Eastern District of Oklahoma

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Martha Christine Simpson, age 46, of Henryetta, Oklahoma, Jabaica Lee Tecumseh, age 43, of Morris, Oklahoma, and Tommy Glen Tecumseh, age 36, of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a 2019 homicide.

Simpson was sentenced to 99 months for Voluntary Manslaughter in Indian Country.  Tommy Glen Tecumseh was sentenced to 120 months for one count of Murder in Indian Country.  Jabaica Lee Tecumseh was sentenced to 169 months for one count of Murder in Indian Country.

The charges arose from investigations by the Broken Arrow Police Department, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

On May 4, 2022, a federal jury found Simpson guilty of one count of Voluntary Manslaughter in Indian Country.  During the trial, the United States presented evidence that on July 15, 2019, Jabaica Lee Tecumseh and Tommy Glen Tecumseh beat the victim before Simpson fatally stabbed him in the neck.  The crime occurred in Wagoner County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation.

Tommy Glen Tecumseh and Jabaica Lee Tecumseh each pleaded guilty to Murder in Indian Country in February of 2021.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee.  The defendants were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve non-paroleable sentences of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Satter represented the United States at the sentencing.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Hunter Caleb Spence, age 20, of Spiro, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 42 months for manslaughter.

The charges arose from investigations by the Poteau Police Department, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

On March 9, 2022, Spence pleaded guilty to a Superseding Indictment charging him with one count of Manslaughter in Indian Country for killing another while operating a motor vehicle under the influence of one or more intoxicating substances.

On October 28, 2020, Spence flipped his car on US Highway 270, near Wister, Oklahoma while attempting to pass another vehicle.  A passenger in Spence’s vehicle was ejected and died.  Spence admitted to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper investigating the scene that he had smoked marijuana prior to the crash.  Blood tests confirmed the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in his system.  The crime occurred in Leflore County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Charles B. Goodwin, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing in Oklahoma City.  Spence will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Satter represented the United States at the sentencing.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that Nika Daniel Alexander, age 20, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 84 months for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

The charge arose from investigations by the Muskogee Police Department, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

On October 21, 2021, Alexander pleaded guilty to one count of Use, Carry, and Brandish of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.  During the plea hearing, Alexander admitted that he participated in a robbery, during which he beat the victim, held a shotgun to his head, and took his wallet, necklace, and cell phone.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted this case because the defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crime occurred in Muskogee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation and the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Timothy D. DeGiusti, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, sitting by assignment, presided over the sentencing hearing in Oklahoma City.  Alexander will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney T. Cameron McEwen represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Timmie Lee Runnels, age 33, of Ada, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for tampering with a witness in a federal case, and 10 years for being a felon in possession of ammunition, to run concurrently.

The charges arose from investigations by the Ada Police Department, the Coal County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

On April 18, 2022, Timmie Lee Runnels pleaded guilty to one count of Tampering with a Witness and one count of Felon in Possession of Ammunition.

During the plea hearing, Runnels admitted that on January 5, 2021, he was involved in an altercation in Ada, Oklahoma, during which Runnels fired a gun at another vehicle.  Officers searched Runnels’ vehicle and located 41 rounds of ammunition.  Runnels was a convicted felon at the time of the incident.  The defendant also admitted that from April 2021 to September 2021, while in jail awaiting trial, he made telephone calls with the intent to keep a witness from testifying in his case.

“The defendant knowingly interfered with a federal investigation by attempting to prevent his victim from testifying,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to hold offenders like Mr. Runnels accountable, while ensuring victims are heard and supported.”

“The defendant, a violent felon, used a firearm and was found in possession of ammunition, then attempted to avoid prosecution by intimidating a witness,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “This type of behavior cannot—and will not—be tolerated. The twenty-year sentence imposed by the Court ensures that Runnels is off the streets and no longer a threat to the residents of the Eastern District.”

The Honorable Patrick R. Wyrick, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearings in Muskogee.  Runnels will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney Zachary W. Parsons represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Marci Ann Weedon, age 46, of Rattan, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to Do Bodily Harm in Indian Country.

The charges arose from investigations by the Pushmataha County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

On June 16, 2022, Weedon pleaded guilty to one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to Do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. At the plea hearing, Weedon admitted that on November 11, 2020, she approached a woman in the parking lot of a bar in Antlers, Oklahoma, and stabbed her twice in the chest.  According to investigators, witnesses reported that Weedon stated she thought the victim was someone else before fleeing the scene on foot.  Pushmataha County Sheriff’s deputies responding to the incident apprehended and arrested Weedon a short distance from the crime scene.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted this case because the victim is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crime occurred in Pushmataha County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation and the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee, Oklahoma.  Weedon will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin D. Traster represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Bobby Joe Fulsom, Jr., age 47, of Atoka, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for receipt of child pornography.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

On June 8, 2022, Fulsom pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography.  According to investigators, in August of 2021, Fulsom solicited and received pornographic images from a minor through Facebook.   Facebook sent a cybertip to the NCMEC after identifying online images of child pornography on its platform.  The NCMEC alerted the FBI, and after an investigation, agents located and arrested Fulsom.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee.  Fulsom will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Special Assistant United States Attorney Jo E. Lawless and Assistant United States Attorney Edith A. Singer represented the United States.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.  For more information about internet safety education, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc and click on the tab “Resources.”

If you have information about the physical or online exploitation of children, please call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.  You can also contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE–LOST (1-800-843-5678) or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Dalton Elzie Hunter, age 29, of McCurtain, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

The charges arose from investigations by the Haskell County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

On April 13, 2022, Hunter pleaded guilty to one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm.  According to investigators, on October 26, 2021, Haskell County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a traffic stop on Hunter.  During the stop, deputies discovered Hunter in possession of four firearms and determined he was a convicted felon.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee.  Hunter will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Roy Lee Roberts, Jr., age 37, of Krebs, Oklahoma, was sentenced to life imprisonment for two counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country, and 180 months imprisonment for one count of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently.

The charges arose from investigations by the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

On November 16, 2022, Roberts was convicted by a federal jury.  During the trial, the United States presented evidence that the defendant sexually abused two minors, one under the age of twelve.

"This office is committed to prosecuting individuals who prey on innocent and vulnerable children,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson.  “Because of the courage of the victims and the dedication of investigators and prosecutors in this case, Roberts is no longer free to victimize others.”

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted these cases because the defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in Pittsburg County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation and the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable David C. Joseph, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, sitting by designation, presided over the hearings in Muskogee.  Roberts will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney Edith A. Singer represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Keia Marie Beaver, age 33, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 64 months in prison for Voluntary Manslaughter in Indian Country.

The charges arose from investigations by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

On May 9, 2022, Beaver pleaded guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter in Indian Country.  At the plea hearing, Beaver admitted that on October 17, 2017, she shot and killed the victim in the heat of passion. The investigation revealed Beaver transported the victim to the hospital after the shooting and initially told law enforcement the gun accidentally went off while she was loading it.  Later, Beaver admitted to shooting the victim during an argument.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted this case because the defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crime occurred in Cherokee County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation and the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing in Muskogee.  Beaver will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney Richard Lorenz represented the United States at sentencing.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Lloyd Ray Hatley, age 68, of Ada, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian Country.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

On April 29, 2022, a federal jury found Hatley guilty of involuntary manslaughter at trial.  During the trial, the United States presented evidence that on February 22, 2017, Hatley was driving on State Highway One in Pontotoc County when he rear-ended another vehicle.  The investigation revealed that Hatley failed to brake until less than a second before impact.  The collision killed a passenger in the other vehicle, and severely wounded the driver.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted this case because the defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crime occurred in Pontotoc County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation and the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Charles B. Goodwin, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, sitting by appointment, presided over the hearing in Oklahoma City.  Hatley will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Gross and Special Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Ibanez represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Stephen Tanner Vineyard, age 31, of Ada, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 200 months in prison for second degree murder.

The charges arose from investigations by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Ardmore Police Department, the Carter County District Attorney’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

On May 10, 2022, Vineyard pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting a Murder in Indian Country – Second Degree.  According to investigators, a 59-year-old Ardmore resident sustained multiple shotgun wounds in the early morning hours of June 30, 2014, and was left to die on her front porch.  Years later, witnesses came forward and recounted statements Vineyard made at the time of the murder admitting his involvement.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted this case because Vineyard is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in Carter County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation and the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable David C. Joseph, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, sitting by designation, presided over the hearings in Muskogee.  Vineyard will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Felicia Nicholl Bargar, age 35, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 36 months in prison and ordered to pay $7,500.00 in restitution for committing Arson in Indian Country.

The charges arose from investigations by the Sallisaw Police Department, the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

On May 6, 2022, Bargar pleaded guilty to willfully and maliciously setting fire to and burning a dwelling.  According to investigators, in October 2020, Bargar intentionally set fire to a trailer house she was renting after receiving an eviction notice.

“I am thankful for the cooperative investigative work of law enforcement which resulted in the defendant being brought to justice for her senseless and malicious acts," said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted this case because the defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in Sequoyah County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Charles B. Goodwin, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, sitting by appointment, presided over the hearing in Oklahoma City.  Bargar will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Gross represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that William Clayton Brown, age 40, of Eufaula, Oklahoma, was sentenced to consecutive life sentences in prison for one count of First Degree Murder in Indian Country and one count of Second Degree Murder in Indian Country.

The charges arose from investigations by the Eufaula Police Department, the District 25 Violent Crime Task Force, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections Office of Fugitive Apprehension and Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

On September 1, 2021, Brown was found guilty by a federal jury of Second Degree Murder in Indian Country.  During the trial, the medical examiner testified Brown fatally stabbed a victim with a sharp instrument.  Further testimony revealed Brown attempted to hide the victim’s body in a field.

On July 7, 2022, a federal jury found Brown guilty of First Degree Murder in Indian Country.   During the trial, witnesses testified that while in the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester, Brown killed a second victim in a cell, strangling him with a ligature before beating him and suffocating him with plastic bags.

“William Brown has proven he is a hardened and violent criminal, and a true menace to society,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray. “For the lives he took and the families he affected, he has duly earned each of his life sentences. Thanks to the efforts of the FBI and our law enforcement partners, Brown will never again endanger the citizens of Oklahoma.”

“The defendant is obviously an extremely violent person and the consecutive life sentences imposed by Court were fitting punishment for his heinous crimes,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted these cases because the defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in McIntosh and Pittsburg Counties, which are within the boundaries of the Creek and Choctaw Nation Reservations, respectively, and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable David C. Joseph, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, sitting by designation, presided over the September 2021 trial and the sentencing hearings in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

The Honorable Jodi W. Dishman, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, sitting by assignment, presided over the July 2022 trial in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Brown will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve non-paroleable sentences of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney T. Cameron McEwen represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Troy Michael Goforth, age 49, of Clayton, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea on May 31, 2023, to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, and one count of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.

On September 21, 2022, Goforth led officers on a high-speed pursuit, during which Goforth was observed tossing a green duffel bag out of the car before jumping out of the vehicle and fleeing on foot.  Upon apprehending and arresting Goforth, officers discovered a loaded 9mm pistol tucked into Goforth’s waist band.  During a subsequent search of the nearby ditch, officers recovered the green duffel bag which contained syringes, baggies, digital scales, and over 500 grams of methamphetamine.

The charges arose from a joint investigation by members of Choctaw Nation Tribal Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.  At the close of sentencing, Goforth was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Satter represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announces that Darrell James Hummingbird, age 39, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, was sentenced today to 262 months in prison for Second Degree Murder in Indian Country.

The charges arose from investigations by the Stilwell Police Department, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

On July 18, 2022, Hummingbird pleaded guilty to Second Degree Murder in Indian Country.  According to court documents, on April 26, 2021, the victim was beaten to death in his Stilwell apartment with a metal baseball bat.  Hummingbird attempted to cover up the crime, but investigators recovered incriminating DNA evidence from the murder weapon and Hummingbird’s shoes.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted this case because the defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crime occurred in Indian County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable David C. Joseph, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, sitting by designation, presided over the hearing in Muskogee.  Hummingbird will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Gross represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announces that Bruce Lee Montes, age 34, of McAlester, Oklahoma, was sentenced today to 25 years in prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, for sexually abusing a minor in Indian Country.

The charges arose from investigations by the McAlester Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

On May 5, 2022, Montes pleaded guilty to one count of Sexual Abuse in Indian Country. At the plea hearing, the defendant admitted that in 2013 he engaged in a sexual act with a child under the age of twelve.

"The victim in this case should have never been made to suffer such torment at the hands of Bruce Montes,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray. “His 25-year prison sentence is a testament to the dedication of the FBI and our law enforcement partners to bringing child predators to justice.”

“The defendant violated the person and the trust of a child,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “The twenty-five-year prison sentence imposed by the Court holds the defendant accountable for the unspeakable physical and emotional trauma he inflicted on this innocent victim.”

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted this case because the defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crime occurred in Pittsburg County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation and the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable David C. Joseph, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing in Muskogee, Oklahoma.  Montes will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney Caila M. Cleary represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Dereak Lee Eubanks, age 33, of McAlester, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to two counts of Distribution of Fentanyl, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.

The superseding indictment alleged that on October 20, 2022, and again on January 19, 2023, Eubanks distributed fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance.

The charges arose from an investigation by the McAlester Resident Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

According to court documents, Eubanks sold counterfeit Roxicodone (M30) tablets containing fentanyl to an undercover DEA special agent on two occasions in McAlester, Oklahoma.

The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.  Eubanks will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorney Zachary W. Parsons represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Raymond David Phillips, age 32, of Lindale, Texas, entered a guilty plea to a Superseding Indictment charging him with one count of Arson, punishable by 5 to 20 years in prison, one count of Animal Crushing in Indian Country, punishable by up to 7 years in prison, and two counts of misdemeanor Assault in Indian Country, each punishable by up to one year in prison.

The government alleged in the Superseding Indictment that on September 3, 2022, Phillips and his girlfriend were vacationing at a resort area along the Illinois River when his girlfriend was arrested.  Angered by the arrest, Phillips decapitated the resort owner’s cat, then began burning other guests’ camping equipment.  Law enforcement arrested Phillips at the Cherokee County Detention Center, where he had arrived to bail out his girlfriend.   After being taken into custody, Phillips threatened and assaulted jail and law enforcement officers.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Grand River Dam Authority and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted the case because the defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in Cherokee County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation and the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma in Muskogee, accepted the pleas and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report.  Phillips was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Gross represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Lance Alden Whelchel, age 28, of Ravia, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for sexually abusing a minor in Indian Country.

The charges arose from investigations by the Tishomingo Police Department, the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

On November 29, 2021, Whelchel pleaded guilty to one count of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country.  At the plea hearing, Whelchel admitted that between June and August of 2020, he sexually abused a child under the age of 16.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted this case because the defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crime occurred in Johnston County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation and the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Charles B. Goodwin, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, sitting by appointment, presided over the hearings in Oklahoma City.  Whelchel will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney Edith A. Singer represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Dylan Tyler Neal, age 23, of Ada, Oklahoma, was sentenced to time served followed by five years of supervised release for child neglect in Indian Country.  Neal was also sentenced to time served followed by three years of supervised release for receiving a firearm and ammunition while under felony indictment.

The charges arose from investigations by the Pontotoc County Sheriff’s Office, the Shawnee Police Department, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Tribal Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

On March 4, 2022, Neal pleaded guilty to one count of willfully and maliciously failing to provide adequate and appropriate care, supervision, and medical care to an Indian child under eighteen years of age while responsible for the child’s health, safety, and welfare, resulting in injury to the child.  That same day, Neal also pleaded guilty to one count of receiving a firearm and ammunition while under indictment for felony Child Neglect in Indian Country.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted these cases because the defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in Indian Country, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation and the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Jodi W. Dishman, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, sitting by appointment, presided over the hearings in Oklahoma City.

Special Assistant United States Attorney Genevieve Ozark represented the United States at sentencing.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Garrett Jeffery Freeman, a/k/a Gee, age 27, of McAlester, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 154 months in prison for possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute.

The charges arose from investigations by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

On May 9, 2023, Freeman pleaded guilty to one count of Possession with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl.  On October 12, 2021, DEA Agents and DEA Task Force Officers serving an arrest warrant located Freeman at a McAlester hotel.  Freeman attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended and arrested.  Agents discovered Freeman in possession of multiple firearms, magazines of ammunition, digital scales, and baggies of pills containing over 35 grams of fentanyl.

“The excellent work of DEA agents and task force officers resulted in a drug dealer being arrested, prosecuted, and sentenced to more than 10 years in prison,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson.  “The sentence imposed should send a clear message to the defendant and others tempted to sell illegal drugs that you will be held accountable for the misery your crimes inflict on our communities.”

The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee.  Freeman will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Howanitz represented the United States at sentencing.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Francisco Perez, age 30, of Heavener, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for Use, Carry, Brandish and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.

The charges arose from investigations by the Heavener Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

On May 16, 2023, Francisco Perez pleaded guilty to one count of Use, Carry, Brandish and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.

On June 16, 2021, Perez shot a person in Heavener with a semi-automatic pistol.  The victim sustained serious but non-fatal injuries.  Perez then drove to the Heavener Police Station, turned himself in, and confessed to the shooting.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted these cases because the defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in Le Flore County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation and the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Charles B. Goodwin, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, sitting by appointment, presided over the hearings in Oklahoma City.  Perez will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Howanitz represented the United States at sentencing.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Charles Joseph Raz, age 42, of Dallas, Texas, was sentenced to 200 months in prison for Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.

The charges arose from investigations by the Latimer County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

On May 9, 2023, Charles Joseph Raz pleaded guilty to Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.

During the plea hearing, Raz admitted that on November 27, 2021, he was stopped by a Latimer County Sheriff’s Deputy for speeding on State Highway 2.  When the deputy initiated the stop, Raz turned off the highway, dropping a gun and methamphetamine out the vehicle.  A search of the vehicle turned up baggies, digital scales, a fully loaded .45 magazine, and additional methamphetamine.  A canvas of the nearby ditch revealed a loaded .45 semi-automatic pistol, and a baggie with over 1,500 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine.

“The 200-month sentence imposed by the Court demonstrates that trafficking in illegal drugs and possessing firearms will not be tolerated and will result in significant punishment,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee.  Raz will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Howanitz represented the United States at sentencing.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Antonio Juan Paredes, age 33, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for failing to register as a sex offender.

The charges arose from an investigation by the United States Marshal Service Sex Offender Registry Unit.

On April 12, 2022, Paredes pleaded guilty to one count of Failure to Register as Sex Offender.

According to the U.S. Marshal Service, Paredes was previously convicted of Rape-First Degree in the District Court of McCurtain County, Oklahoma and has a lifetime reporting requirement as a level-3 sex offender.  Paredes moved outside the state of Oklahoma and failed to update his sex offender registration as required under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).

“We work continuously to ensure our community’s safety, and our deputy marshals in Eastern Oklahoma work tirelessly to track offenders who are deliberately out of compliance,” Eastern Oklahoma U.S. Marshal Kerry L. Pettingill said in a statement.

“The societal benefits of having a sex offender registry can only be realized if sex offenders are in compliance with their registration requirements," said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to working with the U.S. Marshal’s Sex Offender Registry Unit to ensure offenders like Mr. Paredes are held accountable for intentionally shirking their obligation to register and update their registrations.”

The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee.  Paredes will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney Edith A. Singer represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jimmy Dean Altom, age 56, of Atoka, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 94 months imprisonment on two counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country. The sentences were ordered to run consecutively for a total of 188 months in the United States Bureau of Prisons.

The charges arose from investigations by the Atoka County Sheriff's Office, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

On December 20, 2021, Altom pleaded guilty to two counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country.  At the plea hearing Altom admitted he sexually abused two victims under the age of sixteen between 2013 and 2020.

“It is unthinkable that someone would sexually abuse another – especially a child,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson.  “Unfortunately, it happens far too often.  I am thankful for the work of the county, state, and federal investigators, and the members of my staff in this case.  The prosecution of the defendant will ensure Altom is punished for his heinous crimes, and the victims receive the justice they deserve.”

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted these cases because the victims are members of federally recognized Indian tribes and the crimes occurred in Atoka County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation and the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee.  Altom will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney Edith A. Singer represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Kody Fields, age 24, Fvs-Chvtv Amos Lawhead, age 30, and Jimmy Dale Brown, age 31, all Tahlequah residents, were sentenced for their roles in a 2021 Cherokee County robbery.  Lawhead and Fields were both sentenced to 120 months in prison.  Brown was sentenced to 46 months in prison.

The charges arose from investigations by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

On July 24, 2021, Fields, Lawhead, and Brown robbed a victim at gunpoint, firing multiple rounds, and demanding the victim’s cash, phone, firearm, and vehicle.

On February 9, 2022, Brown pleaded guilty to one count of Robbery, and Lawhead pleaded guilty to one count of Use, Carry, Brandish and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.

On February 22, 2022, Fields pleaded guilty to one count of Use, Carry, Brandish and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.

“Using firearms to commit crimes will not be tolerated in the Eastern District of Oklahoma,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “Under federal law, using, carrying, brandishing, and/or discharging a firearm during the commission of a violent crime subjects offenders to mandatory minimum prison sentences, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will not hesitate to pursue these charges when the facts warrant.”

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted these cases because the defendants are members of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in Cherokee County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation and the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee.  Fields, Lawhead, and Brown will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve non-paroleable sentences of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Bondura represented the United States at sentencing.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Cory Dean Boykin, age 35, of Tishomingo, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 262 months in prison for Murder in Indian Country, Second Degree.

The charges arose from investigations by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Department, the Tishomingo Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

On November 21, 2020, Boykin beat and choked a female victim at a residence in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Upon arrival at the crime scene, law enforcement discovered the victim unconscious.  Emergency medical responders transported the victim to a local hospital where she died the following day. Boykin was later arrested and admitted to assaulting and strangling the victim.

On March 9, 2021, Boykin pleaded guilty to Murder in Indian Country, Second Degree.

“A senseless and brutal act of violence claimed the life of a vibrant young woman, and while the sentence imposed today represents justice under the law, the harm can never be undone,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray.  “I am grateful for the efforts of the investigators and prosecutors in this case to ensure the defendant will remain safely away from the public for many years to come.”

“The defendant’s callous and egregious acts warranted the lengthy prison term recommended by the United States and imposed by the Court,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson.  “Although the sentence will never fully bring justice to the family, hopefully they can begin the healing process knowing the defendant is being held accountable for his crimes.”

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted this case because the defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in Johnston County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation and the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Ronald White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing in Muskogee.  Boykin will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney Jason Poe represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jose Sanchez, of Maryland, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl.

The charges arose from investigations by the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Department and Homeland Security Investigations.

On May 2, 2022, Sanchez pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl.

On November 18, 2019, a Sequoyah County deputy stopped Sanchez for speeding on Interstate 40.  During the traffic stop, the deputy discovered a vacuum-sealed bag concealed under a rear speaker. The bag contained 9,648 counterfeit oxycodone pills which later tested positive for fentanyl.  The fake pills contained over a kilogram of fentanyl.

“The defendant was transporting thousands of lethal doses of fentanyl," said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “Fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin, and a single dose of only two milligrams is potentially lethal.  I commend the work of our law enforcement partners in discovering and seizing these counterfeit pills.  Combatting the trafficking of illegal narcotics, especially fentanyl, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma continues to be a priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee.  Sanchez will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Conway represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Joseph Anthony Paxton, age 31, of Wetumka, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 58 months in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.

The charges arose from investigations by the Hughes County Sheriff’s Department, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the District 22 Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.

On March 15, 2022, Paxton pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.

On November 28, 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Paxton’s residence in Wetumka.  Officers discovered approximately 12 grams of methamphetamine, baggies, digital scales, a .380 pistol, and ammunition.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee.  Paxton will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Joshua Thomas Smith, age 41, of Vian, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 360 months in prison for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

On June 30, 2022, a federal jury found Smith guilty at trial of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child in Indian Country.  During the trial, the United States presented evidence that Joshua Thomas Smith sexually abused a child under the age of twelve from December of 2017 through March of 2018.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted the case because the defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crime occurred in Sequoyah County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Bernard M. Jones, II, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, presided by assignment over the hearing in Muskogee.  Thomas will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve his non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney Edith A. Singer represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Dalyn Ray Lane Johnson, age 24, of McAlester, Oklahoma, was sentenced on May 4, 2023, to 39 months in prison for Arson in Indian Country.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Hartshorne Police Department, the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

According to investigators, on April 29, 2021, Johnson started a fight with a Hartshorne resident, and threatened to return and burn down the house.  That same afternoon, video surveillance showed Johnson filling a fuel canister with gasoline at a Casey’s gas station.  In the early morning hours of May 1st, the Hartshorne Fire Department responded to an emergency call and extinguished a fire at an unoccupied residence.  Johnson fled, attempting to evade prosecution, and was later arrested on a federal warrant in Michigan on October 21st.

On March 9, 2022, Johnson pleaded guilty to Arson in Indian Country.

“Johnson’s arrest and conviction for arson was a team effort that resulted in a serious violent crime being solved and the perpetrator held accountable,” said SSA Ashley Stephens, Resident Agent in Charge, ATF Tulsa Field Office.  “ATF is committed to working with our state, local and tribal partners to tirelessly combat violent crime in Eastern Oklahoma.”

"Arson can sometimes be a difficult crime to prosecute,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson.  “Our law enforcement partners did an excellent job of gathering evidence and tracking down the defendant hundreds of miles from the crime scene.”

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted this case because the defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crime occurred in Pittsburg County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing in Muskogee.  Johnson was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal at the conclusion of sentencing and will remain in custody pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve his non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney Anthony C. Marek represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announces today that Dennis Hebert, age 38, of Phenix City, Alabama, was found guilty by a federal jury of one count of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country.

The jury trial began with testimony on May 15, 2023, and concluded on May 17, 2023, with the guilty verdict.

During the trial, the United States presented evidence that on July 21, 2021, in McAlester, Oklahoma, the defendant, Dennis Hebert, engaged in a sexual act with a child under the age of twelve.  The government also called another witness who testified to having been sexually abused by Hebert as a child.

The case was investigated by the Choctaw Nation Tribal Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted the case because the victim is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in Pittsburg County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation and the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the trial in Muskogee and ordered the completion of a presentence report.  The sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report.  The defendant will remain in the custody of the United States Marshal until sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony C. Marek and Caila M. Cleary represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Joseph Eugene Meyer, age 39, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 156 months in prison for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to Do Bodily Harm in Indian Country and Use, Carry, and Brandish of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.

The charges arose from investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Muskogee Police Department, and Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office.

Between December 7 and December 10, 2019, Meyer beat the victim with a revolver and other objects.  As a result of the assault, the victim suffered from a subdural hematoma, broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and other wounds, bruises, and contusions.

On November 2, 2021, Meyer pleaded guilty to one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to Do Bodily Harm in Indian Country and one count of Use, Carry, and Brandish of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted this case because the victim is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation and the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee, Oklahoma.  Meyer was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a sentence of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin D. Traster represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Bryan Udale Jones, 63, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country, which is punishable by not less than thirty years imprisonment.

Government prosecutors alleged that beginning in 2003 and continuing until 2010, the defendant engaged in sexual acts with a child who had not yet attained the age of 12.  As a part of the plea allocution, the defendant also admitted to sexually assaulting three other children, all less than 12 years old at the time of the abuse.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Adair County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted the case because the defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in Adair County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the pleas and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report.  Jones was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending the imposition of sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Paladino and Anthony C. Marek represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Nathan Paul Nolen, age 47, of Ada, Oklahoma, was sentenced for driving while under the influence of methamphetamine and causing a fatal car crash.  Nolen was sentenced to 68 months in prison for Manslaughter in Indian Country.

The charges arose from investigations by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigations.

On May 10, 2022, Nolen pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in Indian Country.  According to investigators, the defendant was driving under the influence of methamphetamine when he crossed the center line of State Highway 3 in Pontotoc County, Oklahoma.  The defendant struck an oncoming vehicle, killing two passengers and seriously injuring a third.

“No sentence will fully heal the pain from this tragic loss of two innocent lives,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray. “But it is important for our community to see such careless actions come with very serious consequences. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to hold accountable those who engage in criminally reckless violence.”

“The defendant’s decision to ingest methamphetamine and drive a motor vehicle resulted in a disastrous collision and loss of life,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “My heart goes out to the families of the victims, and I can only hope the sentence imposed will deter the defendant and others from driving under the influence and endangering the lives of others.”

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted these cases because the victim is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in Pontotoc County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee.  Nolen will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney Zachary W. Parsons represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jeffery Owen Freeman, age 54, of Krebs, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 235 months for one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Krebs Police Department, the McAlester Police Department, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

On November 13, 2021, law enforcement officers conducting a routine traffic stop discovered Jeffery Freeman, a felon, in possession of several baggies containing a total of 192.4 grams of pure methamphetamine, a set of digital scales, and a loaded Sig Sauer, Model P365, 9x19 mm caliber, semi-automatic pistol.  Freeman was on probation supervision at the time of his arrest.

On July 19, 2022, Jeffery Freeman pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, a violation 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A).

“This is yet another example of the outstanding partnership and collaboration between the DEA, law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of Oklahoma.  The arrest of Mr. Freeman has undoubtedly made our communities safer and prevented the further destruction that methamphetamine can bring to our neighborhoods” said Eduardo A. Chavez, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Dallas Field Division.

“The defendant has a long history of drug and firearms offenses, and the 235-month sentence imposed should send a clear message that dealing illegal drugs will not be tolerated in the Eastern District of Oklahoma,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee.  Jeffery Freeman will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve his sentence of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Satter represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jeramey Dill, age 34, of Hulbert, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for one count of Use, Carry, and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.

The charges arose from investigations by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

On May 3, 2021, during a violent argument, Dill pulled a handgun and discharged his weapon multiple times.  The victim sustained a non–life threatening gunshot wound to his leg and Dill fled the scene before deputies arrived.  Investigators recovered multiple .40 caliber shell casings from the scene.  Dill was arrested at his residence the following day by investigators serving a search warrant and confessed to the shooting.

Dill pleaded guilty to the offense on October 28, 2021.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, 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 U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy to foster trust and legitimacy in our communities, support community-based organizations that help prevent violence, set focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and produce measurable results.

The Honorable Charles B. Goodwin, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Oklahoma City.  Dill will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve his sentence of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Bondura represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Bryan Udale Jones, 63, of Stillwell, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country, which is punishable by not less than thirty years imprisonment.

Government prosecutors alleged that beginning in 2003 and continuing until 2010, the defendant engaged in sexual acts with a child who had not yet attained the age of 12.  As a part of the plea allocution, the defendant also admitted to sexually assaulting three other children, all less than 12 years old at the time of the abuse.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Adair County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted the case because the defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in Adair County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the pleas and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report.  Jones was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending the imposition of sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Paladino and Anthony C. Marek represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announces that Jimmy Holmes Nace, age 50, and Matthew Jennings Vermillion, age 44, both of Pittsburg County, Oklahoma, were sentenced for their roles in a homicide that occurred in Pittsburg County, Oklahoma.  Nace was sentenced to 180 months for Murder in Indian Country – Second Degree on May 4, 2023.  Vermillion was sentenced to 102 months for Accessory After the Fact to the murder on March 27, 2023.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Command at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

On July 3, 2019, Nace assaulted an individual, and—together with Vermillion and a third individual—transported the victim to a rural community cemetery in Vermillion’s truck.  Once at the cemetery, Nace and the third individual killed the victim before Nace lit the body on fire.

On January 20, 2022, Vermillion pleaded guilty to one count of Accessory After the Fact to a murder.  On March 14, 2022, the eve of trial, Nace pleaded guilty to one count of Murder in Indian Country – Second Degree.

“The cooperative efforts of county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies investigating this horrible crime resulted in the defendants being prosecuted and imprisoned for their actions,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson.

“Today’s sentencing holds both defendants accountable for the callous and brutal murder of an innocent man,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray. “We hope it will bring a sense of closure to the victim’s family, while affirming the FBI’s commitment to pursuing justice for those affected by violence.”

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted this case because the victim was a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crime occurred in Pittsburg County, which is within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation and the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the case and sentenced Nace and Vermillion in Muskogee, Oklahoma.  Nace and Vermillion were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal at the conclusion of their sentencing.  They will remain in custody pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve their sentence of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney Cameron McEwen represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that Jerry Wayne Asbill, Jr., age 42, of Adair County, Oklahoma was found guilty by a federal jury of two counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country.

The jury trial began with testimony on Monday, May 8, 2023, and concluded on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, with the guilty verdicts.

During the trial, the United States presented evidence that the defendant took a child to a hotel and molested the child there in November of 2018. The government was able to corroborate the hotel stay through various records.

The guilty verdicts were the result of investigations by the Adair County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted the case because the defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in Adair County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation of Oklahoma and the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

The Honorable Kea W. Riggs, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico, sitting by assignment in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the trial in Muskogee and ordered the completion of a presentence report.  The sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report.  The defendant was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal and will remain in custody until the sentencing hearing.

Assistant United States Attorneys Morgan Muzljakovich and Nicole Paladino represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Matthew Thomas Pettigrew, age 42, of Ada, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 46 months for Bank Robbery on April 6, 2023.

The charge arose from an investigation by the Ada Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

On November 15, 2021, Pettigrew entered the Citizens Bank of Ada, a federally insured financial institution, and demanded money.  The following day law enforcement officers tracked Pettigrew to a casino, where he was arrested.

On March 9, 2022, Pettigrew pleaded guilty to one count of Bank Robbery.

The Honorable Charles B. Goodwin, United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the case and sentenced Pettigrew in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  Pettigrew was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal at the conclusion of his sentencing.  He will remain in custody pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve his sentence of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney Cameron McEwen represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Neil Shai Cameron Lewis, age 28, of Okmulgee County, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 223 months in prison for Murder in Indian Country—Second Degree.

The charges arose from investigations by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Lewis pleaded guilty to Murder in Indian Country—Second Degree on September 30, 2021.  The investigation of the case revealed Lewis beat the victim to death with a television and a coat rack after an evening of drinking at the victim’s apartment. Police investigating an Emergency Medical Services call discovered the victim lying on the floor of his apartment and Lewis covered in the victim’s blood.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted this case because the defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in Okmulgee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee.  Lewis was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve his sentence of incarceration.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Neil Shai Cameron Lewis, age 28, of Okmulgee County, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 223 months in prison for Murder in Indian Country—Second Degree.

The charges arose from investigations by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Lewis pleaded guilty to Murder in Indian Country—Second Degree on September 30, 2021.  The investigation of the case revealed Lewis beat the victim to death with a television and a coat rack after an evening of drinking at the victim’s apartment. Police investigating an Emergency Medical Services call discovered the victim lying on the floor of his apartment and Lewis covered in the victim’s blood.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted this case because the defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in Okmulgee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee.  Lewis was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve his sentence of incarceration.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Philip Lee Ramos a/k/a Phillip Lee Ramos, age 32, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for Robbery in Indian Country.

The charges arose from investigations by the Muskogee Police Department.

On April 18, 2023, Philip Lee Ramos pleaded guilty to Robbery in Indian Country. According to court documents, on December 2, 2020, Ramos robbed an individual at knifepoint at a Muskogee, Oklahoma hotel.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted this case because the defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in Muskogee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearings in Muskogee.  Ramos was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Howanitz represented the United States at the sentencing.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announces that Shawn Braiden Hickman, age 19, of Ardmore, Oklahoma, and Christopher Hunter Skolarski, age 20, of Ardmore, Oklahoma, have been sentenced to 60 months in prison for Use and Carry of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.

On March 9, 2022, Skolarski pled guilty to one count of Use and Carry of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, and on April 12, 2022, Hickman pled guilty to one count of Use and Carry of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.  The guilty pleas stemmed from an incident September 27, 2021, wherein Hickman and Skolarski attempted to rob a pedestrian at gunpoint on a city street in Ardmore.

The charge arose from an investigation by the Ardmore Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

“Prosecuting criminals who use firearms to commit violent crimes is a priority of the Department of Justice," said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “Gun crime will not be tolerated.”

"This case serves as a reminder to violent offenders who are a menace in our communities, that the FBI continues to protect the public and hold accountable those who have such bold disregard for the law and for the safety of others,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted this case because Hickman and the victim are members of federally recognized Indian tribes and the crime occurred in Carter County, which is within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation and the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Charles B. Goodwin, United States District Judge for the Western District of Oklahoma, presided over the case and sentenced Hickman and Skolarski in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  Hickman and Skolarski were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal at the conclusion of their sentencing.  They will remain in custody pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve their sentence of incarceration.

Assistant United States Attorney Cameron McEwen represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA -- The Justice Department joins its partners across the federal government, as well as people throughout American Indian and Alaska Native communities, in recognizing May 5, 2023 as National Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day. Responding to the unacceptable levels of violence that have led to the crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) is a priority of the Department of Justice every day.

The department’s work to respond to the MMIP crisis is a whole-of-department effort that takes many forms.  One year ago today, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco joined Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to launch the Not Invisible Act Commission, a joint Commission established by the Not Invisible Act with an essential mission — to reduce violence against American Indians and Alaska Natives.  In February, they welcomed the first in-person plenary meeting of the Not Invisible Act Commission.  Since then, the department’s representatives on the commission—who are department leaders and subject matter experts—have participated in the Commission’s field hearings, which will continue through the summer.  Later this year, the Commission will deliver recommendations for addressing the MMIP crisis to the Attorney General and the Secretary.  In addition to supporting the Not Invisible Act Commission, the department remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing the MMIP crisis.

“The Justice Department is marshalling the full strength of its resources to confront the crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons, which has devastated the lives of victims, their families, and entire Tribal communities,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland.  “Addressing this crisis requires a whole-of-government approach, and we are grateful for the partnership of Tribal and other law enforcement agencies across the nation that are working alongside the Justice Department to help reduce crime and support victims in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.”

“Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day calls on our nation to pause and honor the loved ones who have gone missing or who have been the victims of violent crime,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco.  “Acknowledging the many American Indian and Alaska Native people who have suffered, and continue to suffer, from the pain of a missing loved one or of violent crime serves as an important reminder of the urgency and importance of the department’s work to respond to the crisis of missing or murdered indigenous persons.  The Justice Department—including our dedicated agents, analysts, and prosecutors—remains steadfast in our pledge to work as partners with Tribal governments in preventing and responding to the violence that has disproportionately harmed Tribal communities.”

“The Justice Department is committed to using every resource at its disposal to combat the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Crisis,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “In addition to our core law-enforcement work, we are providing grant funding and guidance to help Tribes develop response plans for missing-persons cases, partner effectively with local law enforcement, and provide resources for victims of crime.”

“Addressing the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons is a priority of the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “Recently, in coordination with our sister districts in Oklahoma, my office developed and distributed guidelines for law enforcement response to MMIP cases within the Eastern District. In April, I had the privilege to attend the first field hearing of the Not Invisible Act Commission and to meet with members of the Commission. These sessions reinforced the need for federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to work cooperatively to confront violent crime within Indian Country. We remain committed to that goal.”

Department Prioritization of MMIP Cases 

In July 2022, Deputy Attorney General Monaco issued a memorandum reiterating that it is a priority of the Department of Justice to address the disproportionately high rates of violence experienced by American Indians and Alaska Natives, and relatedly, the high rates of indigenous persons reported missing.  The memorandum directed each United States Attorney with Indian country jurisdiction — along with their law enforcement partners at DOJ — to update and develop new plans for addressing public safety in Indian country.

Publication of Updated Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance

In October 2022, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland issued revised Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance.  The revised guidelines, which was updated for the first time in a decade, address when and how department employees work with victims and witnesses of crime to ensure that their voices are heard and that they are protected during criminal justice proceedings. For the first time the guidelines include cultural and linguistic considerations for victims from American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

National Native American Outreach Services Liaison

Last year, the department announced the creation of a new National Native American Outreach Services Liaison.  Since that announcement, the Liaison has begun to help amplify the voice of crime victims in Indian country and their families across the department as they navigate the federal criminal justice system. In the coming months, the Liaison will meet with survivors and family members of MMIP to learn more about the current challenges in MMIP cases and to make recommendations about the department’s continued response.

Federal Law Enforcement Strategy to Prevent and Respond to the MMIP Crisis

In July 2022, the Department of Justice and the Department of the Interior submitted a report pursuant to Sections 2 and 4(a) of Executive Order 14053, which called for “coordinated and comprehensive Federal law enforcement strategy to prevent and respond to violence against Native Americans, including to address missing or murdered indigenous people where the federal government has jurisdiction.”  The report was published late last year and is available on the department website here.

Guide for Tribal Community Response Plans for Missing Persons Cases 

In December 2022, the department published a Guide to Developing a Tribal Community Response Plan for Missing Persons Cases. This Guide is a resource for Tribes interested in developing a plan to respond to missing person cases that is tailored to the specific needs, resources, and culture of Tribal communities. 

Launch of the COPS Office Tribal MOU/MOA Resource Library 

On Monday of this week, the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) published its Tribal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)/Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Sample Resource Library.  This library provides users with the resources to research and successfully draft agreements that will help agencies develop and solidify partnerships to address missing or murdered Indigenous persons cases.

Expanded Scope of the Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Grant Program 

The department’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) expanded the scope of allowable activities under its Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside (TVSSA) grant program to permit Tribal communities to pay for costs related to generating awareness of individual missing persons cases involving American Indians and Alaska Native persons, supporting private search efforts for missing American Indians and Alaska Native persons in certain circumstances, and supporting efforts to coordinate the Tribal, state, and federal response to MMIP cases. 

Government-to-Government Tribal Consultation on Violence Against Women

In September 2022, the department’s Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) held the 17th Annual OVW Government-to Government Tribal Consultation on Violence Against Women in Anchorage, Alaska.  OVW is responsible for conducting annual government-to-government consultations with the leaders of all Federally recognized Indian Tribal governments on behalf of the Attorney General.  The 2022 Tribal consultation report is available here. 

National Institute of Justice Study of MMIP Cases in New Mexico 

Last year, the department’s National Institute of Justice (NIJ) funded a study that will provide vital information regarding the prevalence and context of cases of MMIP in New Mexico and, importantly, will inform long-term data collection, analysis, and reporting strategies on MMIP cases. These improvements will support data-driven decision-making regarding MMIP in New Mexico moving forward.

Additional Department of Justice Resources 

For additional information about the Department of Justice’s efforts to address the MMIP crisis, please visit the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons section of the Tribal Safety and Justice website.

Click here for more information about reporting or identifying missing persons.

 

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that Robert William Rainford, age 50, of Muskogee, Oklahoma was found guilty by a federal jury of one count of First-Degree Murder in Indian Country, one count of Use, Carry, Brandish, and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, and one count of Causing Death with a Firearm.

The jury trial began with testimony on Monday, May 1, 2023, and concluded on Friday, May 5, 2023, with the guilty verdicts. Based on the verdicts, the defendant is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of life imprisonment.

During the trial, the United States presented evidence that on or about December 12, 2021, the defendant shot his 49-year old neighbor ten times and killed him.  The defendant claimed insanity, arguing that he was involuntarily intoxicated on prescription Adderall at the time of the crime.  The Government refuted this at trial, showing that while the defendant had used methamphetamine and abused his prescription Adderall, he understood the actions he took when he killed his neighbor.

The guilty verdicts were the result of an investigation by the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted the case because the victim in this case is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation.

The Honorable Margaret Strickland, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico, sitting by designation, presided over the trial and ordered the completion of a presentence report.  The defendant was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin Gross and Ryan Bondura represented the United States at trial.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that Coker Dean Barker, age 36, of Seminole, Oklahoma was found guilty by a federal jury of one count of First-Degree Murder in Indian Country, one count of Use, Carry, Brandish, and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, and one count of Causing Death with a Firearm.

The jury trial began with testimony on Monday, April 3, 2023, and concluded on Monday, April 10, 2023, with the guilty verdicts.

During the trial, the United States presented evidence that in April of 2019, Barker brutally attacked and killed a 43-year-old Seminole man.  During the fatal attack, Barker stabbed and beat the victim, and fired multiple rounds into his body.  Autopsy results revealed the victim sustained 18 broken ribs, two punctured lungs, and bullet wounds from multiple firearms.  After killing the victim, Barker burned the evidence to evade prosecution, and attempted to flee to Mexico.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection apprehended Barker before he crossed the border and returned him to Oklahoma for prosecution.  After his indictment in 2021, the defendant escaped from jail, but was captured by U.S. Marshals and returned to custody.

The guilty verdicts were the result of investigations by the Seminole Police Department, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Texas Rangers, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted the case because the Defendant is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in Seminole County, within the boundaries of the Seminole Nation Reservation of Oklahoma and the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma in Muskogee, presided over the trial and ordered the completion of a presentence report.  The sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report.  The defendant will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshals until sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin Gross and Zachary Parsons represented the United States.

A federal jury convicted an Oklahoma man on April 10 for the death of his daughter in Indian Country.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Devin Warren Sizemore, 28, of McAlester, drowned his 21-month-old daughter. Sizemore was estranged from the child’s mother when he took the child for a visit. When he did not return the child and did not return to his residence, law enforcement was notified. Officers located Sizemore at a barn near a pond, where they confronted him and realized the child was face down in the pond. Sizemore admitted he “baptized” the victim and held her under water for approximately 30 seconds.

The Department of Justice’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted the case because the defendant and victim in this case are members of a federally recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in Pittsburg County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

Sizemore was convicted of child abuse resulting in death and voluntary manslaughter and will be sentenced at a later date. Sizemore faces a maximum penalty of life in prison for the child abuse resulting in death charge and 15 years in prison for the voluntary manslaughter charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, and Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI, Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation, McAlester Police Department, Krebs Police Department, and Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

Trial Attorneys Lisa K. Man and Gerald A. A. Collins of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section are prosecuting the case, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma and the District 18 (Pittsburg and Haskell Counties) District Attorney’s Office.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Joseph Allen Hernandez, age 34, of Marble City, Oklahoma, was sentenced for his role in two homicides.  Hernandez was sentenced to life in prison for two counts of Murder in Indian Country, and 20 years imprisonment for one count of Arson in Indian Country.

A jury found Hernandez guilty in November 2021 of the murders of his mother and grandmother.  During the trial, the United States presented evidence that Hernandez doused both victims in accelerant and set them on fire at their home in Marble City, Oklahoma.

The guilty verdicts were the result of an investigation by the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

"The crimes committed by Hernandez were horrific, and there is no question the sentencing is just,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray. “We hope the life sentence handed down today brings a sense of closure and healing for the family of his victims. The FBI is proud to have worked alongside our partners at the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in this investigation."

“The sentencing of Joseph Hernandez to life imprisonment ensures he will be held accountable for the heinous act he committed upon members of his own family and never again step outside the confines of a federal penitentiary to victimize others,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma prosecuted the case because the defendant is a member of a federally-recognized Indian tribe and the crimes occurred in Sequoyah County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation and the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Charles B. Goodwin, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City, presided over the hearing.  Upon sentencing, Hernandez was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal.

Assistant United States Attorney Jarrod Leaman represented the United States.