Eastern District of Oklahoma

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Clinton Ray Stowe, age 36, of Allen, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The Indictment alleged that on October 27, 2025, Stowe assaulted the victim, resulting in serious bodily injury.

The crime occurred in Ada, Oklahoma, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

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

The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.

A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Stowe will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lewis M. Reagan represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Billy Ray St. Clair, age 25, of Durant, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Felon in Possession of Ammunition, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The Indictment charged St. Clair with knowingly possessing 18 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition on January 14, 2025, after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment.

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

The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.

A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

St. Clair will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lewis M. Reagan represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Michael Paul Puentes, age 50, of Durant, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, punishable by up to 40 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine.

The Indictment alleged that on July 4, 2023, Puentes knowingly and intentionally possessed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, intending to distribute it.

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

The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.

A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Puentes will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard J. Lorenz represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Todd Philip Wilkerson, age 54, of Ardmore, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 70 months in prison for one count of Sexual Abuse in Indian Country.

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

On July 9, 2025, Wilkerson pleaded guilty to the charge.  According to investigators, on March 26, 2025, Wilkerson knowingly engaged in sexual contact with a victim who was incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct and physically incapable of declining participation or communicating unwillingness to engage in that act.  The crime occurred in Carter County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

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

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

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Brandon Scott Waldon, age 44, of Bowlegs, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Failure to Register as Sex Offender, punishable by up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The Indictment alleged that Waldon was convicted of Rape Second Degree in Seminole County, Oklahoma, on August 29, 2002, and was required to register as a sex offender, and that from October 2, 2025, until December 11, 2025, Waldon failed to register and update his registration despite entering, leaving, or residing in Indian country, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The charge arose from an investigation by the United States Marshal Service Violent Crimes Fugitive Task Force and the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police.

The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.

A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Waldon will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Wittlinger represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Andrew Tyler Blankenship, age 39, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for one count of Possession of Ammunition After Conviction of a Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence.

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

On November 10, 2025, Blankenship pleaded guilty to the charge.  According to investigators, on July 24, 2024, after being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of Battery (Domestic Violence) in Putnam County, Florida, and knowing of that conviction, Blankenship knowingly possessed eight rounds of ammunition.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan E. Soverly and Lewis Reagan represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Rebecca Deanne Morehead, age 55, of Locust Grove, Oklahoma, was sentenced to twelve months and one day in prison for one count of Theft or Bribery Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds.  The Court also ordered Morehead to pay $178,758.16 in restitution.

The charge arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Education – Office of Inspector General (OIG).

On November 21, 2024, Morehead pleaded guilty to the charge in federal district court.  According to investigators, between June of 2019 and October 26, 2021, while serving as the Encumbrance Clerk and Activities Coordinator for the Hulbert Public School District, Morehead issued herself payroll and miscellaneous payments to in excess of her contracted and authorized salary with no legitimate purpose. Morehead issued these payments with the assistance of then-Treasurer Leslie Shannon Mack.  Together, their combined actions resulted in an ultimate loss to the Hulbert Public School District exceeding a half million dollars.  On December 11, 2024, Mack was sentenced to twelve months and one day in prison and ordered to pay $372,808.09 in restitution.

“I’m proud of the work of OIG Special Agents and our law enforcement partners for holding Ms. Morehead accountable for her criminal actions,” said John Woolley, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General Central Regional Office. “This sentence should serve as a warning to anyone who intentionally steals or misappropriates Federal education funds: you will be caught and held accountable for your unlawful actions.”

“The OSBI appreciates the great work conducted by the United States Department of Education, as well as our local law enforcement partners, who assisted us throughout this investigation.  Protecting our school districts against these type of crimes is critical across all of Oklahoma.  We want to thank everyone who stepped up and helped obtain justice in this case,” said Hunter McKee, Public Information Manager with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

“The defendants’ misappropriation of public funding stole opportunity out of the pockets of students and families of the Hulbert Public School District,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson.  “This sentence and restitution stand as a warning that crimes against the public trust will be investigated and prosecuted.”

The Honorable Ronald A. White, Senior District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.  Morehead will self-report on March 13, 2026, to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kara Traster and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia Staubus represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Justin Floyd Qualls, a/k/a Jay Qualls, age 40, of Muldrow, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 360 months in prison for one count of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country.

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

On August 7, 2025, Qualls was found guilty of the charge by a federal jury at trial.

At trial, the United States presented evidence that in May of 2024, Qualls knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a child who had not attained 12 years of age.

The crime occurred in Adair County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation of Oklahoma, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

“This individual, who preyed on the innocence of a child for his own perverse gratification, will now face the consequences of his actions,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater. “Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Qualls will spend three decades behind bars where he cannot harm another child.”

“I commend the FBI and prosecutors for their exceptional work in bringing the defendant to justice,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson.  “Both the verdict handed down by the jury and the sentence imposed by the court should send the strong message that preying on children will not be tolerated.”

The Honorable Timothy M. Reif, Judge for the United States Court of International Trade, sitting by assignment in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.  Qualls will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessie K. Pippin and Emily Wittlinger represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Martin Ray Melton, age 60, of McAlester, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for one count of Failure to Register as Sex Offender.

The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Crime Fugitive Task Force.

On August 11, 2025, Melton pleaded guilty to the charge.  According to investigators, Melton, who is required to register as a sex offender as a result of being convicted of 31 counts of Sexual Abuse of a Child by the State of Oklahoma in Oklahoma County on January 31, 2006, failed to register and update his registration from September 11, 2023, until April 15, 2025, despite entering, leaving, or residing in Indian country, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Timothy M. Reif, U.S. Judge in the United States Court of International Trade, sitting by assignment in the District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.  Melton will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Wittlinger represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Kender Jose Alvarez-Hernandez, a/k/a Kender Alvarez-Hernandez, age 21, a Guatemalan national unlawfully present in Johnston County, Oklahoma, was sentenced to time served for one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien.

The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office.

On August 14, 2025, Alvarez-Hernandez pleaded guilty to the charge.  According to investigators, on June 17, 2025, Alvarez-Hernandez, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on April 23, 2025.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, Senior District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Cornell represented the United States at sentencing.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Fernando Gonzalez-Esparza, a/k/a Fernando Esparza-Gonzalez, a/k/a Fernando Gonzalez-Esparsa, a/k/a Fernando Esparza, a/k/a Fernando Gonzalez, a/k/a Fernada Gonzalez, a/k/a Angel Gomez, age 41, a Mexican national unlawfully present in Muskogee County, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien.

The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Haskell Police Department.

On September 10, 2025, Gonzalez-Esparza pleaded guilty to the charge.  According to investigators, on July 12, 2025, Gonzalez-Esparza, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on October 1, 2021.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Cornell represented the United States at sentencing.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Donovan Matthew Pruett, age 24, of Checotah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 36 months of probation for one count of Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law.

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

On November 24, 2025, Pruett entered a guilty plea in federal district court.  According to investigators, on September 28, 2024, while on duty and working in an official capacity as an Okfuskee County jailer, Pruett physically assaulted a restrained individual at the Okfuskee County Jail after the individual spat on him.  Pruett’s assault caused the victim bodily injury.

Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 242 makes it a crime for any person acting under color of any law to willfully deprive a person of a right or privilege protected by the Constitution or the laws of the United States.  Federal, state, and local officials, including police officers, prison guards, and other law enforcement officials, act under “color of law” when they act or claim to act in the performance of official duties, regardless of whether that official is operating inside or outside of the bounds of their lawful authority.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, Senior District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Paladino, in consultation with the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Cody Lee Pritchett, age 34, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to thirty-seven months in prison for one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition.

The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

On July 9, 2025, Pritchett pleaded guilty to the charge.  According to investigators, on February 4, 2025, law enforcement discovered Pritchett in possession of a .22 caliber Derringer, a semi-automatic rifle, a short-barreled rifle, two hundred rounds of assorted ammunition, 40 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition, one round of Winchester 12-gauge ammunition, and 24 rounds of 9mm ammunition after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, Senior District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Pritchett will self-report on March 12, 2026, to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lewis M. Reagan represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Gustavo Olivares-Ramirez, a/k/a Rogelio Madrigal, a/k/a Gustavo Olivares, Gustavo Ramirez Olivares, a Mexican national unlawfully present in LeFlore County, Oklahoma, was sentenced to eight months in prison for one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien.

The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Heavener Police Department.

On September 4, 2025, Olivares-Ramirez pleaded guilty to the charge.  According to investigators, on June 3, 2025, Olivares-Ramirez, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on November 12, 1997.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Cornell represented the United States at sentencing.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Rodolfo Guardado Palma, a/k/a Rodolfo Guardado-Palma, a/k/a Rodolfo Guardado, a Mexican national unlawfully present/residing in Bryan County, Oklahoma, was sentenced to time served for one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien.

The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

On December 15, 2025, Guardado-Palma pleaded guilty to the charge.  According to investigators, on November 17, 2025, Guardado Palma, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on September 12, 2019, and December 12, 2019.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, Senior U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.

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

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Treyvian Jamal Mason, a/k/a Tray Mason, age 22, of Coalgate, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 78 months in prison for one count of Possession of a Stolen Firearm.

The charge arose from an investigation by the Coalgate Police Department, the Coal County Sheriff’s Office, the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

On June 11, 2025, Mason pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on February 13, 2025, Mason knowingly possessed, concealed, and disposed of a stolen semi-automatic pistol which he knew or had reasonable cause to believe was stolen.

The Honorable Timothy M. Reif, U.S. Judge in the United States Court of International Trade, sitting by assignment in the District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.  Mason will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Gross represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that announced that two defendants have been sentenced for their roles in a federal drug conspiracy.

Dylan Thomas Emmick, age 32, of Purcell, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 51 months in prison for one count of Drug Conspiracy.

On January 8, 2026, Kody James Lile, age 45, of Lindsay, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 51 months in prison for one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.

Emmick and Lile each pleaded guilty to the charges on July 7, 2025, in federal district court.

According to investigators, on November 9, 2024, Lile and Emmick traveled together from Oklahoma City into the Eastern District of Oklahoma to distribute methamphetamine.  Following a traffic stop in Latimer County, law enforcement searched Emmick’s car and found plastic baggies, a digital pocket scale with white crystalline residue, and over 46 grams of pure methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, and the Latimer County Sheriff’s Office.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Cornell represented the United States at sentencing.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that James Paul Cripps, age 28, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Attempted Robbery in Indian Country, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The Indictment alleged that on October 28, 2025, Cripps attempted to take by force and violence and by intimidation, a thing of value from the person and presence of the victim.  The crime occurred in Sequoyah County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

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

The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.

A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Cripps will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Conway represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Michael Morgan Ellis, Jr., age 38, of Wilburton, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to three counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country, punishable by up to fifteen years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country, punishable by up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The Indictment alleged that beginning in July 2023, and continuing until June 26, 2024, Ellis knowingly engaged in sex acts and sexual contact with a minor who had attained the age of 12 years but had not attained the age of 16 years, and who was at least four years younger than Ellis.

The crimes occurred in Pittsburg County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the McAlester Police Department, and the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police.

The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.

A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Ellis will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Wittlinger and Nicole Paladino represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jalen Jace Cancel, age 25, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced to one month in prison and seven months home detention for one count of Wire Fraud Conspiracy, one count of Wire Fraud, and one count of Money Laundering Conspiracy, and ordered to pay $504,948.49 in restitution.

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

On July 21, 2025, Cancel pleaded guilty to the charges. Between June and September 2023, Cancel conspired with others to obtain money from area businesses through materially false and fraudulent pretenses.  According to investigators, the businesses received emails claiming to be from legitimate vendors with instructions to wire payments to certain bank accounts.   It was later determined the emails were created and sent by a member of the conspiracy, and the bank accounts were opened by conspirators to receive and distribute the fraudulently obtained funds.  Cancel facilitated the fraud by opening bank accounts for receiving and distributing the funds.

The Honorable John F. Heil, III, Chief District Court Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Cancel will self-report to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve his sentence on March 2, 2026.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard J. Lorenz represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Ersy Gregorio Umanzor Lopez, a/k/a Ersy Gregorio Umanzor, a/k/a Ersy G. Umanzor, age 33, a Honduran national unlawfully present in Bryan County, Oklahoma, was sentenced to time served for one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien.

The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

On January 5, 2026, Lopez pleaded guilty to the charge.  According to investigators, on November 17, 2025, Lopez, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on September 8, 2017, October 20, 2017, and January 12, 2018.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, Senior U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lewis M. Reagan and Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Cesar Briseno Mauricio, age 26, a Mexican national unlawfully present in Love County, Oklahoma, was sentenced to time served for one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien.

The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

On January 7, 2026, Mauricio pleaded guilty to the charge.  According to investigators, on November 17, 2025, Mauricio, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on March 18, 2020.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The Honorable Ronald A. White, Senior District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan E. Soverly and Nicole Paladino represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Abraham Suy Suar, age 35, a Guatemalan national unlawfully present in Bryan County, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien, punishable by a term of imprisonment of not more than two years, and a fine of not more than $250,000.00.

The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

The Indictment alleged that on November 17, 2025, Suy Suar, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on September 23, 2014.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.

A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Suy Suar will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Daeshaun Jared Ickle Cobretti Small, age 22, of Henryetta, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of a Superseding Indictment charging him with Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian Country, punishable by up to eight years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The Superseding Indictment alleged that on December 31, 2022, Small unlawfully killed the victim in the commission of an unlawful act not amounting to a felony, that is failing to devote full time and attention to driving and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and in the commission in an unlawful manner and without due caution and circumspection of a lawful act, that is, operating a motor vehicle, which might produce death.

The crime occurred in Okmulgee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

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

The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.

A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Small will remain on bond with conditions of release pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Gross and Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Oscar Armando Banegas Mendoza, a/k/a Oscar Armando Banegas-Bendoza, Oscar Armando Banegas Mendoza, Oscar Armando Banegas-Mendoza, Oscar Banegas-Bendoza, Oscar Banegas Mendoza, Oscar Armando Banegas, Oscar Armando, Oscar Banegas-Mendoza, Oscar Banegas, Oscar Mendoza, Oscar Armando Banegas Bendoza, originally complained as Oscar Armando Banegas Bendoza, age 41, a Honduran national unlawfully present in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien, punishable by a term of imprisonment of not more than ten years, and a fine of not more than $250,000.00.

The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

The Indictment alleged that on December 16, 2025, Banegas Mendoza, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on November 27, 2010.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.

A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Banegas Mendoza will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

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

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Richard Leroy Osborn III, age 48, of Wagoner County, Oklahoma, was sentenced to life in prison for five counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country and one count of Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country, and to two years in prison for two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country.  The Court ordered the terms to be served concurrently.

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

On December 11, 2024, at the conclusion of a three-day trial, a federal jury convicted Osborn on all eight counts.  According to investigators, Osborn began sexually assaulting three children in 2011.  In May of 2022, one of the children came forward to report the abuse.  At trial, the United States presented evidence that Osborn had also sexually abused three other victims when they were minors.  Osborn, who was convicted in 2005 of Rape in the Second Degree in the State of Oklahoma, was a registered sex offender when he committed these crimes.

The crimes occurred in Wagoner County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservations, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

“It’s heartbreaking when innocent people in our communities are victimized, especially our children,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “It remains a priority of the United States Attorney’s Office to pursue justice for crime victims. In this case, the defendant, a convicted sex offender, abused three children and the life sentences imposed by the Court are fitting punishments for his heinous crimes.”

The Honorable Robert J. Shelby, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the District of Utah, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing.  Osborn will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

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

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Bryan Dewayne Goodbear, a/k/a Bryan D. Goodbear, a/k/a Bryan W. Goodbear, a/k/a Sonny F. Goodbear, age 29, formerly of Edmond, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 174 months in prison for one count of Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country.

The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections.

On June 18, 2025, Goodbear pleaded guilty to the charge.  According to investigators, on August 16, 2023, Goodbear and two other inmates of the Davis Correctional Facility stabbed a fellow inmate over 70 times, causing severe injuries to the victim’s neck, chest, and abdomen.  The crime occurred in Hughes County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Robert J. Shelby, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court of Utah, sitting by special appointment, presided over the hearing.  Goodbear will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lewis M. Reagan, T. Cameron McEwen, and Patrick M. Flanigan represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Garland Leon Seay, age 39, of Haileyville, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 5 years’ probation for two counts of Theft of Government Property, and 5 years’ probation for one count of Entering a Military Installation for a Purpose Prohibited by Law. All three counts are to be served concurrently.

The charges arose from an investigation by the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant Police Department, the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office, the Savanna Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

On April 22, 2026, Seay pleaded guilty to the charges. According to investigators, on July 22, 2024, law enforcement discovered Seay in possession of various items he had stolen from the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant (MCAAP), including an inert training missile. During the ensuing investigation, law enforcement recovered additional MCAAP property stolen by Seay over the prior year.

The Honorable Robert J. Shelby, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the District of Utah, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lewis M. Reagan and T. Cameron McEwen represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jimmy Charles Wright, age 48, of Park Hill, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 137 months in prison for one count of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country, and to forty-eight months for two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country.  The Court ordered the sentences to be served concurrently.

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

On July 24, 2025, Wright pleaded guilty to the charges.  According to investigators, beginning on February 27, 2024, and continuing until March 11, 2024, Wright knowingly engaged in sexual contact and sex acts with a minor child who had attained the age of 12 but was under the age of 16, and was at least four years younger than Wright.

The crimes occurred in Cherokee County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The Honorable Robert J. Shelby, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the District of Utah, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing.  Wright will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Wittlinger represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Dale Warren Gribnitz, age 67, of Valliant, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 5 years of probation for one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm.

The charge arose from an investigation by the Valliant Police Department, the Choctaw County Sheriff's Office, the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

On April 8, 2025, Gribnitz pleaded guilty to the charge.  According to investigators, on October 20, 2024, Gribnitz knowingly possessed a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

The Honorable Robert J. Shelby, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the District of Utah, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Ivone Monforte Leal, aka Yvonne Monforte, aka Ivonne Monforte Stefany, age 34, a Mexican national unlawfully present in Wagoner County, Oklahoma, was sentenced to time served for one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien.

The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office.

On May 22, 2025, Leal pleaded guilty to the charge.  According to investigators, on March 26, 2025, Leal, an alien, was found in the United States after having been previously removed twice without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The Honorable Robert J. Shelby, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the District of Utah, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

Assistant U.S. Attorney T. Cameron McEwen represented the United States at sentencing.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jose Luis Jimenez-Hernandez, a/k/a Jose Luis Jiminez-Hernandez, age 45, a Mexican national unlawfully present in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to time served for one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien.

The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division.

On September 15, 2025, Jimenez-Hernandez pleaded guilty to the charge.  According to investigators, on July 24, 2025, Jimenez-Hernandez, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on January 10, 2012, June 14, 2013, and October 25, 2013.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The Honorable Robert J. Shelby, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the District of Utah, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Cornell represented the United States at sentencing.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Augustin Borja-Gaona, a/k/a Augustine Borja, a/k/a Augustine Bara, a/k/a Agustin Borja, a/k/a Augustin Gaona Borja, a/k/a Austin Borja, a/k/a Austin Gaona Borja, a/k/a Agustin Borja-Gaona, a/k/a Genaro Borja-Reynoso, age 56, a Mexican national unlawfully present in Pittsburg County, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien.

The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office.

On August 18, 2025, Borja-Gaona pleaded guilty to the charge.  According to investigators, on March 19, 2025, Borja-Gaona, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed in 1999, 2002, 2007, and 2012.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The Honorable Robert J. Shelby, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the District of Utah, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing in Muskogee, Oklahoma.  Borja-Gaona will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Cornell represented the United States at sentencing.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Tyrone Noble, age 59, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition.

The charge arose from an investigation by the Okfuskee County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Tribal Police Department.

On June 25, 2025, Noble pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on December 2, 2024, law enforcement discovered Noble in possession of a 12-gauge shotgun and 5 rounds of Winchester 12-gauge ammunition.  At the time, Noble had been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The Honorable Robert J. Shelby, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the District of Utah, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing in Muskogee, Oklahoma.  Noble will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Gross represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that five defendants in a drug conspiracy investigation entered guilty pleas in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

• On December 15, 2025, JORDAN RACHELLE HERBERT, a/k/a Jordon Rachelle Herbert, age 35, of Ardmore, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to one count of Drug Conspiracy, punishable by a minimum of 10 years to life in prison, and a $10,000,000 fine.
• On January 20, 2026, WALLACE LORENZO KEMP, age 42, of Ardmore, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to one count of Drug Conspiracy, punishable by punishable by a minimum of 10 years to life in prison, and a $10,000,000 fine.
• On January 20, 2026, ASHLEY BROOKE ENYART, age 35, of Ardmore, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to one count of Drug Conspiracy, punishable by punishable by a minimum of 10 years to life in prison, and a $10,000,000 fine.
• On January 22, 2026, WHITNEY JANELLE JONES, age 35, of Carter County, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to one count of Drug Conspiracy, punishable by punishable by a minimum of 10 years to life in prison, and a $10,000,000 fine.
• On January 22, 2026, TAYVAUGHN LASHAWN CRUMP, a/k/a Bleu Strreet, age 26, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to a one count Felony Information of Drug Conspiracy, punishable by a minimum of 5 years and up to a maximum of 40 years in prison, and a $5,000,000 fine.

The Indictment alleged that beginning in or about August 2023, and continuing until May 14, 2025, Kemp, Herbert, Enyart, and Jones knowingly and intentionally conspired to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, and that, as further alleged in a Felony Information, Crump participated in the conspiracy to knowingly and intentionally distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl.

To achieve the object of their conspiracy, the defendants:

• acquired and arranged for the transport of fentanyl into the Eastern District of Oklahoma;
• maintained locations and premises in Carter County, Oklahoma, where they divided the fentanyl for distribution;
• used electronic communications for purchase and distribution of fentanyl;
• used automobiles to facilitate the acquisition and distribution of fentanyl;
• sent and received proceeds derived from the sale of fentanyl via peer-to-peer money transfer applications;
• collected, stored, and transported sums of Untied States currency derived from the sale of fentanyl;
• and cultivated customer bases for the common overall goal of buying, selling, and otherwise possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics.

The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the pleas and ordered the completion of presentence investigation reports.

A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentences to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Kemp, Herbert, Jones, and Crump will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.  Enyart will remain on bond with pretrial conditions of release pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard J. Lorenz represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Drew Alexander Ragsdale, a/k/a Drew Alexander Ragsdale-Smith, a/k/a Drew Down, a/k/a Skat, age 28, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to two counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine, each punishable by 5 to 40 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine, and one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, punishable by a minimum of 10 years in prison and a $10,000,000 fine.

The Indictment alleged that on February 4, 2025, and again on February 26, 2025, Ragsdale knowingly and intentionally distributed 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, and that on March 4, 2025, Ragsdale knowingly and intentionally possessed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Muskogee Police Department.

The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.

A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Ragsdale will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard J. Lorenz and Emily Wittlinger represented the United States.

Traditions Health LLC (Traditions) has agreed to pay $34 million to resolve its civil liability under the False Claims Act for billing medically unnecessary home health claims to Medicare and providing financial benefits to physicians in exchange for referrals. Traditions self-disclosed the conduct at issue to the government.

The settlement resolves allegations that, from 2021 to 2024, Traditions submitted claims to Medicare from its McAlester, Oklahoma, location for home health services that were not medically necessary. It also resolves claims that, between 2019 and 2024, Traditions paid remuneration to physician-medical directors in Oklahoma and Texas who referred Medicare beneficiaries to Traditions for home health services and that this remuneration potentially violated the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Physician Self-Referral Law.

The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits the provision of remuneration to induce referrals of government health care program business. The Physician Self-Referral Law, commonly known as the Stark Law, prohibits physicians from making referrals for the furnishing of certain designated health services, including home health, payable by Medicare to an entity where the physician has a “financial relationship,” unless the arrangement meets the requirements of a statutory or regulatory exception. Federal law prohibits payment by federal health care programs of medical claims that result from arrangements that violate the Anti-Kickback Statute or the Stark Law.

In connection with its self-disclosure, Traditions took a number of significant steps entitling it to credit for cooperating with the government. Following its independent investigation, Traditions provided detailed and thorough written disclosures to the government and cooperated with the government throughout the investigation. Traditions also promptly took remedial actions including removing individuals identified as responsible for the misconduct, improving its compliance program, and providing additional training to its employees.

“Home health care is critical to Medicare patients who are unable to leave their homes for treatment,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brenna E. Jenny of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “As today’s settlement reflects, when health care providers fail to uphold the rules of the Medicare program, they can mitigate the consequences by making timely self-disclosures, cooperating with the government’s investigation, and promptly taking appropriate remedial measures.”

“Billing and receiving payments from Medicare for unnecessary and inappropriate medical care is a practice which cannot and will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. “The disclosure and settlement agreed to by Traditions Health LLC in this case demonstrates that early mitigation goes a long way towards addressing fraud and mitigating the loss of taxpayer dollars.”

“Preying on vulnerable patients for financial gain is unacceptable,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Scott J. Lampert at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Providers who engage in kickbacks and false claims will be held accountable. This resolution reinforces OIG’s commitment to protecting patients, preserving program integrity, and safeguarding taxpayer dollars.”

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, and HHS-OIG.

The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

Fraud Section Trial Attorney Jonathan Hoerner and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Mitts for the Eastern District of Oklahoma handled this matter.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jorge Alberto Mejia Rodriguez, a/k/a Alberto Mejia, a/k/a Jorge Mejia, age 44, a Mexican national unlawfully present/residing in Bryan County, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien, punishable by a term of imprisonment of not more than two years, and a fine of not more than $250,000.00.

The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

The Indictment alleged that on November 17, 2025, Rodriguez, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on August 23, 2014, and on September 27, 2018.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.

A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Rodriguez will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edith A. Singer and Jacob R. Parker represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Madelyn Simone Johnson, age 22, of Ardmore, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Engaging in Monetary Transactions in Property Derived from Specified Unlawful Activity, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The Indictment alleged that on May 2, 2025, Johnson, while a bank employee, knowingly engaged in a monetary transaction involving property of a value greater than $10,000, which she embezzled from the bank.

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

The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.

A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Johnson will remain out on bond with conditions of release pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacob R. Parker and Erin Cornell represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jorden James Thierry, age 22, of Boynton, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for one count of Stealing a Firearm from a Federal Licensed Dealer.

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

On June 9, 2025, Thierry pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, in the early hours of April 17, 2025, Thierry broke into the Checotah storefront of a federally licensed firearms dealer and stole two 9mm semi-automatic handguns, leaving behind a trail of blood.  When agents detained Thierry, they observed a deep cut on Thierry’s right hand and recovered one of the stolen firearms from Thierry’s backpack; the second firearm was later recovered from a residence in Checotah.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Cesar Briseno Mauricio, age 26, a Mexican national unlawfully present in Love County, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien, punishable by a term of imprisonment of not more than two years, and a fine of not more than $250,000.00.

The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

The Indictment alleged that on November 17, 2025, Mauricio, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on March 18, 2020.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.

A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Mauricio will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan E. Soverly and Nicole Paladino represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Chayse Anthony Beard, age 24, of Hugo, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 57 months in prison for one count of Possession of an Unregistered Firearm, and 57 months in prison for one count of Possession of Certain Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.  The court ordered the terms to be served concurrently.

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

On March 20, 2025, Beard pleaded guilty to the charges.  According to investigators, on July 17, 2024, law enforcement discovered Beard in possession of two short-barreled firearms, neither of which were registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Beard also possessed over 400 visual depictions of prepubescent minors and minors under the age of 12 engaged in sexually explicit conduct on his cell phone.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Josh Satter and Emily Wittlinger represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Isaac James Looney, age 22, of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The Indictment alleged that on December 16, 2024, Looney assaulted the victim with a dangerous weapon intending to do bodily harm.

The crime occurred in Okmulgee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Okmulgee Police Department, and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Tribal Police Department.

The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.

A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Looney will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lewis M. Reagan and Jordan Howanitz represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Longino Ramirez Ramos, age 51, a Mexican national unlawfully present in Adair County, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien, punishable by a term of imprisonment of not more than two years, and a fine of not more than $250,000.00.

The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

The Indictment alleged that on December 3, 2025, Ramos, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on May 5, 2010, on February 14, 2011, on October 17, 2019, and on February 7, 2020.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.

A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Ramos will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob R. Parker represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Rider Marel Santos-Lara, a/k/a Rider Santos-Lara, age 36, a Honduran national unlawfully present in Bryan County, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien, punishable by a term of imprisonment of not more than two years, and a fine of not more than $250,000.00.

The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

The Indictment alleged that on November 17, 2025, Santos-Lara, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on September 30, 2016.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.

A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Santos-Lara will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

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

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Claylon Leon Austin, a/k/a Clayton Leon Austin, age 38, of Henryetta, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Child/Use of a Child to Produce a Visual Depiction, punishable by no less than 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The Indictment alleged that beginning on March 13, 2025, and continuing until March 14, 2025, Austin enticed a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of creating videos using a device which Austin knew was manufactured outside the state of Oklahoma.

The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police.

The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.

A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Austin will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Wittlinger represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Michael Wayne Wasson, a/k/a Pops, age 64, of Henryetta, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of a Felony Information for Distribution of Methamphetamine, punishable by a term of up to 20 years imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine.

The Information alleged that on or about October 19, 2023, Wasson knowingly and willfully distributed a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

The charge arose from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs.

The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.

A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Wasson is remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edith A. Singer and Jacob R. Parker represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Caleb Chainey Hensley, age 26, of Henryetta, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Distribution of Methamphetamine, punishable by a term of ten years to life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine.

The Indictment alleged that on May 13, 2024, Hensley knowingly and intentionally distributed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

The charge arose from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics.

The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.

A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Hensley will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edith A. Singer and Jacob R. Parker represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Larry Douglas Martin, age 54, of McAlester, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The Indictment charged Martin with possessing a semi-automatic rifle and a semi-automatic pistol after having previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.

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

The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.

A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Martin will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia Staubus represented the United States.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jory Lynn Poafpybitty, a/k/a Jory Len Poafpybitty, age 39, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Felon in Possession of Ammunition, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The Indictment charged Poafpybitty with knowingly possessing 25 rounds of .38spl ammunition and 50 rounds of 9mm ammunition on March 27, 2025, after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment.

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

The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.

A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Poafpybitty will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.