted he used a minor to produce CSAM. At sentencing, Kamolz faces no less than 15 years and up to 30 years in federal prison, and a fine of up to $250,000.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, Norman Resident Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Ganz is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC 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 PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Former Mustang Public Schools Payroll Services Director Pleads Guilty to Defrauding School District Out of More Than $471,000 and Filing a False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, KIM WEINRICH, 67, of Mustang, pleaded guilty to committing wire fraud and making and subscribing a false tax return, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On December 3, 2024, Weinrich was charged by Information with wire fraud and making and subscribing a false tax return. Public records reflect that between 2014 and April 2022, Weinrich was employed by Mustang Public Schools (the “District”) as Payroll Supervisor and was later promoted to Director of Payroll Services in 2021. In her roles with the District, Weinrich was responsible for administering, processing, and reconciling the bi-monthly payroll for the District’s employees. According to the Information, beginning in July 2016, Weinrich manipulated the District’s payroll accounting software to increase her net pay each pay period, and deposited the stolen funds into her personal bank account. Weinrich’s scheme resulted in several District employees underreporting their federal and state withholdings, which reduced the amount of their tax refunds. In all, between July 2016 and April 2022, Weinrich defrauded the District out of approximately $471,657.91.
Additionally, public records indicate that Weinrich manipulated the District’s payroll accounting software to make it appear as if she paid substantial amounts in federal income taxes, when in reality, Weinrich had no federal income taxes withheld. On April 5, 2022, Weinrich filed a federal tax return where she reported an income that was substantially lower than the actual income received due to the fraud.
On December 12, 2024, Weinrich pleaded guilty to the Information, and admitted that she adjusted payroll amounts to herself to increase her income, manipulated payroll software to make it appear as if she were paying substantial amounts in federal and state income taxes when in fact she wasn’t, and filed a federal tax return declaring she made $91,295 while knowing the actual income received was substantially more.
At sentencing, Weinrich faces up to 23 years in federal prison and fines up to $350,000.
This case is the result of an investigation by IRS Criminal Investigation and the United States Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Brown is prosecuting the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Bank Fraud Lands Former Bank Senior Vice President in Federal Prison for 16 MonthsRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, JOHN PADILLA, 44, of Lawton, was sentenced to serve 16 months in federal prison for bank fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On May 7, 2024, Padilla was charged by Information with bank fraud. According to the Information, between February 2013 and December 2019, Padilla served as senior vice president and commercial loan officer for a federally insured bank located in Lawton. During that time, Padilla executed a scheme in which he recruited borrowers to apply for loans, many of which were not creditworthy and were in fact Padilla’s friends and associates. Padilla told the borrowers he would use the loan proceeds to invest in his real estate ventures, and that he would pay the borrowers a percentage of the profit. In reality, Padilla would use most of the loan proceeds to support his gambling habit, while also using proceeds to make payments toward prior loans issued as part of the scheme. In all, Padilla’s actions cost the bank more than $1,000,000.
On June 17, 2024, Padilla pleaded guilty, and admitted to recruiting an associate to apply for a loan, knowing the proceeds were for his own personal use.
At the sentencing hearing today, U.S. District Judge Jodi W. Dishman sentenced Padilla to serve 16 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. In announcing her sentence, Judge Dishman noted the seriousness of the offense and that it had spanned several years. Judge Dishman further explained that the fraud Padilla committed against his former, long-time employer, caused a significant loss to the bank. The Court also ordered Padilla to pay $1,092,135.50 in restitution.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Brown prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
44 Defendants Charged in First Year of "Project Switch Off" as Part of Crackdown on Illegal Machinegun Conversion DevicesRead the Press Release
Law Enforcement Seize 185 Machinegun Conversion Devices and 298 Illegally Possessed Firearms
OKLAHOMA CITY – Launched just over a year ago, “Project Switch Off” continues to serve as an effective strategy to combat violent crime and targets illegal—and lethal—machinegun conversion devices (MCDs). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma launched “Project Switch Off” on November 29, 2023.
“The clear and immediate danger of machinegun conversion devices is real, and their proliferation is ever-increasing,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “We simply cannot standby and ignore the deadly consequences these devices present to the public and law enforcement. Under federal law, manufacturing, selling, transporting, or possessing MCDs is illegal. My office will continue to work with our federal, state, local, and tribal partners to address this emerging threat.”
“It was nearly a year ago that we stood in unison and promised to do whatever we could to keep these dangerous devices from affecting you and your neighborhoods. As the statistics show, we held true to our word. Just because our first year was successful, we cannot, and will not, rest on our investigative laurels,” said ATF Dallas Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II. “Together, with the United States Attorney’s Office and all our law enforcement partners, we will continue to work tirelessly to eradicate these devices from our communities. When we say we will not sleep until we do, we mean, will not sleep.”
PROJECT SWITCH OFF – STRATEGY
“Project Switch Off” targets MCDs, which turn semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic machineguns and present an elevated threat to the public and to law enforcement. Regardless of whether they are attached to a firearm, MCDs constitute machineguns under federal law, and the manufacture, sale, transport, or possession of MCDs is illegal under federal law, except in very limited circumstances.
“Project Switch Off” aims to educate the public on the danger and illegality of MCDs, train law enforcement on how to identify MCDs, remove MCDs from our streets, and hold accountable those who manufacture, sell, or possess these illegal and deadly devices.
PROJECT SWITCH OFF - BY THE NUMBERS
Since “Project Switch Off” was launched, the following results have been achieved within the Western District of Oklahoma:
- 44 defendants were charged with federal offenses;
- 29 defendants have pled guilty or been convicted at trial;
- 18 defendants have been sentenced, with an average sentence of more than 80 months in federal prison; and
- law enforcement has seized and removed from the streets:
- 185 MCDs;
- two 3-D printers used to manufacture MCDs;
- 298 firearms; and
- 102,285 rounds of ammunition.
PROJECT SWITCH OFF - IN ACTION
Recent case examples of “Project Switch Off” include the following:
Sentencings
- Sheldon Lemont Battles, 20, was sentenced on November 5, 2024, to serve 33 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a machinegun in case number 23-CR-529. According to public record, Battles led Oklahoma City Police Department officers on a high-speed chase in November 2023 before he collided with another vehicle, which resulted in injuries to two passengers in that vehicle. Battles was arrested after a short foot pursuit, during which he discarded a firearm that police recovered and found fitted with an MCD. He pled guilty on February 21, 2024.
- Charles Lamar Scott, 36, was sentenced on May 10, 2024, to serve 25 years in federal prison for robbery of an Oklahoma City pharmacy, discharging a firearm during the robbery, and possession of a machinegun in case number 23-CR-191. According to public record, on December 26, 2022, Scott committed an armed robbery of a CVS Pharmacy, during which he violently assaulted a CVS employee, forcibly took a handgun from a retired police officer, and discharged it during the robbery. He then fired a handgun equipped with an MCD at law enforcement during his attempted escape. Scott pled guilty on September 22, 2023.
Convictions/Pleas
- Ronald Deshell Steele, Jr., 22, pled guilty on December 11, 2024, to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute fentanyl and unlawful possession of a machinegun in case number 24-CR-376. At sentencing, he faces up to 30 years in federal prison.
- Jaylen Terrell Benford, 27, pled guilty on November 26, 2024, to unlawful transfer of a machinegun in case number 24-CR-376. At sentencing, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison.
- Emanuel Lopez, 24, pled guilty on November 25, 2024, to transporting machineguns without a license in case number 24-CR-263. According to public record, in May and June 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents in Los Angeles, California, intercepted four packages shipped from China. These packages were destined for Lopez at his home in Oklahoma and contained MCDs. The packages were mislabeled as “auto parts,” “hardware accessories,” and “decorative ornaments” on the shipping manifest. At sentencing, he faces up to five years in federal prison.
- Anthony Lawrence Grizzard, 42, pled guilty on November 25, 2024, to illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction in case number 24-CR-197. According to the federal Indictment, the firearm was modified with an MCD. At sentencing, he faces up to 15 years in federal prison.
- Brandon Dominique Taylor, 38, pled guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a machinegun on November 13, 2024, in case number 24-CR-361. At sentencing, he faces up to 30 years in federal prison.
Charges/Indictments*
- Bruce Gordon,* 21, was indicted by a federal Grand Jury on September 5, 2024, on two counts of unlawful transfer of a machinegun, one count of unlawful transfer of multiple machineguns, and one count of distribution of methamphetamine in case number 24-CR-364. If convicted, he faces up to 70 years in federal prison.
* The public is reminded that charges are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
For more information about MCDs, please see the fact sheet hyperlinked below.
ATF Fact Sheet
Federal Inmate Convicted of Possession of a "Shank" in Federal Transfer CenterRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal jury has convicted BRYAN JOSHUA TEWANEMA, 31, of Arizona, of possessing a prohibited object at the Federal Transfer Center in Oklahoma City, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On July 17, 2024, a federal grand jury charged Tewanema with possession of a prohibited object. On December 4, 2024, after a two-day trial, a federal jury found Tewanema guilty of the charge. Evidence presented at trial indicated that on May 29, 2024, corrections officers with the FTC discovered a sharpened piece of plexiglass, a “shank,” hidden in Tewanema’s pant leg. Evidence at trial indicated that this incident was the fourth time a “shank” has been located either on Tewanema’s person or in a cell assigned to him.
At sentencing, Tewanema faces up to five years in federal prison—which must be served consecutively to his already imposed federal sentences for second-degree murder and discharging a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ Special Investigative Services. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiffany Edgmon and Jordan Ganz are prosecuting the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Five Current and Former Correctional Officers and One Nurse Indicted for Federal Civil Rights ViolationsRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY — A federal grand jury in Oklahoma City returned a two-count indictment today charging five current and former correctional officers and one correctional nurse with federal civil rights violations.
The indictment alleges that, on Aug. 6, 2023, former Garvin County Jail (GCJ) Sergeant Jennifer Baxter, former GCJ Deputies Alesha Danielle Ingram and Vincent Matthews and former GCJ Nurse Lynnsee Noel, while acting in their official capacity at the GCJ, in Garvin County, Oklahoma, violated the constitutional rights of a pretrial detainee, identified in the indictment as K.T., by being deliberately indifferent to a substantial risk of serious physical harm to K.T. at the hands of other inmates. This offense resulted in K.T. suffering bodily injury.
The indictment further alleges that, on Aug. 6 and 7, 2023, Baxter, Ingram, Matthews, Noel and two additional jailers, current GCJ Sergeant Melissa Melton and current GCJ Deputy Paula Kelley, while acting in their official capacity, were deliberately indifferent to K.T.’s serious medical needs, willfully failing to ensure that K.T. was provided with necessary medical care. This offense resulted in bodily injury to K.T. and, ultimately, her death.
If convicted, all defendants face a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Robert Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma and Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office is investigating the case.
Senior Litigation Counsel Julia Barry and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaleigh Blackwell for the Western District of Oklahoma and Trial Attorneys Laura Gilson and Trevor Kempner of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Five Current and Former Correctional Officers and One Nurse Indicted for Federal Civil Rights ViolationsRead the Press Release
A two-count indictment was unsealed yesterday charging five current and former correctional officers and one correctional nurse with federal civil rights violations.
The indictment alleges that, on Aug. 6, 2023, former Garvin County Jail (GCJ) Sergeant Jennifer Baxter, former GCJ Deputies Alesha Danielle Ingram and Vincent Matthews and former GCJ Nurse Lynnsee Noel, while acting in their official capacity at the GCJ, in Garvin County, Oklahoma, violated the constitutional rights of a pretrial detainee, identified in the indictment as K.T., by being deliberately indifferent to a substantial risk of serious physical harm to K.T. at the hands of other inmates. This offense resulted in K.T. suffering bodily injury.
The indictment further alleges that, on Aug. 6 and 7, 2023, Baxter, Ingram, Matthews, Noel and two additional jailers, current GCJ Sergeant Melissa Melton and current GCJ Deputy Paula Kelley, while acting in their official capacity, were deliberately indifferent to K.T.’s serious medical needs, willfully failing to ensure that K.T. was provided with necessary medical care. This offense resulted in bodily injury to K.T. and, ultimately, her death.
If convicted, all defendants face a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Robert Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma and Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office is investigating the case.
Senior Litigation Counsel Julia Barry and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaleigh Blackwell for the Western District of Oklahoma and Trial Attorneys Laura Gilson and Trevor Kempner of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
United States and State of Oklahoma File False Claims Act Complaint Against OKC Laboratory and DirectorRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – The United States and the State of Oklahoma filed a complaint under the federal False Claims Act and the Oklahoma Medicaid False Claims Act against Coordinated Care Health Solutions, LLC d/b/a HunterCare Coordinated Care Health Solutions (CCHS) and Eric P. Wallis, Ph.D., for submitting or causing the submission of false and/or fraudulent claims for payment to certain Government Health Benefit Programs (Government Programs) for testing services that were not rendered or not reimbursable. The Government Programs harmed by the alleged conduct are Medicare, Oklahoma Medicaid, the TRICARE health plan, the Civilian Health and Medical Programs of the VA, and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.
The complaint alleges CCHS purports to perform laboratory testing services ordered by third-party practitioners to monitor and treat patients. During the time relevant to the complaint, Wallis was employed by CCHS as its laboratory director. He was a management official, directed CCHS’s laboratory operations, and supervised the laboratory employees, including the CCHS billing supervisor.
The complaint alleges that from at least November 2018 through 2021, CCHS and Wallis disguised non-reimbursable urine drug tests as blood tests to by-pass Oklahoma Medicaid’s prior authorization requirement for definitive urine drug testing services. The complaint alleges CCHS submitted, and Wallis caused the submission of, claims for payment to Oklahoma Medicaid that misrepresented the services performed and included services that were not rendered.
The complaint also alleges CCHS systematically billed the federal agency Government Programs for presumptive urine drug testing that was not rendered, and that Wallis caused the submission of these claims. Defendants knew or should have known there was no medical purpose to report “presumptive results” and that those results were not used in the treatment of program beneficiaries. The claims were submitted to the Government Programs for payment for presumptive testing anyway and violated the False Claims Act.
The complaint further alleges that, from at least November 2018 through January 2023, CCHS routinely billed the federal agency Government Programs for medically unnecessary definitive urine drug testing services, and Wallis caused the submission of these claims. These tests were ordered and/or billed through impermissible blanket directives, were not ordered at all, and/or were not medically reasonable and necessary for the treatment of program beneficiaries.
The complaint alleges that, as a result of Defendants’ conduct, the Government Programs paid millions of dollars for thousands of false and/or fraudulent claims for non-reimbursable testing services. The United States and the State of Oklahoma seek to recover damages, along with appropriate trebling of those damages, and penalties for each false claim submitted or caused to be submitted by Defendants.
This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General Office of Audit Services, Qlarant (the CMS Unified Program Integrity Coordinator for the Southwestern Jurisdiction), the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General Criminal Investigations Division, and the Office of Personnel Management Office of Inspector General provided substantial assistance in the investigation.
The case is U.S. et al. v. Coordinated Care Health Solutions, LLC, d/b/a HunterCare Coordinated Care Health Solutions et al., No. CIV-24-1185-JD (W.D. Okla.).
The claims asserted in this action are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
COVID Relief Loan Fraud Lands Oklahoma City Woman in Federal Prison for Two YearsRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – MADINAH MALIKAH MONTGOMERY, 33, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 24 months in federal prison for wire fraud and ordered to pay $300,000 in restitution to the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On March 19, 2024, Montgomery was charged by Amended Information with wire fraud. In 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Small Business Administration (SBA) expanded the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program to provide loan assistance to struggling small businesses and other eligible entities. According to the Amended Information, on July 16, 2020, Montgomery submitted an application for an EIDL loan for $150,000 for her business. As part of the application, Montgomery falsely claimed she was the sole owner of a salon with 10 employees, which had gross revenues of $600,000. As a result of her fraudulent application, the SBA approved the loan, and deposited $149,900 to Montgomery’s bank account in Enid, Oklahoma.
On April 3, 2024, Montgomery pleaded guilty, and admitted to filing a fraudulent EIDL application and receiving $149,000, some of which she used to pay personal expenses.
At the sentencing hearing on November 22, 2024, the United States argued for a sentence of confinement highlighting that over a three-month span, Montgomery fraudulently applied for three separate EIDL loans totaling $385,000, and ultimately received $300,000. U.S. District Judge Stephen P. Friot sentenced Montgomery to serve 24 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Friot noted the seriousness of Montgomery’s offenses in that she defrauded the United Stated of $300,000 in loans meant for businesses suffering the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Judge Friot highlighted the length and serious nature of Montgomery’s criminal history and that the sentences she had received had not deterred her from continued criminal activity. Along with the sentence of confinement, Montgomery was ordered to pay $300,000 in restitution to the United States.
Public record reflects that Montgomery has previous felony convictions that include:
- possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2009-03754;
- grand larceny in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2014-4967; and
- bringing contraband into a jail/penal institution, unlawful possession of a controlled drug with intent to distribute, and conspiracy in Beckham County District Court case number CF-2022-00142.
Additionally, in a separate case in the Western District of Oklahoma, Montgomery has been charged by a federal grand jury with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute in case number 24-CR-348. She has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial. The public is reminded this charge is merely an allegation and that Montgomery is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is the result of an investigation by United States Secret Service, the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General, the Oklahoma City Police Department, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bow Bottomly prosecuted the case.
This case is also the result of an investigation by the Western District of Oklahoma Coronavirus Fraud Task Force. The Task Force combines the efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute fraud related to the COVID-19 pandemic. It focuses on programs created or funded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and it is designed to find the best ways to detect, deter, and punish those who take advantage of federal and state programs during the pandemic. These programs include, but are not limited to, fraud involving the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), the Main Street Lending Program, unemployment insurance fraud, and fraud involving pandemic-related supplies.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Serve Eight Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Ammunition Possession Following Domestic Assault InvestigationRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – ANTOINE LASHAWN SMITH, 43, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 96 months in federal prison for illegal possession of ammunition after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On August 7, 2024, a federal Grand Jury charged Smith with being a felon in possession of ammunition. According to public record, on February 13, 2024, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department responded to a Metro-area apartment on a report of a domestic assault. Officers spoke with the victim, who said she and Smith got into a verbal argument, and as she attempted to leave the apartment complex Smith confronted her in the parking lot and struck her in the head and face with a broom several times, causing visible injuries. Smith then ran back to his apartment, but was taken into custody early the next morning by law enforcement. Officers then executed a search warrant and seized a box of live ammunition inside the apartment.
On September 11, 2024, Smith pleaded guilty and admitted he possessed ammunition despite his criminal record.
At the sentencing hearing on November 20, 2024, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell sentenced Smith to serve 96 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the continuing threat to society Smith poses as well as his history of violence, particularly violence against women.
Public record reflects that Smith has a lengthy criminal history, with charges in Oklahoma County District Court including:
- possession of cocaine base in case number CF-1998-3201;
- possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of drug proceeds in case number CF-2014-2736;
- felon in possession of a firearm, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm with a defaced or mutilated serial number, possession of meth, possession of cocaine-base, and possession of drug paraphernalia in case number CF-2018-1403.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary E. Walters prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice program to reduce violent crime. In October 2017, the Department announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop crime-reduction strategies that incorporate lessons federal law enforcement have learned since the program’s launch in 2001. This case is also part of “Operation 922,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of PSN, which prioritizes prosecution of federal crimes connected to domestic violence. For more information about PSN, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Serve 40 Years in Federal Prison for Possession and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – MICHAEL RIOS, 43, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 480 months in federal prison, the statutory maximum, for possession and distribution of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On April 3, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a three-count Indictment against Rios, charging him with sexual exploitation of children and possession and distribution of child pornography. According to public record, an FBI agent accessed an online encrypted messaging service, where they encountered a profile that had shared child pornography between January 8 and 9, 2024. The FBI linked the profile to Rios, and after executing a court authorized federal search warrant, agents discovered a large library of child pornography on Rios’s digital devices, and he was arrested.
At the time of his arrest, Rios was on bond pending trial in Oklahoma County District Court, where he’s charged with manufacturing child porn and possession of obscene material involving the participation of a minor under the age of 18 in case number CF-2022-5095. Rios was accused of recording a minor, without their knowledge, while the minor showered in the bathroom of his home in 2019.
On June 3, 2024, Rios pleaded guilty to Counts 2 & 3 of the Indictment and admitted he possessed and distributed child pornography.
At the sentencing hearing on November 18, 2024, U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones sentenced Rios to serve 40 years in federal prison, followed by supervised release for life. In announcing his sentence, Judge Jones noted the disturbing and demented nature of Rios’ conduct and the danger he presented to the public.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC 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 PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Investigation into Shooting in Bricktown Lands Oklahoma City Man in Federal Prison for 10 Years for Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – QUINTRAL DEMETRICES JONES, 28, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 120 months in federal prison for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On December 19, 2023, a federal Grand Jury returned a three-count Indictment against Jones, charging him with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. According to public record, on December 18, 2022, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department responded to a parking lot in Bricktown in reference to a shooting. On scene, officers reviewed surveillance footage, where they watched a passenger of a vehicle—later determined to be Jones—fire a weapon out of the passenger window at another occupied vehicle. Officers eventually located and searched the vehicle Jones was in and found cocaine and a firearm, which was later confirmed to be the one fired at the scene of this shooting.
On June 24, 2024, Jones pleaded guilty, and admitted he intended to distribute the cocaine in the car and possessed a gun in furtherance of his drug trafficking.
At the sentencing hearing on November 19, 2024, U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones sentenced Jones to serve 120 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Jones noted the serious nature of the offense involving the discharge of a firearm and the possession of distribution levels of cocaine. Judge Jones further noted that Jones had a lengthy criminal history—including previous convictions involving both guns and drugs—yet still participated in the activity leading to his convictions in this case. Public record reflects that Jones has a long criminal history, with convictions in Oklahoma County District Court that include:
- concealing stolen property and possession of marijuana in case number CF-2014-5742;
- unauthorized use of a vehicle, aggravated attempting to elude a police officer, and possession of an offensive weapon while committing a felony in case number CF-2014-6402;
- second degree burglary in case number CF-2014-6451;
- possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and felon in possession of a firearm in case number CF-2017-6174.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan J. West prosecuted the case.
This case is also part of “Operation Shots Fired.” Operation Shots Fired targets cases involving individuals who discharge firearms as part of their criminal activity, such as drive-by shootings or when shots are fired during robberies, domestic disputes, or other incidents. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Shooting Investigation Lands Oklahoma City Man in Federal Prison for 15 Years for Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – RONALD LADALE ATCHISON, JR., 37, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 180 months in federal prison—the statutory maximum—for illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On March 5, 2024, a federal grand jury charged Atchison with being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to public record, on January 29, 2024, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department responded to a reported shooting in the northeast Metro. At the scene, officers found a wrecked vehicle and two victims, one of whom had been shot in the neck. The victims told authorities they had been chased by a dark colored SUV, and the driver had fired multiple gunshots at them, some at point-blank range after the victims crashed their vehicle. The victim with the gunshot wound was taken to the hospital and treated for his injuries. That evening, law enforcement located the suspect SUV and took the driver, Atchison, into custody. Inside the SUV, officers found a handgun, marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl pills.
On May 29, 2024, Atchison pleaded guilty, and admitted he unlawfully possessed a firearm despite his criminal record.
At the sentencing hearing on November 13, 2024, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Atchison to serve 180 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Wyrick noted Atchison’s lack of respect for the law, the need to protect the public, and his long criminal history. Public record reflects that Atchison has a lengthy criminal history, with convictions in Oklahoma County District Court that include:
- domestic abuse by strangulation in case number CF-2019-2373;
- driving while under the influence in case number CF-2019-2273;
- possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia in case number CF-2012-7555;
- illegal possession of a firearm and concealing stolen property in case number CF-2012-2671; and
- possession of marijuana in case number CF-2009-4362.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew E. Davis prosecuted the case.
This case is also part of “Operation Shots Fired.” Operation Shots Fired targets cases involving individuals who discharge firearms as part of their criminal activity, such as drive-by shootings or when shots are fired during robberies, domestic disputes, or other incidents. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Yukon Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing from NonprofitRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – DEBRA KAYE LYONS, 65, of Yukon, has pleaded guilty to federal program theft, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On October 21, 2024, Lyons was charged by Amended Information with federal program theft. From 2007 to January 2023, Lyons worked for an Oklahoma City nonprofit organization receiving federal funds, where she coordinated the purchase of cell phones and cell phone plans for the nonprofit. According to the Amended Information, from January 13, 2022, through January 13, 2023, through her role with the nonprofit, Lyons used the nonprofit’s corporate account to purchase cell phones, which she then resold for personal financial gain. The Amended Information alleges that the illegally purchased and stolen cell phones led to a loss of at least $5,000 for the nonprofit.
On November 12, 2024, Lyons pleaded guilty, and admitted she stole property from the nonprofit by using its corporate account to purchase cell phones, which she then resold for her own personal financial gain. At sentencing, Lyons faces up to 10 years in federal prison, and a fine of up to $250,000.
This case is the result of an investigation by the United States Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia E. Barry is prosecuting the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Noble County Man Sentenced to Serve more than Nine Years in Federal Prison after Shooting Woman in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – JUSTIN RANDALL BROWN, 46, of Noble County, has been sentenced to serve 115 months in federal prison for committing assault with a dangerous weapon in Indian Country, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On January 3, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a six-count Indictment against Brown, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, kidnapping, and use and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, all of which took place in Indian Country. According to public record, on October 27, 2023, Brown assaulted a person who visited his property in Noble County. During the violent encounter, Brown beat the victim over the head with the handle of a blade, threatened to kill her friends and family, and shot her in the thigh with a handgun. Following the assault, the victim drove herself to a hospital where she was treated for her injuries.
Public record further reflects that Brown has previous felony convictions, including convictions for assault with a deadly weapon in California, and assault and battery with a deadly weapon in Tulsa County District Court.
This case is in federal court because Brown is a member of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe and the crimes took place within the boundaries of tribal land belonging to the Otoe-Missouria Tribe.
On May 8, 2024, Brown pleaded guilty to Count 2 of the Indictment, and admitted he assaulted the victim with a dangerous weapon—a firearm—while in Indian Country.
At the sentencing hearing on November 12, 2024, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced Brown to serve 115 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and to pay the victim $17,256.43 in restitution. In announcing his sentence, Judge Heaton noted the seriousness of assault committed, Brown’s long criminal history, and the need for the public to be protected from Brown.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Stillwater Police Department, and the Otoe-Missouria Tribal Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bow Bottomly prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice program to reduce violent crime. In October 2017, the Department announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop crime-reduction strategies that incorporate lessons federal law enforcement have learned since the program’s launch in 2001. This case is also part of “Operation 922,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of PSN, which prioritizes prosecution of federal crimes connected to domestic violence. For more information about PSN, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok.
Reference is made to public filings for further information.
Mexican National Sentenced to Serve a Decade in Federal Prison after Transporting Methamphetamine into OklahomaRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – SIMON VELAZQUEZ HERNANDEZ, 35, a Mexican National living in California at the time of his arrest, has been sentenced to serve 120 months in federal prison following a trial on a charge of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
Hernandez was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 17, 2024, with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. He proceeded to trial on June 18, 2024, where a federal jury heard evidence that on December 28, 2023, Hernandez was pulled over by an Oklahoma City Police officer on I-40 with approximately 40 pounds of methamphetamine in the vehicle. When initially stopped, Hernandez told the officer he was traveling from California to Arkansas to deliver Christmas presents, and the 40 pounds of methamphetamine was found inside gift wrapped boxes in the vehicle.
At the sentencing hearing on November 12, 2024, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced Hernandez to serve 120 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Heaton noted the nature and circumstances of the offense.This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, the Oklahoma City Police Department, and the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Travis Leverett and Stephen Hoch prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Federal Jury Convicts Midwest City Man of Manufacturing Crack Cocaine and Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal jury has convicted ANTONIO LARINGO KNOX, 53, of Midwest City, of manufacturing cocaine base, commonly known as crack cocaine, and illegal possession of firearms after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On January 17, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a Superseding Indictment against Knox, charging Knox with manufacturing cocaine base and being a felon in possession of firearms, amongst other charges. On November 7, 2024, following a two-day trial, a federal jury convicted Knox of these two charges. According to evidence presented at trial, on September 12, 2023, Oklahoma City Police Department officers executed a search warrant at Mr. Knox’s home, where they found cocaine base, razor blades, digital scales, ammunition, and firearms. Mr. Knox admitted to manufacturing the cocaine base that was recovered.
According to public record, Knox has a number of previous felony convictions, including conspiring to distribute a controlled dangerous substance in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2004-3693, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2006-6617.
At sentencing, Knox faces up to 35 years in federal prison, and fines totaling up to $1,250,000.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Hoch and Matthew Anderson are prosecuting the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Guthrie Couple Sentenced to Serve more than Three Years Collectively in Federal Prison after Purchasing Vehicles Using Stolen IdentitiesRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – KYLER WOMACK, 34, of Guthrie, has been sentenced to serve 21 months in federal prison for conspiring to commit wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On February 20, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a three-count Indictment against Womack and co-defendant MEGAN MCKINLEY, 34, charging them with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. According to public record, in September 2023, Womack and McKinley conspired together to purchase three vehicles using the stolen information of other individuals. The couple’s attempted purchase of a fourth vehicle was unsuccessful and led to their arrests. Court records allege the couple possessed the personal information of hundreds of individuals. There is no evidence the couple was responsible for the original theft of the information, and how they came to possess the information is unknown.
Both couples have pleaded guilty to Count 1 of the Indictment, and admitted they conspired together to commit wire fraud by fraudulently purchasing vehicles with stolen means of identification.
On August 27, 2024, McKinley was sentenced to serve 18 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release.
At the sentencing hearing November 1, 2024, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Womack to serve 21 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Wyrick noted the significant number of stolen identities that Mr. Womack and Ms. McKinley had acquired, and the great harm they could have done if not caught quickly.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Norman Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney D.H. Dilbeck prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Serve 84 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Firearm Possession Following Domestic Violence CallRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – GREGORY LAMONT BRIGHT, 37, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 84 months in federal prison for illegal possession of firearms after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On February 8, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a two-count Indictment against Bright, charging him with being a felon in possession of firearms and witness tampering. According to public record, on May 12, 2023, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department were dispatched to the leasing office of a local apartment on a reported domestic violence incident. Officers spoke with the victim in the office, who told authorities Bright slapped her and then pushed her onto a bed and strangled her with his hands until she believes she lost consciousness. Bright then left the apartment. Officers observed bruising on the victim’s neck and face, and the victim asked police to make sure the defendant was no longer in her apartment. Oklahoma City Police searched the victim’s residence and found Bright concealing himself in a bathroom. Officers also found a handgun and a shotgun in the apartment, which Bright later admitted to possessing.
Bright was arrested, and in the days that followed, he made several phone calls to the victim in an attempt to convince the victim not to testify against him and claim the firearms belonged to her. Bright also spoke with his friends and family members, instructing them to also try to influence the victim to change her story.
On May 15, 2024, Bright pleaded guilty to Count 1 of the Indictment and admitted he possessed two firearms despite his previous felony conviction.
At the sentencing hearing on October 24, 2024, U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones sentenced Bright to serve 84 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Jones noted the nature and circumstances of the offense, along with Bright’s violent criminal history. Public record reflects that Bright holds previous felony convictions, including convictions for illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2015-6513 and at least one felony conviction for robbery out of Michigan.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mary E. Walters and Jackson D. Eldridge prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice program to reduce violent crime. In October 2017, the Department announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop crime-reduction strategies that incorporate lessons federal law enforcement has learned since the program’s launch in 2001. This case is also part of “Operation 922,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of PSN, which prioritizes prosecution of federal crimes connected to domestic violence. For more information about PSN, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Chandler Man Sentenced to Serve 12 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Firearm Possession Following Shooting Inside Metro BarRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – NICKLUS COLE SWEET, 42, of Chandler, Oklahoma, has been sentenced to serve 12 years in federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm following a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On December 19, 2023, a federal grand jury charged Sweet with being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to public record, on April 1, 2023, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department responded to reports of a shooting at a metro bar. When officers arrived, they found three individuals who had been killed as a result of gunshot wounds, and another three who were injured. Officers reviewed surveillance footage, where they observed Sweet shooting a firearm during the incident, which injured one of the individuals involved. Pursuant to a court approved search warrant, officers searched a vehicle tied to Sweet on April 3, 2023, and located a firearm that was determined to belong to Sweet.
Public record further reflects that Sweet has previous felony convictions, including convictions for endangering others while eluding a police officer and driving with a suspended license in Canadian County District Court case number CF-2017-846, knowingly concealing stolen property in Lincoln County District Court case number CF-2011-00227, and being a felon in possession of a firearm in the Western District of Oklahoma case number CR-21-129.
On April 18, 2024, Sweet pleaded guilty, and admitted he possessed the firearm despite his criminal record.
At the sentencing hearing on October 31, 2024, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced Sweet to serve 12 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the serious circumstances in this case, which involved Mr. Sweet shooting an individual during a violent altercation. The court also noted that Mr. Sweet had only been released from prison—for illegally possessing a firearm—about a month before having participated in this shooting.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stan J. West and Wilson D. McGarry prosecuted the case.
This case is also part of “Operation Shots Fired.” Operation Shots Fired targets cases involving individuals who discharge firearms as part of their criminal activity, such as drive-by shootings or when shots are fired during robberies, domestic disputes, or other incidents. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Oklahoma City Man to Serve 24 Months in Federal Prison for Firearms Trafficking and Unlawful Possession of a MachinegunRead the Press Release
Defendant Forfeits 194 Firearms, More Than Three Tons of Ammunition,
Nearly $470,000 in Cash, and a Machinegun Conversion Device
OKLAHOMA CITY – PHILLIP NILES MARTIN, 69, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 24 months in federal prison for firearms trafficking and unlawful possession of a machinegun, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
According to public record, Martin was the subject of two previous Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigations for similar conduct. In 2013, Martin received a verbal warning for dealing firearms without a license and was advised that even with a license he could not deal firearms at an Oklahoma City swap meet. In 2020, he acknowledged receipt of an ATF cease-and-desist letter after a firearm that he had purchased was recovered at a crime scene in Mexico.
Public record further reflects that in June 2022, ATF received multiple tips that Martin was illegally dealing in firearms at an Oklahoma City swap meet. An investigation revealed that Martin was still dealing firearms without a license and sold firearms at significantly inflated rates – approximately double retail price – without completing the background checks required by law.
Pursuant to a search warrant executed at Martin’s residence, agents seized 194 firearms, approximately 6,100 pounds of ammunition, approximately $469,520 in cash, and a machinegun conversion device, commonly known as a “switch,” which when installed, converts a semi-automatic weapon into a fully automatic machinegun. Possession of these devices violates federal law.
On February 16, 2024, Martin was charged by Information with a conspiracy to illegally traffic firearms and with unlawful possession of a machinegun.
Martin pleaded guilty to the Information on March 11, 2024, and admitted he knowingly conspired with others to traffic firearms and that he illegally possessed a machinegun conversion device. Martin also agreed to forfeit all 194 firearms, the ammunition, approximately $469,520 in cash, and the machinegun conversion device.
At the sentencing hearing on October 23, 2024, U.S. District Judge Jodi W. Dishman sentenced Martin to serve 24 months in federal prison, followed by three years in supervised release. In announcing the sentence, Judge Dishman noted the seriousness of the offenses and the fact that Martin had not been deterred from such conduct by prior warnings from law enforcement.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle M. Connolly 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. This case is also part of “Project Switch Off,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s local implementation of PSN. “Project Switch Off” targets illegal machinegun conversion devices to address the significant danger these illegal devices present and to remove them from our streets. For more information about PSN, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok.
Reference is made to public filings for more information.
Dibble Man Sentenced to Serve 10 Years in Federal Prison for Assaulting Mother on Hospice Care in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – BILLY JACK WAITMAN, 39, of Dibble, Oklahoma, has been sentenced to serve 120 months in federal prison for committing an assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On December 5, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a two-count Indictment against Waitman, charging him with attempting to commit murder and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. According to public record, in the months leading up to July 2023, Waitman lived with his mother, who at the time was a terminally ill, bedridden hospice patient. Family members told law enforcement that Waitman was growing hostile toward his mother, and made several threatening remarks, including that he intended to kill her, in March 2023. That remark was heard by a family member, who called authorities and had Waitman placed into custody. He was released four days later.
On July 24, 2023, another family member of Waitman’s came to the defendant’s home and found Waitman on top of the victim with his hands on her. The family member restrained Waitman, and he was arrested shortly after. A further evaluation of the victim showed that Waitman had brutally assaulted the victim, and she was taken to a nearby hospital. The victim was released to a nursing home and died three days later of what was determined to be natural causes.
On April 16, 2024, Waitman pleaded guilty to Count 2 of the Indictment, and admitted he assaulted the victim in Indian country, and the victim sustained serious bodily injuries that involved extreme physical pain.
This case is in federal court because Waitman is a member of the Choctaw Nation and the crime was committed within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation.
At the sentencing hearing on October 29, 2024, U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones sentenced Waitman to serve 120 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted there was an “avalanche of evidence” showing Defendant intended to harm his mother because he considered her a burden.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Division and the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department, in collaboration with the Chickasaw Nation Office of Tribal Justice. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark R. Stoneman and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaleigh Blackwell prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
United States Obtains $400,000 Judgement against Oklahoma Physician for Issuing Invalid Prescription for Schedule II Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – A judgment for $400,000 has been entered against CHRISTOPHER BRADSHAW, D.O. (“Dr. Bradshaw”) in a civil lawsuit for issuing invalid prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances in violation of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 (“Act”) and its regulations, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester.
During the relevant time, Dr. Bradshaw was licensed by the Oklahoma State Board of Osteopathic Examiners to practice medicine in the State of Oklahoma. Dr. Bradshaw also was a DEA registrant having a registered address in Oklahoma City, OK.
Schedule II controlled substances are those with a high potential for abuse that may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence and that have a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions. The Schedule II substances at issue in this lawsuit were Adderall® (amphetamine mixed salts), Vyvanse® (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate), and Norco® (hydrocodone, bitartrate, and acetaminophen).
To be valid under the Act, a prescription for Schedule II controlled substances must be issued for a legitimate medical purpose by an individual practitioner acting in the usual course of his or her professional practice. In the State of Oklahoma:
- Osteopathic physicians cannot sign blank prescription forms;
- Osteopathic physicians may not dispense, prescribe, administer, or otherwise distribute any drug, controlled substance, or other treatment without sufficient examination or the establishment of a physician/patient relationship; and
- Osteopathic physicians may not issue a prescription for a controlled substance without documentation, diagnosis, and physical exam.
From March 29, 2019, to May 4, 2020, Dr. Bradshaw issued sixteen prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances without documentation, physical exam, or the establishment of a physician-patient relationship with the recipients. This unprofessional conduct was outside the course of usual professional practice and violated federal and Oklahoma law.
On October 17, 2024, United States District Judge Jodi W. Dishman entered a default judgment in favor of the United States and directed Dr. Bradshaw to pay civil penalties in the amount of $400,000, which represents a $25,000 penalty for each of the sixteen violations of the Act. In determining the appropriate penalty amount, the Court considered a number of factors, including the egregiousness of Dr. Bradshaw’s conduct, the risks associated with Schedule II controlled substances, the potential for public harm, and the need for meaningful deterrence against future infractions.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Office of Diversion Control. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda R. Johnson and Ronald R. Gallegos prosecuted the case.
Oklahoma City Woman Charged with Forging Signature of Federal Judge in order to Purchase a VehicleRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal Indictment has been unsealed, charging AMANDA CHRISTINE DAILEY, 36, of Oklahoma City, with forging a signature of a federal judge and making a false statement to a credit union, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On October 1, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a two-count Indictment against Dailey. According to the Indictment, in August 2022, Dailey filed a petition for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. A year later, in August 2023, Dailey purchased a vehicle from a car dealership, which she financed in part with a loan from a federal credit union. The Indictment alleges that, in order to be approved for financing, Dailey presented a false order which purported to show the discharge of her Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceedings. In reality, Dailey had not been granted a discharge, and the false order she presented included the forged signature of Judge Sarah A. Hall, Chief United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Western District of Oklahoma.
Dailey was arraigned on October 22, 2024, and pleaded not guilty. She was released on bond with conditions.
If found guilty, Dailey faces up to 35 years in federal prison, and fines totaling up to $1,250,000.00.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia E. Barry is prosecuting the case.
The public is reminded that these charges are merely allegations, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Federal Inmate Sentenced to Serve Five Additional Years in Federal Prison for Assaulting Federal Correctional Officer with UrineRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – DEMETRI GOLDSMITH, 26, of Washington D.C., has been sentenced to serve 60 months in federal prison for assaulting a federal officer with urine, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On March 1, 2022, a federal grand jury charged Goldsmith with assaulting a federal officer with physical contact. According to public record, on December 24, 2021, Goldsmith was an inmate at the Federal Transfer Center in Oklahoma City, when he filled a plastic bag with urine and wedged it into the doorframe of his prison cell. Goldsmith called a correctional officer over to his cell door, and then while speaking to the officer, Goldsmith compressed the bag, spraying urine on the officer’s face and body.
Goldsmith pleaded guilty on May 14, 2024, and admitted he assaulted the officer who was in performance of his duties.
At the sentencing hearing on October 24, 2024, U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones sentenced Goldsmith to serve 60 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. The court ordered this sentence to run consecutive to his current sentencing, for which Goldsmith is serving a 220-month sentence in prison for Assaulting a Federal Officer with Bodily Injury from the Western District of Louisiana. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the disgusting and demeaning nature of the crime, and that Goldsmith had thrown bodily fluids on officers repeatedly throughout his incarceration.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service and the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Nichols and Cedric Bond prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Arson and Cell Phone Threats Land Del City Man in Federal Prison for 10 YearsRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – ALLEN JAMES BULLOCK, 43, of Del City, has been sentenced to serve 120 months in federal prison for interstate transmission of threatening communications and arson, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On March 19, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a two-count Superseding Indictment against Bullock, charging him with interstate transmission of threatening communications and arson. On May 21, 2024, a federal jury found Bullock guilty on both counts.
Evidence presented at trial indicated that in the early morning hours of November 14, 2023, the Del City Fire Department extinguished a fire at a nearby apartment complex. The fire was contained to the entrance of the apartment and did not spread further. The tenant of the apartment was not home at the time and told authorities he believed Bullock may have started the fire. The victim worked with Bullock’s wife and claimed that just hours before the fire, Bullock called and threatened the victim several times because the victim gifted a shirt to Bullock’s wife. Cell phone records show that Bullock did call the victim multiple times the night of the fire, and an analysis of surveillance footage shows Bullock arriving at the victim’s apartment complex shortly before the fire was set. Surveillance footage also shows that Bullock visited a nearby gas station to purchase $.50 of gasoline minutes before the fire, and expert testimony at trial confirmed that debris samples from the fire tested positive for the presence of gasoline.
At the sentencing hearing on October 24, 2024, U.S. District Judge Jodi W. Dishman sentenced Bullock to serve 10 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the serious nature of these offenses, including issuing threatening communications and setting an apartment unit on fire. It further noted that both offenses involved victims and that the fire could have involved additional victims, which include other residents of the apartment complex, had the Del City Fire Department not intervened in a timely manner. The Court also noted that Bullock has some significant criminal history, including violent offenses.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Del City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stan J. West and Matt Dillon prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Former Attorney Charged with Stealing Settlement Money from ClientsRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal grand jury Indictment has been unsealed, charging TUAN ANH KHUU, 55, of Houston, Texas, with nine counts of wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
Khuu is a former attorney and former member of the Oklahoma Bar Association (OBA), who owned and operated several law offices in Oklahoma and Texas, including Law Offices of Tuan Khuu & Associates, Khuu & Associates, The Affordable Law Group, and Global Law Group LLC. According to the Indictment, between March 2015 and October 2020, Khuu knowingly executed a scheme in which he defrauded his clients out of legal settlement money. In one instance alleged in the Indictment, in September 2018, Khuu represented an Oklahoma City couple after their son died in a car accident. Khuu and his agents reached an agreement with an insurance company to settle the claim for the car accident for $55,000. However, Khuu’s clients did not approve of the settlement, were not notified of the settlement, and were not paid any of the settlement funds. Through a series of transfers, Khuu and his agents instead diverted the settlement funds to Khuu’s business bank account and Khuu’s personal bank account for his own benefit.
In July 2020, amidst an ongoing OBA investigation into allegations of professional misconduct, Khuu submitted an application to resign from the OBA pending disciplinary proceedings, which was approved by the Oklahoma Supreme Court in October 2020. As alleged in the Indictment, approximately 22 of Khuu’s former clients submitted grievances to the OBA, alleging monetary loss due to Khuu’s failure to perform promised services after payment of fees and failure to pay over funds on behalf of clients.
If found guilty, Khuu faces up to 20 years in federal prison and $250,000 in fines for each count of wire fraud. The public is reminded these charges are merely allegations, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jackson Eldridge is prosecuting the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Attempting to Impede Federal Tax Laws Lands Oklahoma City Man in Federal Prison for Three YearsRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – KEVIN LANE BIERIG, 51, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 36 months in federal prison, the statutory maximum, for corruptly endeavoring to obstruct or impede the due administration of the federal tax laws, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On April 4, 2024, a federal grand jury returned a four-count Indictment against Bierig, charging him with one count of corruptly endeavoring to obstruct or impede the due administration of the federal tax laws and three counts of failing to file a tax return. According to the Indictment, Bierig, a career drilling consultant in the energy industry, has not filed a tax return since at least 2005, despite being required to do so based on his level of income. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) initiated enforcement action in 2013, which included the collection of levied funds from Bierig’s paychecks.
Court documents allege that beginning in 2017, while knowing of the IRS enforcement actions, Bierig forged the signature of an IRS revenue officer onto IRS forms, including an IRS Installment Agreement and an IRS Release of Levy, in an attempt to have levied funds paid to himself rather than be sent to the IRS.
On June 13, 2024, Bierig pleaded guilty to Count 1 of the Indictment. As part of his plea, Bierig admitted that he has earned substantial income since 2004, yet has not filed a federal tax return since that year. He further admitted that he knew the IRS had been investigating him since at least 2017, that the IRS was attempting to collect the delinquent taxes, and that he forged official IRS forms and sent the fraudulent forms to his billing company in an effort to have the frozen funds sent to himself instead of the IRS.
At the sentencing hearing on October 17, 2024, U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones sentenced Bierig to serve 36 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release. The court also ordered Bierig to pay $951,643.62 in restitution to the IRS. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the escalation of Bierig’s criminal conduct over several years from not filing and paying his taxes, to willfully impeding the IRS’s efforts to collect taxes.
This case is the result of an investigation by IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Brown prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Last of Three Men Sentenced for Meth and Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Three Co-Conspirators to Serve 27 Years Collectively in Federal Prison
OKLAHOMA CITY – JAMES BUCHANNON WIYNINGER, 50, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 80 months in federal prison for drug conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On February 8, 2024, Wiyninger was charged by Superseding Information for his role in a drug conspiracy involving approximately 70 pounds of methamphetamine and four pounds of fentanyl. According to public record, on September 6, 2023, a Wheeler County, Texas Sheriff’s deputy initiated a traffic stop on I-40 of a vehicle occupied by CARLOS ALREDO HERRERA-JIMENEZ, 30, and ARTURO NAJERA-TORRES, 28. Inside the vehicle, law enforcement located two trash bags with the approximately 70 pounds of methamphetamine and four pounds of fentanyl inside. Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) were able to determine that the drugs were meant to be delivered to a location in Oklahoma City. DEA agents thereafter delivered the drugs as planned to a pickup and another vehicle at an Oklahoma City hotel on September 7, 2023. Law enforcement then followed those vehicles to a metro address, where they arrested Wiyninger without incident.
The driver of the other vehicle, JERRY WARD, 53, rammed his vehicle into an Oklahoma Highway Patrol car and tried to flee the scene. Authorities were able to disable Ward’s car, and he was arrested shortly after.
This year, Wiyninger, Ward, and Jimenez all pleaded guilty to individual superseding informations, charging each of them with drug conspiracy.
At the sentencing hearing on October 7, 2024, U.S. District Judge Jodi W. Dishman sentenced Wiyninger to serve 80 months in federal prison.
Ward has been sentenced to serve 200 months, and Jimenez has been sentenced to serve 44 months in federal prison.
Torres was scheduled for a combined plea and sentencing hearing in September 2024, but he did not appear. A bench warrant was issued and he remains at large.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Travis Leverett is prosecuting the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.