Eastern District of Oklahoma

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Baudel Lopez-Rodriguez, age 41, of Woodall, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release for Illegal Alien In Possession of Firearm and Ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(5)(A) and 924(a)(2). The charges arose from an investigation by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Immigration and Customs Enforcement of the Department of Homeland Security, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The Indictment alleged that on or about December 2, 2016, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, then being an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States, knowingly possessed in and affecting commerce, firearms and ammunition which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.

United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said.  “Enforcement of federal gun laws is one way we are able to partner with local law enforcement agencies and district attorneys in their on-going efforts to make communities safer. This investigation and prosecution was a result of open lines of communication between all the agencies involved.” 

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. First Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Wilson represented the United States. 

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Alexis Fernando Lopez, age 23, a Mexican National, entered a guilty plea to Possession With Intent To Distribute Cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2, punishable by not less than 5 and not more than 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000.00 fine, or both. 

The Indictment alleges that on or about November 28, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance. 

The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The Honorable Kimberly E. West, 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.  

Assistant United States Attorney Jarrod Leaman represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Lieutenant Skylare Holstick, age 37, of Birmingham, Alabama, entered a guilty plea to Possession With Intent To Distribute Marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2, punishable by not more than 5 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, or both. 

The Indictment alleges that on or about December 22, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute less than 50 kilograms of marijuana, a Schedule I controlled substance. 

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

The Honorable Kimberly E. West, 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.  

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States. 
 

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Mike Douglas Nolan, age 59, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, entered a guilty plea to Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, punishable by not more than 20 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.

The Superseding Indictment alleges that from in or about June 2011, and continuing until in or about May 2012, the defendant, devised and intended to devise, executed and attempted to execute, a scheme to obtain money by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Honorable Kimberly E. West, 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.  

Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Julieann Logsdon, age 33, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to False Statement, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001, punishable by not more than 5 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, or both.

The Indictment alleges that on or about August 29, 2017, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant did willfully and knowingly make a materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statement and representation in a matter within the jurisdiction of the executive branch of the government of the United States, by claiming she entered the MailMart and turned off the alarm, at a specific date and time.  The statement and representation were false because, as the defendant then and there knew, she did not enter the MailMart and did not turn off the alarm at that time. 

The charges arose from an investigation by the Tahlequah Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The Honorable Kimberly E. West, 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.  

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Shara Tyesha Cumins, age 29, of Opelika, Alabama, entered a guilty plea to Possession With Intent To Distribute Marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2, punishable by not more than 5 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, or both. 

The Indictment alleges that on or about December 22, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute less than 50 kilograms of marijuana, a Schedule I controlled substance. 

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

The Honorable Kimberly E. West, 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.  

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Muskogee residents Christopher Michael Whitaker Sr. a/k/a “Unc”, age 44; Devin Trevon Whitaker, age 19; Torrell Dshaun Bogar a/k/a “T Real”, age 21; Aaron Oneal Bogar a/k/a Aaron Oneal Wilson, a/k/a “AB”, age 19; Drew Alexander Ragsdale a/k/a “Drew Down”, age 21; Jason Douglas Lee a/k/a “J Rock”, a/k/a “Douglas Fresh”, age 33; Cornelious Joshua Jones a/k/a “Corn”, age 30; Jasmine Dazha McCoy, age 23; Alison Rachel Morgan, age 28; Derrick Christopher Segue, age 26; and Klawaun Lynell Sutton a/k/a “O.G.G.”, age 38, were each indicted for Drug Conspiracy, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846, punishable by not less than 10 years imprisonment, and up to a $10,000,000 fine, or both. The same investigation that lead to these indictments also lead to state charges being filed against an additional 29 defendants by the Muskogee County District Attorney’s Office. Those defendants are charged with various drug-related and communications offenses.

The Indictment alleges that beginning on a date in June 2017, the exact date being unknown to the Grand Jury, and continuing until on or about the date of this Indictment, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, C. Whitaker, Sr., Jones, D. Whitaker, T. Bogar, A. Bogar, Lee, Ragsdale, Sutton, Segue, McCoy, and Morgan, defendants herein, did willfully and knowingly combine, conspire, confederate, and agree together, and with others known and unknown to the Grand Jury, to commit offenses against the United States.

In addition to Drug Conspiracy charges, Lee is charged with five counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C), with punishment ranging from not less than 10 years imprisonment to not more than life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000.00 fine, or both. Lee is also charged with one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, or both.

D. Whitaker is additionally charged with two counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), punishable by not less than 5 years and not more than 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000.00 fine, or both. 

Ragsdale is additionally charged with one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, or both.

A. Bogar and Jones are additionally charged with one count each of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), punishable by not less than 5 years and not more than 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000.00 fine, or both.

Jones, Sutton, Segue, McCoy, and Morgan are also additionally charged with Conspiracy to Tamper with a Witness, by conspiring to intimidate, threaten, and corruptly persuade another person with the intent to cause and induce any person to withhold testimony from an official proceeding, contrary to Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1512(b)(1), 1512(k), and 1512(j).

The charges arose from a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Muskogee Police Department. Additionally, many different agencies that are members of the DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Task Force (“HIDTA”) and the FBI Safe Trails Task Force played important roles in the investigation. 

United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “The United States Attorney’s Office values the working relationships that we have with our federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners, and that they have with each other. Without those strong relationships and commitments to work together for the common cause of public safety, operations like this one would not be possible. I am thankful for the men and women from the nearly 20 agencies that participated in the investigation and today’s efforts to arrest those who have been charged.”

“Narcotics trafficking continues to have a devastating and horrific impact upon Oklahoma communities. The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain dedicated to identifying, investigating, and apprehending traffickers whose actions terrorize and threaten the safety and security of our communities.” Special Agent in Charge Kathryn Peterson of the FBI Oklahoma City Division.

“With the partnership the DEA has with the US Attorney’s Office and other law enforcement entities, we are able to conduct investigations where drug trafficking has been a nemesis to the community,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Clyde E. Shelley, Jr.  “We will continue our joint mission of making communities in Oklahoma safer.”

Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control Director John Scully said, “The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics is thankful to be part of such a successful joint operation.  When our law enforcement agencies share information and work together, it is a force multiplier to enable us to dismantle drug trafficking organizations and in this case, a drug trafficking organization with violent gang affiliation. Local, State, and Federal law enforcement authorities came together to ensure the streets of our communities are made safer today, by taking violent criminals off the streets and ending their spread of illegal drugs in our communities.” 
 
Muskogee County Sheriff Rob Frazier said, “Today’s arrests represent the ongoing efforts of the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office to make Muskogee County a safer place for all. Sheriff Frazier states his office will continue to combat drug distribution in Muskogee County through the strong alliances built with local, state and federal law enforcement during this year-long investigation.”

District 15 District Attorney Orvil Loge said, “While certain types of drug possession charges have been reduced, minimized or decriminalized, punishment for major drug crimes has not.  Drug traffickers, dealers and distributors make their living off providing drugs to our loved ones by feeding their drug addiction.  They are the root of the addiction problems that have plagued our county for far too long.  My office will ensure these individuals will receive the utmost attention and highest priority of prosecution.”

A grand jury Indictment does not constitute evidence of guilt.  A grand jury Indictment is a method of bringing formal charges against the defendant.  A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and may not be found guilty unless evidence establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jorge Barron, age 21, and Ana Duenas, age 19, both of Boulder, Colorado, were sentenced for Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2. Barron was sentenced to 80 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release, and Duenas 46 months’ imprisonment and 3 years’ supervised release.  

The investigation was initiated when the Henryetta Police Department stopped a car for a traffic violation. During the stop, officers discovered a large quantity of methamphetamine inside the car. Members of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), and DEA Task Force agencies Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office and Broken Arrow Police Department assisted with additional investigation, which ultimately lead to Barron and Duenas being indicted.
                
The Indictment alleged that on or about April 24, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendants knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. 

United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “The large quantity of methamphetamine that was intercepted was prevented from entering into local communities. That is a victory for us all. The defendants in this case were part of the supply chain for a drug trafficking organization. This investigation and prosecution resulted in punishment to the defendants for their roles in the distribution network, and also disrupted the organization’s business operations.”

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace represented the United States. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Johnny Wayne Harjo Jr., age 41, of Okemah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release for Sexual Abuse Of A Minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1153, 2243(a) and 2246. These charges arose from an investigation by the FBI’s Oklahoma Safe Trails Task Force. Investigative agencies included the Creek Nation Lighthorse Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
                
The Indictment alleged that on or about January 25, 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, an Indian, knowingly engaged and attempted to engage in a sexual act as defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 2246 with the victim, who had attained the age of 12 years but had not yet attained the age of 16 and was at least four years younger than the defendant. 

United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “Sexual abuse investigations are difficult. It is not easy for victims to come forward to tell their stories to family members, investigators, or prosecutors, and requires a great deal of courage to do so. This investigation and prosecution began with a courageous victim who overcame fear and embarrassment so we could seek justice for the victim, the victim’s family, and the community. The defendant’s depravity and cowardice were defeated by the victim’s courage.”

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow represented the United States. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jose Sebastian-Bello, age 51, of Mexico, entered a guilty plea to ILLEGAL Reentry Of Previously Removed Alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Sections 1326(a) and 1326(b), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both. 

The Indictment alleges that on or about October 1, 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, Jose Sebastian-Bello, a/k/a Victor Antonio Martinez, a/k/a Anthony Casen, a/k/a Victor Martinez-Gonzalez, a/k/a Jose Antonio-Ignacio, a/k/a Lorenzo Castro Romero, a/k/a Mario Diago Diego, an alien, was found to be knowingly in the United States after having been removed from the United States on or about June 10, 2015, at or near Laredo, Texas, and not having obtained the express consent of the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission into the United States in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Sections 1326(a) and 1326(b). 

The charges arose from an investigation by the Ardmore Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
  
The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, 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.  

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Tommy Blake McCary, age 67, of Idabel, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Tampering With A Witness in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1512(b)(2)(C), punishable by not more than 20 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, or both. 

The Superseding Indictment alleges that between January 7, 2019 and February 9, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant did knowingly attempt to corruptly persuade D.B. to avoid legal process by sending a communication as follows: “tell Ole Girl to make herself unavailable to be subpeoned to Trial.  It is set for March 5 2019 I want this done immediately”, with the intent to cause and induce D.B. to evade legal process summoning D.B. to appear as a witness in a jury trial. 

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

The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, 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.  

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Carl Martin Ross, Jr., age 53, of Stonewall, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 87 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release for Felon In Possession Of Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2); and for Possession Of Unregistered  Silencer, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Sections 5861(d), 5841, 5845(a) and 5871. Ross was found guilty after a non-jury trial on August 28, 2018. The verdict and sentence was the result of an investigation by the Pontotoc County Sherriff’s Office, the Pushmataha County Sherriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The Indictment alleged and evidence at trial proved that on or about October 7, 2017 the defendant, who had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, knowingly possessed numerous firearms that had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce. Evidence also proved the allegations of the second count of the Indictment, that the defendant knowingly possessed a silencer, which is a firearm, as defined in Title 26, United States Code, Section 5845, not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. 

United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “This office and our federal law enforcement partners are committed to working with local law enforcement agencies in their efforts to make communities in the Eastern District safer. This verdict is a result of that commitment and the cooperative work of numerous agencies.”

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Randall Doyle McGuire, age 39, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Possession Of Unregistered Firearm (Destructive Device-Incendiary Bomb), in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Sections 5861(d), 5841 and 5871, punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine or both. 

The Indictment alleges that on or about July 16, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did knowingly possess a destructive device (incendiary bomb), which is a firearm, as defined in Title 26, United States Code, Section 5845, not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. 

The charges arose from an investigation by the Sallisaw Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 

The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, 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.  

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Ronnie Lee Faulconer, age 54, of McAlester, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Felon In Possession Of Firearm And Ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 992(g)(1), 924(a)(2) and 924(e), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, or both. However, if the court deems the defendant to be an Armed Career Criminal, the offense is punishable by not less than 15 years imprisonment. 

The Indictment alleges that on or about December 9, 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm and ammunition which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce. 

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

The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, 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.  

Assistant United States Attorney Sarah McAmis represented the United States. 

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Miguel Leon Bejarano, age 25, of Irving, Texas, was sentenced to 5 months’ imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349. The charges arose from an investigation by the Lighthorse Police Department, the Waxahachie Police Department, and the United States Secret Service.  

The Indictment alleged that in or about November, 2017, to on or about March 27, 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant knowingly and willfully conspired with others known and unknown to the Grand Jury, to transmit or cause to be transmitted by means of a wire communication, in interstate commerce, writings, signs, signals, pictures, and sounds in order to obtain money by means of false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises. The conspiracy involved the use of credit card “skimming devices” placed on gas pumps by members of the conspiracy to steal credit card information, create credit cards with the information and then use those cards to receive cash at ATM’s at the Winstar and border casinos located in Thackerville, Oklahoma. 

“The use of skimming devices to steal credit card information is not a new trend, but the devices used today are more difficult to detect. There are precautions we should all take to protect our credit and bank card information from thieves using skimming devices. For example, before using a gas pump, make sure the panel is closed and doesn’t show signs of tampering. Many pumps now have a security seal. If the seal is broken, don’t use that pump,” United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said.  “Awareness that thieves are using this technology and exercising caution before using your credit card at the pump or at ATM’s are important to help us avoid being victims of this type of criminal scheme.” 

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has additional information about this and other schemes to defraud consumers. This can be found at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog 

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Kody Oscar Maynard., age 31, of McAlester, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Felon In Possession Of Firearm & Ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both. 

The Indictment alleged that on or about May 8, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce a firearm and ammunition which had been shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce. 

The charges arose from an investigation by the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office, the District 18 Drug Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 

The Honorable Kimberly E. West, 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.  

Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that John Douglas Walker III., age 39, of Daisy, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Felon in Possession of Ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both. 

The Indictment alleges that on or about February 5, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, ammunition which had been shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce. 

The charges arose from an investigation by the United States Marshals Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The Honorable Kimberly E. West, 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.  

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Darrell Dewayne Roberts Jr., age 31, of Alma, Arkansas, entered a guilty plea to Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), punishable by not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment, a fine up to $10,000,000.00, or both. 

The Superseding Indictment alleges that on or about December 31, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 50 grams of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. 

The charges arose from an investigation by the Roland Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The Honorable Kimberly E. West, 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.  

Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Brian Douglas McGaha, age 42, of Durant, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 6 months’ house confinement, 2 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $500.00 in restitution for Theft In Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1151, 1152 and 661. The charges arose from an investigation by the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. 

The Information alleged that on or about June 28, 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, a non-Indian, took and carried away, with intent to steal, a voucher in the amount of $500.00, which was the personal property of another person who was an Indian, and the voucher had a value of less than $1,000.00. 

The Honorable Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah McAmis represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office announced today the results of the March 2019 Federal Grand Jury.

The following named individuals have been charged with a federal crime or crimes by the return of an indictment by the Grand Jury.  A grand jury Indictment does not constitute evidence of guilt.  A grand jury Indictment is a method of bringing formal charges against the defendant.  A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and may not be found guilty unless evidence establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.  United States Sentencing Guidelines may be considered, upon conviction, by the sentencing court.  Federal prison sentences are non-parolable.

TOMMY BLAKE MCCARY, age 67, of Idabel, Oklahoma

Felon In Possession Of Firearm & Ammunition
Tampering With A Witness

The Superseding Indictment alleges that on or about November 30, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, TOMMY BLAKE MCCARY, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm and ammunition which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00 or both.

The Superseding Indictment further alleges that between January 7, 2019 and February 9, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, TOMMY BLAKE MCCARY, did knowingly attempt to corruptly persuade D.B. to avoid legal process by sending a communication as follows: “tell Ole Girl to make herself unavailable to be subpeoned to Trial.  It is set for March 5 2019 I want this done immediately”, with the intent to cause and induce D.B. to evade legal process summoning D.B. to appear as a witness in a jury trial, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1512(b)(2)(C), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00 or both. 

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

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris

 

STERLING ROSS IV, age 25, of Okmulgee, Oklahoma

Felon In Possession Of Firearm

The Indictment alleges that on or about February 3, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, STERLING ROSS IV, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm, to-wit, One (1) Glock GMBH, Model 30, .45 ACP caliber semi-automatic pistol, serial number TWL748, which had been shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00 or both.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Okmulgee Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris

 

KENNETH EDWARD PARNELL, age 45, of Haskell County, Oklahoma

Felon In Possession Of Firearm

The Indictment alleges that from in or about November, 2018, until on or about December 26, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, KENNETH EDWARD PARNELL, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm, to-wit, One (1) Savage Arms (Canada) Inc., Model 64, .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle, serial number 1661593, which had been shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00 or both.

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

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris

 

RAFAEL TORRES, age 35, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Kidnapping
Interference With Commerce By Robbery
Carjacking
Use, Carry, And Brandish A Firearm During And In Relation To A Crime Of Violence
Felon In Possession Of Firearm & Ammunition

The Indictment alleges that on or about February 3, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, RAFAEL TORRES, did unlawfully and willfully seize, confine, inveigle, kidnap, abduct and carry away J.S., and hold for the purpose of acquiring transportation, in committing or in furtherance of the commission of the offense, did willfully transport J.S. in interstate commerce from Oklahoma to Arkansas, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1201(a)(1), punishable by imprisonment for any term of years up to Life, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.

The Indictment further alleges that on or about February 3, 2019, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, and elsewhere, the defendant, RAFAEL TORRES, did unlawfully obstruct, delay and affect, and attempt to obstruct, delay and affect, commerce as that term is defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951, and the movement of articles and commodities in such commerce, by robbery as that term is defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951, in that the defendant RAFAEL TORRES did unlawfully take and obtain personal property consisting of taking control of a motor vehicle owned by Morgan’s Towing and Recovery and operated by J.S. from J.S., against his will by means of actual and threatened force, violence, and fear of injury, immediate and future, to his person and property in his custody and possession, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951, punishable by not more than 20 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00 or both.

The Indictment further alleges that on or about February 3, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, RAFAEL TORRES, took a motor vehicle, to-wit:  a 2018 KW Construction Wrecker that had been transported, shipped, and received in interstate commerce from J.S. by force, violence, and intimidation, with the intent to cause death and serious bodily harm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119(1), punishable by not more than 15 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00 or both.

The Indictment further alleges that on or about February 3, 2019, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, RAFAEL TORRES, did knowingly brandish, carry and use a firearm, to wit, one (1) .45 caliber Smith and Wesson semi-automatic pistol, serial number TFC7829, during and in relation to a crime of violence for which he may be prosecuted in a court of the United States, that is, Interference with Commerce by Robbery, as alleged in Count Two and Carjacking, as alleged in Count Three, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(ii), punishable by not less than 7 years consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a fine up to $250,000.00 or both.

The Indictment further alleges that on or about February 3, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, RAFAEL TORRES, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm, to wit, one (1) .45 caliber Smith and Wesson semi-automatic pistol, serial number TFC7829, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00 or both. 

The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Assistant United States Attorney Sarah McAmis

 

DARRELL DEWAYNE ROBERTS Jr., age 31, of Alma, Arkansas

Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine

The Superseding Indictment alleges that on or about December 31, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, defendant, DARRELL DEWAYNE ROBERTS Jr., did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), punishable by not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment, a fine up to $10,000,000.00, or both.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Roland Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow

 

MARQUISE LEDON FONVILLE, age 33, of Eufaula, Oklahoma

Felon In Possession Of Firearm

The Indictment alleges that on or about February 8, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, MARQUISE LEDON FONVILLE, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm to-wit: One (1) Forjas Taurus, S.A., Model PT709 9mm  caliber semi-automatic pistol, serial number TFP94054, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Eufaula Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow

 

DUANE ALLYN BUNDY, age 40, of McAlester, Oklahoma

Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine
Possession Of A Firearm In Furtherance Of A Drug Trafficking Crime

The Superseding Indictment alleges that on or about January 30, 2019, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, DUANE ALLYN BUNDY, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), punishable by not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment, a fine up to $10,000,000.00, or both. 

The Superseding Indictment further alleges that on or about January 30, 2019, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, DUANE ALLYN BUNDY, did knowingly possess a firearm, to wit: one (1) Taurus, Model PT738, .380ACP caliber semi-automatic pistol, serial number 79704B, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime for which he may be prosecuted in a court of the United States, that is, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine as alleged in Count One, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c), punishable by not less than 5 years imprisonment to run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment imposed, a fine up to $250,000.00 or both.

The Superseding Indictment further alleges that on or about January 30, 2019, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, DUANE ALLYN BUNDY, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm and ammunition which had been shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.

The charges arose from an investigation by the McAlester Police Department, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Special Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Jordan

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Abel Eduardo Cristerna-Gonzalez, age 27, of Sinaloa, Mexico, was sentenced on February 27, 2019, to 188 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release for Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine and for Possession With Intent To Distribute Heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1); 841(b)(1)(A); 841(b)(1)(B); and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2. The defendant’s jury trial began with testimony on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 and concluded on Thursday, August 9, 2018 with a guilty verdict. The verdict and sentence obtained was the result of an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Sentencing occurred following the completion of a pre-sentence report prepared by the United States Probation Office.

Evidence at trial proved that on April 24, 2018, an Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper stopped a vehicle for traveling in excess of the speed limit on I-40 in Okmulgee County. The vehicle was driven by Luis Lopez Arce and Cristerna-Gonzalez was a passenger. Following routine questioning and further investigation, methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, and heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance were located in the vehicle. Additionally, evidence proved that the methamphetamine in the vehicle weighed 50 grams or more and the heroin 100 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing heroin. The jury found that Cristerna-Gonzalez – the defendant on trial – knowingly and intentionally possessed the methamphetamine and heroin with the intent to distribute them. 

“Drug trafficking organizations distribute their poison to towns and cities across our country. The people that transport these drugs and deliver them to their intended distribution points are an integral part of the business model these organizations utilize to make huge profits while the rest of society pays the price. This investigation and prosecution of the defendant disrupted a drug trafficking organization which is a Department of Justice priority,” United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said. “The members of this office will continue to work with our state, local, tribal and federal law enforcement partners to combat the distribution of dangerous drugs which has had such a devastating impact across the nation.” 

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace represented the United States. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Raudy Acosta Fernandez, age 32, of Richardson, Texas, entered a guilty plea to Aggravated Identity Theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A(a)(1), punishable by not more than 2 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.

The Superseding Indictment alleges that on or about March 21, 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant did knowingly possess, and use, without lawful authority, a means of identification of another person during and in relation to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud. 

The charges arose from an investigation by the Lighthorse Police Department and the United States Secret Service. 

The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, 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.  

Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Gary Don Hicks, Sr., age 51, of McAlester, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Felon In Possession Of Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both. 

The Indictment alleges that in on or about January 8, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm which had been shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce. 

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

The Honorable Kimberly E. West, 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.  

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States. 

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Donald Lee Blackbird, age 59, of Vian, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release for Attempted Sexual Abuse Of A Minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1153, 2243(a) and 2246. The charges arose from an investigation by the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

The Indictment alleged that on or about April 3, 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country on an allotment, the title to which had not yet been extinguished, the defendant, an Indian,  knowingly attempted to engage in a sexual act as defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 2246(2), with a person who had attained the age of 12 years, but had not attained the age of 16 years and was at least four years younger than defendant, with an intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.

United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “People that prey upon children are and always must be priority targets for investigation and prosecution. Predators will take advantage of every opportunity they have to satisfy their deviant desires, even if that means taking advantage of a child. Their crimes, by their own design, occur in private and thus can be difficult to prove. I applaud the victim for having the courage to endure the investigative and prosecutorial process so the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, the FBI, and this office could seek justice against Mr. Blackbird.”

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Harrington represented the United States. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served. 
 

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jack Dewayne Neugin, age 50, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Felon In Possession Of Firearm And Ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.

The Indictment alleges that on or about April 27, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, the following firearm and ammunition which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce. 

The charges arose from an investigation by the Cherokee Nation Tribal Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, 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.  

Assistant United States Attorney Sarah McAmis represented the United States. 

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Gatlin Gary Morgan, age 37, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A, punishable by not less than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $10,000,000.00, or both; and to Felon In Possession Of Firearm And Ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both. 

The Indictment alleges that on or about October 8, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, defendant, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. 

The Indictment further alleges that on or about October 8, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm and ammunition which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce. 

The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration. 

The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, 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.  

Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace represented the United States.
 

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Nickey Lynn Anderson, age 36, of McCurtain County, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Possessing Contraband In Prison, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1791(a)(2), 1791(b)(3) and 1791(d)(1)(B), punishable by not more than 5 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both; and to Possessing Contraband In Prison (Misdemeanor), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1791(a)(2), 1791(b)(4) and 1791(d)(1)(F), punishable by not more than 1 year imprisonment, a fine up to $1000,000.00, or both.

The Indictment alleges that on or about October 16, 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the Defendant, an inmate of a prison as defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 1791(d)(4), did knowingly possess a prohibited object, to-wit: a long piece of metal sharpened to a fine point on one end, with cloth wrapped around the opposite end to form a handle, designed and intended to be used as a weapon. 

The Indictment further alleges that on or about October 16, 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the Defendant, an inmate of a prison as defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 1791(d)(4), did knowingly possess a prohibited object, to-wit: a cellular telephone. 

The charges arose from an investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service. 

The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, 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.  

Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Heatherman represented the United States. 

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Nathan Bryce Moton, age 44, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 40 months imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release for Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B). The charges arose from an investigation by the Krebs Police Department, the McAlester Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  

The Indictment alleged that on or about February 18, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, defendant knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable quantity of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “Rural Oklahoma is no stranger to the destruction caused by Methamphetamine. It destroys people, families, and communities. Dealers do not concern themselves with the havoc they introduce or maintain. Their worry is profit and in some cases feeding their own addictions. We must remain diligent in our efforts to disrupt drug trafficking organizations and their supply chains.”

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace represented the United States. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served.
 

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Steven Paul Buie, age 57, of Okemah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 4 years’ probation. Buie was also ordered to pay $204,857.37 in restitution for False Statement Or Fraud To Obtain Federal Employees’ Compensation, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1920. The charges arose from an investigation by the Department of the Army U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers.

The Information alleged that beginning in or about September 2015 and continuing through May 2017, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant, knowingly and with intent to defraud, did willfully falsify, conceal and cover up a material fact, to-wit: his true medical condition and that he was physically capable to perform work, such concealed fact caused the payment of federal employees compensation in excess of $1,000.00.  

United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “A fraud perpetrated against a government agency is a fraud against us all. The funds that Buie received fraudulently are funds that are designated for those that are legitimately injured and disabled and unable to be gainfully employed because of the injury. This investigation revealed that Buie had made false statements on numerous occasions about his ability to work. As a result he is being held accountable and has been ordered to pay restitution.”

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. First Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Wilson represented the United States.
 

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Joseph Jay Johnson, age 40, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced to 63 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release for Felon In Possession Of Firearm & Ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(2) and 924(e). The charges arose from an investigation by the Okmulgee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The Indictment alleged that on or about January 30, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm and ammunition which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.

United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “This investigation began when a concerned citizen saw what appeared to be a violent interaction between the defendant and another. The responding Okmulgee County Deputy discovered the defendant, who had a former felony conviction, unlawfully possessed a weapon and ammunition. The ATF and this office assisted because it is a Department of Justice priority to help our state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to combat and reduce violent crime – a priority that we proudly and eagerly pursue.”

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Anton Grguric Jr., age 46, of Choctaw, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 132 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release for Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2. The charges arose from an investigation by the Sallisaw Police Department, the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The Indictment alleged that on or about February 6, 2017, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “Disrupting supply chains that distribute Methamphetamine and other dangerous drugs for drug trafficking organizations is a priority of the Department of Justice. Most communities have felt the devastating impact that Meth has on individuals and families. We must continue to be diligent in our efforts to bring to justice those that have no regard for the harm they are delivering to the cities and towns across the country.”

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. First Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Wilson represented the United States. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served. 
 

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that David Leon Smith II, age 28, of Ponder, Texas, entered a guilty plea to Transportation Of Stolen Vehicle, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2312 and 2, punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both; and to Felon In Possession Of Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(2) and 2, punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both. 

The Indictment alleges that on or about November 26, 2017, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did unlawfully transport and cause to be transported in interstate commerce a stolen motor vehicle, that is a 2001 Dodge Ram pickup truck, VIN ending in 520331, from the State of Oklahoma to the State of Texas, knowing the same to be stolen. 

The Indictment further alleges that on or about November 26, 2017, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm, to wit: One (1) Beretta Model A300 Outlander 12 gauge shotgun, serial number RU004247, and One (1) Remington Model Seven .22-250 caliber rifle, serial number 7857999, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce. 

The charges arose from an investigation by the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

The Honorable Kimberly E. West, 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.  

First Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Wilson represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Michael Shawn Mayberry, age 24, of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, and 3 years of supervised release for Assault With A Dangerous Weapon In Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 113(a)(3) and 1153. The charges arose from an investigation by the Muscogee Creek Nation Lighthorse Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Indictment alleged that beginning in or about December 2017, and continuing until in or about February 2018, within Indian County, as defined by Title 18, United States Code Section 1151, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, an Indian, assaulted another, with dangerous weapons, with intent to do bodily harm.  

United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “The United States Attorney’s Office and the FBI are committed to working with our tribal law enforcement partners to combat violent crime in Indian Country. With open lines of communication between agencies and strong, cooperative working relationships, together we will make a positive impact."

"The sentencing of Michael Mayberry is a direct result of the cooperative and vigilant law enforcement efforts being conducted within Indian Country territory. The FBI and our Safe Trails Task Force remain dedicated to identifying, investigating, and apprehending violent criminals within Indian Country." said Special Agent in Charge Kathryn Peterson of the FBI Oklahoma City Division. 

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Harrington represented the United States. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that John Frazier Fish, age 38, of Okemah, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea for Felon In Possession Of Ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both. 

The Indictment alleges that on or about November 19, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, ammunition, to-wit: Five (5) rounds of Federal Brand .22 caliber ammunition, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce. 

The charges arose from an investigation by the Muscogee Creek Nation Lighthorse Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, 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.  

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States. 
 

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Homer Lee Basquez, age 38, of El Reno, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Felon In Possession Of Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both. 

The Indictment alleges that in or about November, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm which had been shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce. 

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

The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, 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.  

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States. 
 

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Christy Little Coppin, age 41, of Warner, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Theft Within Special Maritime And Territorial, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 661, punishable by not more than 5 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.

The Indictment alleges that from in or about May 2015 to in or about July 2017, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, and within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, that is the Office of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 2250 in the Veterans Administration Hospital, the defendant did take and carry away, with intent to steal and purloin, personal property of the Office of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 2250, with a value exceeding $1,000.00.

The charges arose from an investigation by the United States Department of Labor.

The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, 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.  

Assistant United States Attorney Sarah McAmis represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office announced today the results of the February 2019 Federal Grand Jury.

The following named individuals have been charged with a federal crime or crimes by the return of an indictment by the Grand Jury.  A grand jury Indictment does not constitute evidence of guilt.  A grand jury Indictment is a method of bringing formal charges against the defendant.  A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and may not be found guilty unless evidence establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.  United States Sentencing Guidelines may be considered, upon conviction, by the sentencing court.  Federal prison sentences are non-parolable.

RAUL ALEXIS GAMEZ-GARCIA, age 25, of Hermosillo, Senora, Mexico
DIANA LAURA GAMEZ-GARCIA, age 20, of Hermosillo, Senora, Mexico

Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine

The Indictment alleges that on or about January 7, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendants, RAUL ALEXIS GAMEZ-GARCIA and DIANA LAURA GAMEZ-GARCIA, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2, punishable by not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment, a fine up to $10,000,000.00, or both.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Harrington

 

CARLOS FRANCISCO LAINEZ, age 34, of Las Vegas, Nevada

Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine

The Indictment alleges that on or about February 3, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, CARLOS FRANCISCO LAINEZ, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), punishable by not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment, a fine up to $10,000,000.00, or both.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Harrington

 

DUANE ALLYN BUNDY, age 40, of McAlester, Oklahoma

Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine
Possession Of A Firearm In Furtherance Of A Drug Trafficking Crime

The Indictment alleges that on or about January 30, 2019, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, DUANE ALLYN BUNDY, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), punishable by not more than 20 years imprisonment, a fine up to $1,000,000.00, or both.

The Indictment further alleges that on or about January 30, 2019, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, DUANE ALLYN BUNDY, did knowingly possess a firearm, to wit: one (1) Taurus, Model TCP, .380 caliber, semi-automatic pistol, serial number 79704B, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime for which he may be prosecuted in a court of the United States, that is, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine as alleged in Count One, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c), punishable by not less than 5 years imprisonment to run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment imposed, a fine up to $250,000.00 or both.

The charges arose from an investigation by the McAlester Police Department, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Special Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Jordan

 

DARRELL DEWAYNE ROBERTS Jr., age 31, of Alma, Arkansas

Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine

The Indictment alleges that on or about December 31, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, defendant, DARRELL DEWAYNE ROBERTS Jr., did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), punishable by not less than 5 years and not more than 40 years imprisonment, a fine up to $5,000,000.00, or both.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Roland Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow

 

JOSE SEBASTIAN-BELLO, age 51, of Mexico a/k/a Victor Antonio Martinez a/k/a Anthony Casen a/k/a Victor Martinez-Gonzalez a/k/a Jose Antonio-Ignacio a/k/a Lorenzo Castro Romero a/k/a Mario Diago Diego

Illegal Reentry Of Previously Removed Alien

The Indictment alleges that on or about October 1, 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, JOSE SEBASTIAN-BELLO, a/k/a Victor Antonio Martinez, a/k/a Anthony Casen, a/k/a Victor Martinez-Gonzalez, a/k/a Jose Antonio-Ignacio, a/k/a Lorenzo Castro Romero, a/k/a Mario Diago Diego, an alien, was found to be knowingly in the United States after having been removed from the United States on or about June 10, 2015, at or near Laredo, Texas, and not having obtained the express consent of the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission into the United States in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Sections 1326(a) and 1326(b), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Ardmore Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

First Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Wilson

 

RHETT STEVEN RAGLAND, age 23, of Ada, Oklahoma

Felon In Possession Of Ammunition

The Indictment alleges that on or about October 30, 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma the defendant, RHETT STEVEN RAGLAND, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, ammunition, to-wit: Seven (7) rounds of Giulio, Fiocchi and Lecco brand 9mm Luger caliber ammunition, which had been shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.

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

Assistant United States Attorney Sarah McAmis

 

MIKE DOUGLAS NOLAN, age 59, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Wire Fraud

The Superseding Indictment alleges that from in or about June 2011, and continuing until in or about May 2012, the defendant, MIKE DOUGLAS NOLAN, devised and intended to devise, executed and attempted to execute, a scheme to obtain money by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, punishable by not more than 20 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace

 

LIEUTENANT SKYLARE HOLSTICK, age 36, of Birmingham, Alabama
SHARA TYESHA CUMINS, age 29, of Opelika, Alabama a/k/a Shara Tyesha Holstick

Possession With Intent To Distribute Marijuana

The Indictment alleges that on or about December 22, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendants, LIEUTENANT SKYLARE HOLSTICK and SHARA TYESHA CUMINS, aka SHARA TYESHA HOLSTICK, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute less than 50 kilograms of marijuana, a Schedule I controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2, punishable by not more than 5 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.

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

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris

 

GARY DON HICKS, Sr., age 51, of McAlester, Oklahoma

Felon In Possession Of Firearm (2 Counts) 

The Indictment alleges that on or about January 8, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, GARY DON HICKS Sr., having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm, to-wit: One (1) Winchester, Model 290, .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle, serial number 401103, which had been shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both. 

The Indictment further alleges that on or about January 9, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, GARY DON HICKS Sr., having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm, to-wit: One (1) Fratelli Tanfoglio, Model E1, .22 caliber revolver, serial number E800622, which had been shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.  

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

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris

 

TEION ENLYN VANDAMM, age 43, of Frederick, Maryland

Possession With Intent To Distribute Cocaine

The Indictment alleges that on or about December 20, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, TEION ENLYN VANDAMM, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), punishable by not less than 5 and not more than 40 years imprisonment, a fine up to $5,000,000.00, or both.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Assistant United States Attorney Jarrod Leaman

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Stoney Ray Mendenhall, age 19, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 34 months’ imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $33,767.23, for Possessing, Receiving And Concealing A Stolen Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(j) and 924(a)(2). The charges arose from an investigation by the Adair County Sherriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”).

The Indictment alleged that on or about February 3, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, Stoney Ray Mendenhall, knowingly possessed, received and concealed a stolen firearm which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.

United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “Violent criminals frequently use stolen firearms to commit their crimes, so bringing someone to justice that has stolen or knowingly possesses a stolen firearm goes hand-in-hand with our efforts to combat violent crime. I am glad we were able to work with the Adair County Sheriff’s Office and the ATF to achieve a swift and just resolution to this case.”

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Brian Fredric Joice, age 40, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 52 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release for Felon In Possession Of Firearm & Ammunition in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). The charges arose from an investigation by the Muskogee County Sherriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Indictment alleged that on or about March 7, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the Defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, knowingly possessed in and affecting commerce, a firearm and ammunition which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.

United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “It is great to see federal and local law enforcement agencies working together. This case, like so many others in the Eastern District, is the result of agencies from different jurisdictions having open lines of communication and understanding that when we work together we can make a bigger impact on the communities that we serve.”

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Harrington represented the United States. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served. 

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Stacey Becker Lawson, age 41, of Henryetta, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $177,375.40 for Theft, Embezzlement Or Misapplication By Bank Employee, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 656. The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Indictment alleged that from in or about 2015, the exact date unknown to the Grand Jury, until on or about June 13, 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant being an employee of American Exchange Bank of Henryetta, Oklahoma, a bank whose deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, with intent to injure and defraud the bank, willfully misapplied, embezzled, abstracted, and purloined more than $1,000.00 of the moneys entrusted to the custody and care of American Exchange Bank by withdrawing cash and transferring funds from the bank and misapplying and embezzling the funds.  

United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “An embezzlement from a bank that serves a small community, such as the American Exchange Bank, has an impact well beyond the bank itself. The defendant’s crime struck a blow to perhaps the most important thing a community bank brings to a town, its residents, businesses, and public institutions – trust. So while this is a crime involving financial loss by a banking institution, it is really more than that to American Exchange Bank and the community that it serves.”

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Clay Compton represented the United States.
 

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Erickson Clay Ward, age 57, of Eufaula, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 97 months imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release for Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841 (b)(1)(B); and 60 months imprisonment to run consecutive to his sentence for Count 1, for Possession Of Firearm In Furtherance Of Drug Trafficking Crime in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c). The charges arose from an investigation by the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The Indictment alleged that on or about May 3, 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. The Indictment also alleged that on or about May 3, 2018, the defendant knowingly possessed a firearm - a Cobra Enterprises, Inc. / Kodiak Ind., Model FS380, 380 caliber pistol, serial number FS049344 - in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “Helping state and local law enforcement authorities combat violent crime is a priority for this office and the Department of Justice. We can maximize our impact in the communities we serve when federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies recognize that we all have the common goal of public safety, and work together to achieve it. This case is a great example of the type of interagency cooperation that is a common occurrence in the Eastern District.”

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. First Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Wilson represented the United States. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Johnny Ray Webb, age 51, of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 55 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release for Felon In Possession Of Firearm and Ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). The charges arose from an investigation by the McCurtain County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The Indictment alleged that on or about March 14, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm and ammunition which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce. 

United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “As the Department of Justice continues to make it a priority to combat violent crime, we must continue to build and strengthen the working relationships between law enforcement agencies from local, state, tribal and federal jurisdictions. As demonstrated in this case, when we are working together to combat violent crime and other criminal activity, we are making progress toward our shared goal of public safety.”

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. First Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Wilson represented the United States. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Scot Edwin Anderson, age 61, of Ada, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 188 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release for Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). The charges arose from an investigation by the Pontotoc County Sheriff’s Office, the District 22 Drug Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The Indictment alleged that on or about July 31, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectible amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “Methamphetamine destroys lives and communities, and Meth dealers deliver that destruction. This joint investigation and the resulting prosecution is part of our ongoing efforts to work with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to combat violent crime and disrupt drug distribution networks. Open lines of communications and cooperation among agencies leads to successful outcomes for the communities that we serve together.”

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Harrington represented the United States. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Robert Prag, age 46, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 12 months of imprisonment and 1 year of supervised release for Misprision of a Felony, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 4. The charges arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”).

The Indictment alleged that between April 26, 2017 and June 20, 2017, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having knowledge of the actual commission of an Arson, a felony cognizable by a court of the United States, concealed it by disposing of evidence related to the Arson, and did not as soon as possible make it known to some judge or other person in civil or military authority under the United States.

The investigation and prosecution of Prag is related to the Arson that occurred on April 26, 2017 that extensively damaged the Sherwin Williams located in Tahlequah. Matt Smith was convicted and sentenced for the Arson on October 16, 2018. The Arson was investigated by the Tahlequah Police and Fire Departments, the Broken Arrow Police Department, the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal, the Cherokee County Sherriff’s Office, and the ATF.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Brett Wayne Pigeon, age 32, of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 40 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release for Felon In Possession Of Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). The charges arose from an investigation by the Okmulgee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The Indictment alleged that on or about March 23, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, knowingly possessed a Charles Daly, 12 gauge pump action shotgun, serial number 950658, a firearm which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce. 

United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “The safety of the public is the top priority of federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies. When agencies work together, as the OPD and ATF did in this case, we are able to maximize our impact and resources and make the communities we serve safer.”

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that John Tyler Bible, age 27, of Lamar, Oklahoma, was sentenced to one year probation for Conversion Of Mortgaged Property, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 658. The charges arose from an investigation by the Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General.

The Information alleged that on or about June 6, 2012, and continuing through December 16, 2013, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, knowingly and with intent to defraud, willfully concealed, removed, disposed of, or converted to his own use certain property – cattle having a value in excess of $1,000.00 – and which was at the time of said disposition, mortgaged, pledged to and held by, United States Department of Agriculture-Farm Service Agency. 

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Wilson represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jeremy Lee Poafpybitty, a/k/a “Chooch”, age 33, of Bunch, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Assaulting An Employee Of The United States With A Deadly And Dangerous Weapon in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 111(a)(1) and (b), punishable by not more than 20 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both. 

The Indictment alleges that on or about July 24, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant did knowingly, intentionally, and forcibly, with the use of a deadly and dangerous weapon, to wit: a knife, assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with and did inflict bodily injury to an employee of the United States Postal Service while in and on account of the performance of official duties. 

The charges arose from an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service.

The Honorable Kimberly E. West, 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.  

Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jason Glen Willis, age 32, of Ardmore, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release for Felon In Possession Of Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2); and to Possessing, Receiving And Concealing A Stolen Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(j) and 924(a)(2). The charges arose from an investigation by the Ardmore Police Department, the Murray County Sherriff’s Office, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

The Indictment alleged that on or about March 20, 2017, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, knowingly possessed a Heritage Manufacturing, Inc., Model Rough Rider, .22 caliber revolver, serial number F76454, a firearm which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce. 

The Indictment also alleged that on or about March 20, 2017, the defendant knowingly possessed, received and concealed the same firearm which was stolen and had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce, knowing and having reasonable cause to believe the firearm was stolen.

United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “One of the top priorities of the Department of Justice is to reduce violent crime and promote public safety. When state, local, tribal, and federal law enforcement agencies work together, as they did in this case, we are able to make progress on that priority. The law enforcement community is at its best when working relationships are strong. I commend the agencies involved in this investigation for their team efforts.”

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Ryan Edward Offineer, age 41, of Muldrow, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment, 15 years’ supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $8,500.00 for Possession Of Certain Material Involving The Sexual Exploitation Of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and 2252(b)(2). The charges arose from an investigation by the Muldrow Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

The Indictment alleged that beginning in or about June 2013, to on or about March 7, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant knowingly possessed, attempted to possess and accessed with intent to view, matters which contained visual depictions, as that term is defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 2256(5). Those visual depictions involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, and had been transported in interstate commerce by computer.  

United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “People who possess child pornography should never feel comfortable that their despicable acts will go undetected. Across the country there are law enforcement agencies working diligently to detect, investigate and prosecute those who exploit children. This defendant’s sentence is a result of that work.”

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney John David Luton represented the United States. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jared Robert Faulkner, age 30, of Krebs, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 96 months’ imprisonment and 3 years’ supervised release for Felon In Possession Of Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). Mr. Faulkner was tried on August 16th and 17th, 2018. The jury returned a guilty verdict. Faulkner was sentenced on December 13, 2018. 

Evidence presented at trial showed that police officers responded to a disturbance in Krebs. As officers investigated they discovered that Faulkner possessed a firearm and that he was a convicted felon. The verdict was the result of an investigation coordinated as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort in the Eastern District of Oklahoma to reduce violent crime. Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”) is an initiative led and coordinated by the United States Attorney’s Office. The agencies involved in the investigation were the McAlester Police Department, the Krebs Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 

“Project Safe Neighborhoods has been a great success in Oklahoma and across the country. I believe one of the reasons it has been such a success is the emphasis it places on interagency cooperation to achieve the shared goal of combatting and reducing violent crime,” United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said. “This investigation and prosecution is a PSN success story.”

The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served.