Northern District of Oklahoma

A federal jury found a man guilty Thursday for severely beating and strangling his pregnant niece in July 2021, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

Kenneth Dale Walker, 54, of Collinsville, was convicted of assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country.

“Kenneth Walker viciously attacked his pregnant niece in her own home, endangering the victim and her unborn child,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “This office will continue to prosecute domestic crimes of violence to seek justice on behalf of the victims. I am proud of the dedicated work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leah Paisner and Stacey Todd, the FBI, and Collinsville Police Department that led to Mr. Walker’s conviction.”

On July 14, 2021, Walker started an argument with his pregnant niece when she refused to provide him a set of keys to her home due to his recent erratic behavior at her home. During the argument about the keys, Walker headbutted his niece. Walker then shoved the victim down into a recliner, causing the recliner to flip backward and the victim’s head to collide with a small table. He stood over the victim and repeatedly kicked the pregnant victim in the stomach. The victim turned her body defensively to protect the unborn child, causing him to instead kick her upper thighs. Walker also lunged at her and attempted to gouge her eyes with his thumbs. He then strangled the victim to the point she saw spots, could not breathe, and thought she and her unborn child would die.

The only thing that stopped Walker’s attack was the victim’s boyfriend who entered the room after overhearing the commotion and saw Walker strangling the victim. When the boyfriend pried Walker off the victim, Walker tried to drag the victim by her hair with him. After the victim was freed, Walker left the home.

The victim and her boyfriend called 911, and the Collinsville Police Department responded to the scene. The victim was taken to the emergency room where she was treated.

Based on interviews with the victim, her medical records, photographs of her initial injuries, and the police reports, a medical expert for the prosecution determined that during the assault, the victim had sustained multiple contusions and abrasions to her neck, face, and back; she experienced the prolonged obstruction of blood flow to her brain, impairing her brain function; her ability to breath was compromised due to the strangulation; and she had sustained a concussion. The expert concluded and testified that the victim’s injuries were serious and the result of a near-fatal strangulation.

In addition to Thursday’s federal conviction, Walker has been convicted of assault and battery three times, domestic assault and battery three times, violation of a protective order, and further convicted of various drug and gun offenses in the state of Oklahoma.

The FBI and Collinsville Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leah D. Paisner and Stacey P. Todd are prosecuting the case.

 A man who intentionally shot through a neighbor’s door during a domestic violence incident involving a child was sentenced in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Michael Adam Lindsey, 37, of Sand Springs, to a total of 138 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release.

He is to serve 18 months in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm in Indian Country and 120 months for carrying, using, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

Lindsey pleaded guilty in September 2021. Lindsey admitted in his plea agreement that on April 29, 2018, he intended to cause bodily harm when he shot a firearm toward a neighbor as she stood behind a door. Just before the incident, a child fled to the neighbor’s home to escape from Lindsey, who had been drinking and just attempted to strangle her. When the neighbor saw the defendant holding a gun, she closed and locked the door before he could enter. When Lindsey was unable to enter the home, he intentionally fired a shot through the door. The bullet went through the door and hit the woman in the upper left arm, near her shoulder. The woman was later treated at the hospital and recovered.

“Michael Lindsey was a danger to his neighborhood and his family. Lindsey could have just as easily killed his neighbor, instead of wounding her when he shot through her door,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “I am thankful she has fully recovered. She is to be commended for selflessly acting to protect the child from harm when she brought her into the home.”

According to a sentencing memorandum filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Kelly, Sand Springs police officers found Lindsey laying on the ground outside his home and further located a Jennings .22 caliber pistol and a box of 36, .22 caliber bullets on the front passenger seat of his car.  The slide on the pistol was slightly locked back and a spent round and unspent round appeared jammed in the chamber, indicating that Lindsey had attempted to fire again but could not.

Kelly stated that Lindsey possessed the handgun despite having two prior felony convictions. Individuals convicted of a felony are prohibited from possessing firearms. Kelly also stated that Lindsey’s decision to drink 15 or 16 double shots the day of the crime was not a defense nor an excuse for his dangerous behavior.

The FBI and Sand Springs Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Kelly prosecuted the case.

Universal Aryan Brotherhood member Dillon Rose, 30, pleaded guilty this week to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

As part of the conspiracy, he admitted to murdering victim Jason Harris in 2017. 
 
The plea agreement calls for Rose to serve 22 years in prison to run concurrent with the state of Oklahoma sentence he is presently serving. U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan will determine Rose’s sentence on May 3, 2022.  
 
“Dillon Rose took an active role in the Universal Aryan Brotherhood. As part of his nefarious crimes, he kidnapped and murdered a man,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorney Dennis Fries and special agents with Homeland Security Investigations and IRS-Criminal Investigation who have sought justice for Oklahomans victimized by this deadly criminal organization.”

Rose, in his plea agreement, stated that he was a member of the Universal Aryan Brotherhood from 2016 to the present. Rose knew that at least two other UAB members would commit racketeering crimes. He understood the objectives of the racketeering conspiracy and took part in it. Rose admitted to being involved directly, or as a coconspirator, in two or more racketeering crimes to include murder, kidnapping, and more.  Specifically on Oct. 4, 2017, Rose along with Dustin Baker kidnapped, robbed and killed Jason Harris. The 38-year-old victim was later discovered in an SUV on the shoulder of Highway 169.

Rose was indicted on Dec. 7, 2018, with 17 other UAB members and associates. The indictment was unsealed Feb. 20, 2019, and alleged the gang to be a racketeering enterprise that committed acts of murder, kidnapping, the trafficking of methamphetamine and firearms, money laundering, assault, and robbery throughout the State of Oklahoma. The indictment alleged that nine individuals were murdered as part of the UAB’s racketeering operations, often upon the orders of the Main Council, the highest governing body of the UAB.

The UAB is a “whites only” prison-based gang with members operating inside and outside of state prisons throughout Oklahoma.  It was established in 1993 within the Oklahoma Department of Corrections and modeled itself after the principles and ideology of the Aryan Brotherhood, a California-based prison gang that formed in the 1960s.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and IRS-Criminal Investigation led the investigation with assistance from the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, the Tulsa and Enid Police Departments, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Dennis A. Fries is prosecuting this case.

You can find the press release announcing charges in February 2019 here.

Members of a large-scale theft ring have been charged by Federal and State prosecutors for their roles in an organization whose operations crossed state lines and caused more than $10 million in losses to retailers, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson and Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Connor.

This week, local, state, and federal law enforcement arrested 24 defendants in Tulsa and the surrounding areas, as part of Operation Booster Buster. Five defendants remain at large.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office charged a total of 29 defendants with taking part in the largescale retail theft ring staged out of northeastern Oklahoma.

“Organized retail crime is costly to the economic well-being of our communities. This alleged retail theft ring is estimated to have caused retailers more than $10 million in losses,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “A joint team of investigators have worked meticulously over the past several years to connect the evidence and bring this case forward for prosecution. I am thankful for their professionalism and persistence.”

“This investigation was complex, challenging, and lengthy,” Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Connor said. “These are serious crimes. Organized crime is on the rise nationwide, and my office is committed to holding criminals accountable for their actions. I want to thank the state, local, and federal law enforcement agents and prosecutors for their work and partnership in this case.”

Charges were announced at a press conference Thursday. U.S. Attorney Johnson and Oklahoma Attorney General O’Connor were joined by Tulsa Chief of Police Wendell Franklin, Special Agent in Charge Christopher Miller of Homeland Security Investigations, Special Agent in Charge Christopher Altemus Jr. of IRS-Criminal Investigation, and Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado.

Stores targeted include Reasor’s, Sprouts, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Costco, Walgreens, CVS, GNC and others.

For example, on Sept. 4, 2019, defendants Amber Clayson, Latoya Duhart and others allegedly boosted $1,329 worth of over-the-counter products, such as Flonase, Mucinex, Nexium, Zegerid, and Allegra, from a Reasor’s in Jenks, Oklahoma.

According to the federal indictment and the state’s probable cause affidavit, defendant Linda Been led the ring of “boosters” that netted $4.5 million from the sale of stolen merchandise and over-the-counter products to fencing organizations outside of Oklahoma. “Fences” then sold the stolen products through e-commerce sites, like eBay and Amazon.

Normally, fences paid Been half the market value for each item. Been, in turn, paid boosters half of her expected profit for each item they brought to her. Financial payments for stolen products were normally made through PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App, and some payments were made with drugs.

Been provided her boosters with a detailed list of items to steal and the pricing she would pay for each. She further instructed her ring on boosting techniques, including box stuffing. Box stuffing occurs when criminals conceal higher-value items inside lower-value item boxes and only paying for the lower-valued items.

Been and her team of boosters allegedly stole products from retailers in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Colorado. Been would pay boosters’ expenses when they traveled outside the state. She would further pay boosters’ bond when arrested so they could continue boosting.

Boosters would then deliver the goods to predetermined locations in Tulsa, Sand Springs, and Cleveland, Oklahoma. Defendants Billy Osborne, Juston Osborne, Corey Fields, and Amanda Johnson allegedly helped manage the operation by storing stolen inventory at their residences or businesses and by prepping the merchandise for bulk shipments to fences outside the state. Been also stored stolen merchandise at her residences, prepared inventories, coordinated payment, and shipped the pallets of stolen items.

“Consumers and businesses incur a high price for thieves who commit larcenies and profit by selling their stolen goods to well organized theft rings,” said Tulsa Police Chief Wendell Franklin. “Thieves should take notice. Tulsa is not going to capitulate and allow criminals to disrupt commerce in our city.”

“These federal indictments are a result of the tremendous work and collaboration accomplished by our trusted law enforcement partners, said Christopher Miller, acting Special Agent in Charge HSI Dallas. “It does not matter where these criminal networks operate and sell their illegally acquired goods. We will work without end to ensure those involved are investigated and brought to justice.”

The investigation into the retail theft ring began in 2019 when an organized crime investigator from a pharmacy retailer shared information with Tulsa Police Detectives about bulk thefts at their Tulsa area locations. Investigators linked several boosters in the Tulsa area to Been and her son, state defendant Curtis Leon Gann Jr. They also noted that Been and Gann Jr. were allegedly selling over-the-counter medications, along with other commonly stolen items on their eBay accounts.

The Tulsa Police Department reached out to lead investigator Agent Thomas Helm with the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office. Once it was determined that crimes linked to Been’s retail theft organization also occurred in surrounding states, a federal investigation was launched.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office, Tulsa Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and IRS Criminal Investigation joined forces to lead Operation Booster Buster. HSI Task Force Officers from the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office also joined in the investigation.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Tulsa Police Department, Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office, and Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Richard M. Cella and Reagan V. Reininger are prosecuting the case on behalf of the federal government. Senior Deputy Attorney General Joy Thorp and Assistant Attorney General Kenneth Dane Towery are prosecuting the case on behalf of the state of Oklahoma.    

*A “booster” is a person who steals goods and merchandise, specifically, but not limited to OTC from retail stores.

* A “fence” or “fencing operation” is a person, organization or entity that purchases or receives stolen goods and merchandise from boosters.  The fence or fencing operation then re-sells the stolen goods and merchandise to third parties.

An indictment and other charging documents are merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

A Tulsa woman who enabled the abuse of a young child was sentenced Monday in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

Chief U.S. District Judge John F. Heil III sentenced Amanda Lyn Walker, 42, to 10 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release.

On June 23, 2021, a federal jury found Walker guilty of two counts of enabling acts of child abuse in Indian Country and her boyfriend, Craig Allan Morrison, 37, guilty of two counts of child abuse in Indian Country. Morrison is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 14.

On June 23, 2021, a federal jury found Walker guilty of two counts of enabling acts of child abuse in Indian Country and her boyfriend, Craig Allan Morrison, 37, guilty of two counts of child abuse in Indian Country. Morrison is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 14.

“Amanda Walker lied to family and law enforcement about abuse inflicted on a young child by Craig Morrison,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Saint Francis Hospital’s pediatric staff, who reported the abuse to authorities, is to be commended for their thorough examination of the victim and dedication to protecting children.”

During the trial, the jury received evidence describing two separate instances of child abuse involving a then three-year-old child. Prosecutors contended that Walker had ignored the abuse, allowed it to continue, and chose to protect her boyfriend instead of the child.

The first incident took place on or about Dec. 20, 2019, when other family members observed and photographed a hand-shaped bruise on the child’s face. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Walker told a relative that Morrison had hit the child in the face while sleeping due to a “night terror” and that the child’s other bruises were from falls. The relative also reported several other examples where Walker allowed Morrison to mistreat the child, including shoving food into the child’s mouth, causing him to choke.

Walker was further warned by one of Morrison’s family members in text messages to distance herself from Morrison because he was dangerous. The family member also reported that Morrison said the child cried for no reason, so Morrison gave the child reason to cry.

The second incident took place on or about Feb. 18, 2020, when the victim was taken to the Saint Francis Hospital Pediatric Emergency Room with injuries and extensive bruising to the child’s head, back, shoulder, abdomen, buttocks, and leg.  Laboratory testing showed elevated liver enzymes and elevated amylase.   A pediatrician who treated the victim testified these laboratory tests indicated liver and pancreatic injuries and that the child’s injuries showed the child had suffered blunt force trauma and were the result of child abuse. The hospital contacted authorities.

When interviewed by Tulsa police officers, Walker claimed the child sometimes jumped off his bed and injured himself on the concrete floor, so she assumed that may have been what occurred. She decided to take the child to the hospital when she felt a contusion on the child’s head.

The crimes took place within the Muskogee Nation Reservation and the minor is a citizen of the Comanche Nation. 

The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melody Noble Nelson and Chantelle D. Dial prosecuted the case.

Former police officer Shannon Kepler, 61, was sentenced today in federal court for killing Jeremey Lake on Aug. 5, 2014.

U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Kepler to 25 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. Per the family’s request, he further ordered Kepler to pay restitution in an amount to cover the cost of a headstone for the victim. Kepler was sentenced for using a firearm in the commission of second degree murder. A separate assault charge for firing at Lake’s brother was previously dismissed by Judge Frizzell due to the statute of limitations.

During sentencing, Jeremey’s father spoke in court. He described the emotional and physical toll taken by his first-born son’s death and the subsequent trials. He described how difficult it was to think of his son suffering while the defendant drove away from the crime scene.

Jeremey’s father and the family members who submitted letters reminded the Court that Jeremey never had the chance to grow into the man he had hoped to become for his unborn child. They explained that prior to his death, Jeremey found a steady residence and intended to go to welding school. They also spoke about his selflessness and willingness to help others, as evidenced by his volunteer work at the homeless shelter. One family member explained that the only place she could speak to Jeremey now was at his grave.

“Nineteen-year-old Jeremey Lake died almost immediately after Shannon Kepler gunned him down in the street in 2014,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Kepler, at the time, was sworn to uphold the law but instead made a series of decisions that led to the young man’s murder. Today’s 25-year sentence provides a measure of justice to Mr. Lake’s family, though I know their healing continues. It also serves as a reminder that the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will hold individuals accountable for acts of violence in our community.”

A federal jury convicted Kepler in April 2021 for killing Lake.

A week prior to Lake’s 2014 murder, Kepler dropped off his 18-year-old daughter at a homeless shelter with no extra clothing, no money, and no cell phone. He later logged into his daughter’s Facebook account while he was at work and saw that she had newly changed her status to being “in a relationship” with Jeremey Lake. Kepler then used police databases to gather information on Lake and printed off police reports about the victim. The day of the crime, Kepler changed into dark clothing, used his wife’s SUV, then travelled after dark to Lake’s last known address with a loaded revolver in the waistband of his pants.

After seeing Lake and Lisa Kepler around 9 pm, Kepler approached Lake and shot him in the street on North Maybelle Avenue, near downtown Tulsa. After shooting the victim twice through the chest, he turned and fired in the direction of his daughter, the victim’s brother, and a third witness to the killing. Lake died at the scene.

At the time of the murder, Kepler was a 24-year veteran of the Tulsa Police Department.

Kepler appealed his 2017 State manslaughter conviction for the killing on grounds that his case should have been tried in federal court based on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in McGirt v. Oklahoma. Kepler is a citizen of the Muscogee Nation, and the shooting took place on the nation’s Reservation.

The FBI and Tulsa Police Department joined forces to lead the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ross E. Lenhardt and Sean J. Taylor prosecuted the case. Mr. Lenhardt is a prosecutor from the Western District of Pennsylvania, and Mr. Taylor is a prosecutor from the Eastern District of Texas. Both volunteered to assist prosecution efforts in the Northern District of Oklahoma due to increased jurisdictional responsibilities regarding crimes that occur on the Muscogee, Cherokee and Quapaw Nations’ Reservations involving Native American victims or defendants.

You can find the trial press release here.

United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the January 2022 Federal Grand Jury A.

The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.

Earl Dean Baker III. Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force and Threat in Indian Country; Sexual Abuse by Threat and Fear in Indian Country. Baker III, 33, of Tulsa, allegedly threatened and raped a victim on Nov. 3, 2021. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Childress is prosecuting the case.

Andrew Michael Crowels, Katie Dawn Keck. Carjacking; Robbery in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Kidnapping in Indian Country; Robbery in Indian Country; Kidnapping in Indian Country. Crowels, 36, of Tulsa, and Keck, 32, of Pryor, allegedly took a vehicle from the owner by force and intimidation on Dec. 14, 2021. Crowels allegedly brandished a firearm during the carjacking. Crowels and Keck, aided and abetted by others, also allegedly kidnapped the victim and stole currency, debit cards, credit cards, the victim’s Ford Focus, and a cell phone during the incident. After being unable to use the victim’s debit card, the defendants forcibly took the victim to his place of employment and stole money from the safe. The Tulsa Police Department is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Buscemi is prosecuting the case.

Coti D’Shayne Davis. Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Davis, 30, of Tulsa, is charged with failing to register and update his registration as a sex offender from Feb. 1, 2019, to July 31, 2021. The U.S. Marshals Service is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Valeria Luster is prosecuting the case.

Dhylian Whalin Rhain Gonzalis. Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling, Suffocating, and Attempting to Strangle and Suffocate in Indian Country; Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to an Intimate/Dating Partner in Indian Country; Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling, Suffocating, and Attempting to Strangle and Suffocate in Indian Country; Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to an Intimate/Dating Partner in Indian Country. Gonzalis is charged with two counts of strangling his dating partner on Aug. 28, 2020. He further charged with two counts of striking the victim, causing serious bodily injury. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Buscemi is prosecuting the case.

Christian James Harrison. First Degree Murder in Indian Country; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. Harrison, 19, of Tulsa, is charged with shooting and killing a 13-year-old boy during an argument on Dec. 22, 2021. Harrison is also charged with assaulting and discharging a firearm at a second victim. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Kelly is prosecuting the case.

Michael Dylan Hedrick. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. Hedrick, 28, of Tulsa, allegedly struck the victim with the intent of doing bodily harm on Nov. 28, 2021. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Cella is prosecuting the case.

Randy Thomas Lynch; Haley Ashton Spry. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Drug Conspiracy; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Receipt of a Firearm While Under Indictment for a Felony (superseding indictment).  Lynch, 34, of Tulsa, is charged in count 1 with being a felon in possession of a Mossberg 12-guage caliber pump-action shotgun; a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol; a Taurus .38 Special caliber revolver; a Remington Union Metallic Cartridge Company .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol; a Kimber .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol; a Winchester 20-gauge caliber pump-action shotgun; a Hawk Industries Co. Ltd 12-gauge caliber pump-action shotgun, and 57 rounds of assorted ammunition. Lynch is charged in Count 2 with conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. He is further charged with knowingly possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Both Lynch and Spry, 24, of Tulsa, are charged with aiding and abetting each other when maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing methamphetamine. Finally, Spry is charged with receiving a Glock .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol while under indictment for a felony. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Nasar is prosecuting the case.

Geary Wayne Stotesbury. Carjacking; Kidnapping in Indian Country; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Theft of over $1,000 in Indian Country; Tampering with a Witness and Victim by Using and Threatening Physical Force. Stotesbury, 40, of Pryor, used violence and intimidation to take a vehicle from a victim on Nov. 17, 2021, after he kidnapped the victim. He is also charged with cutting and stabbing the victim during the carjacking. Stotesbury is also charged with theft of property worth over $1,000 in value, which included cash, a cell phone and the victim’s vehicle. Finally, Stotesbury is charged with threatening to kill the victim and hitting and cutting the victim to prevent her from reporting the crime to authorities. The FBI and Mayes County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina Gilmore is prosecuting the case.

Jeffrey David Sutton. Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. Sutton, 53, of Mounds, is charged with shooting a victim with intent to commit murder on Dec. 2, 2021. He is further charged with carrying and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. The FBI, Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Briden is prosecuting the case.

Amanda Nicole West. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. West, 33, of Bartlesville, allegedly brandished a knife and threatened to stab and kill the victim. The FBI and Bartlesville Police department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle McWaters is prosecuting the case.

A 21-year-old Tulsa man who committed a shooting outside of a Tulsa nightclub in August pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. 

Jaden Perez pleaded guilty to carrying, using, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Perez admitted to firing a handgun at a security guard and injuring him on Aug. 21, 2021, at a nightclub in southeast Tulsa. He faces ten years in federal prison at his sentencing, which is scheduled for April 27, 2022.

“Jaden Perez has been held accountable for his blatant criminal disregard for the safety of nightclub patrons and employees when he shot a security guard outside the nightclub. I am thankful that no one was killed in the incident,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partners at the Tulsa Police Department and ATF will continue to hold accountable those responsible for gun violence in our community.”

In his plea agreement, Perez admitted that he got into a fight with a security guard as the nightclub was closing. After the fight ended, he returned to his friend’s car to retrieve two firearms, a Kimber .45 caliber pistol and a Taurus 9mm caliber pistol. Perez then ran across the parking lot firing multiple times at security guards and other bystanders, ultimately hitting one security guard who returned fire and struck Perez multiple times.

During the shooting, the security guard felt a pain in his chest when he was struck. Upon examination, he suffered bruising and redness to the left side of his chest.

Perez fled the scene immediately afterwards. Tulsa police officers responding to the shooting conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Perez’s friend shortly after the incident and found Perez in the back seat suffering from gunshot wounds. Perez was transported by ambulance to St. Francis Hospital for treatment.

Perez is a citizen of the Muscogee Nation, and the crime occurred on the Muscogee Nation Reservation.

The Tulsa Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Jiang is prosecuting the case.

Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Clinton J. Johnson as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma effective December 26, 2021. Chief U.S. District Judge John F. Heil III administered the oath of office.

“I am privileged to serve the people of northeastern Oklahoma and to lead an exceptional team of attorneys and support staff dedicated to ensuring the public’s safety,” said U.S Attorney Clint Johnson. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to working closely with our local, state, federal and tribal partners in the pursuit of justice in the Northern District of Oklahoma.”

Johnson previously began a term appointment as the Acting U.S. Attorney on March 1, 2021, under the Vacancies Reform Act. That term appointment expired on December 25, 2021. Under the Attorney General’s December 26, 2021, appointment, Johnson now serves as the United States Attorney for a term of 120 days or until a presidentially appointed U.S. Attorney is in place.

Johnson is the chief federal law enforcement officer responsible for all federal criminal prosecutions and civil litigation involving the United States in the Northern District of Oklahoma, an area covering eleven counties and including thirteen federally recognized Indian tribes. He leads a staff of more than 100 attorneys and support personnel to accomplish this mission.

He has also held the position of First Assistant U.S. Attorney where he supervised the criminal, civil, and administrative divisions for the Northern District of Oklahoma. He further managed the agency’s budget and resources and took an active role in the hiring of personnel and expansion of office space as the U.S. Attorney’s Office was required to grow dramatically to fulfill its public safety mission.

Johnson is a career federal prosecutor with 26 years of experience. He has investigated and prosecuted violent felonies, white-collar offenses, public corruption, drug and gun-related crimes, and human trafficking in the Northern District of Oklahoma. Previously, he served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and Deputy Branch Chief in the District of New Mexico. 

For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndok. The U.S. Attorney’s full bio can be found here.

Acting United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the December 2021 Federal Grand Jury B.

The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.

Tyler Ray Baker. First Degree Burglary in Indian Country. Baker, 21, of Tulsa, is charged with breaking into a residence by opening a window or door while an occupant was inside on Nov. 30, 2021. Baker was fleeing officers during a foot pursuit and allegedly entered the home to evade law enforcement. The occupant confronted Baker who then left the residence and was eventually apprehended by Tulsa police officers. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cheryl L. Baber is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-544

Ronnell Dontae Butler. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Child Abuse in Indian Country. Butler, 25, of Oklahoma City, allegedly pointed a firearm at a female victim and threatened to shoot her on Nov. 1, 2021, all while a child was in the same room. The FBI, Tulsa Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cymetra M. Williams is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-559

Manuel Gustavo Cardenas-Lozoya; Alexis Perez-Camacho; Juan Luis Lopez-Carreon; Danahe Cervantes; Reinaldo Gustavo Martinez; Miguel Angel Gabino-Trujillo; Christopher Holdman; Yovani Soto Tejo; Aren Yoana Lopez-Gomez; Audrina Denis Lopez-Gomez; FNU LNU aka Chuy. Drug Conspiracy (Count 1); Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute (Count 2); Distribution of Cocaine (Count 3); Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute (Count 4); Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute (Count 5); Use of a Communication Facility in Committing (Counts 6-97), Causing, and Facilitating the Commission of a Drug Trafficking Felony; Money Laundering Conspiracy (Count 98). (superseding) According to the indictment, an unknown defendant called “Chuy” led the drug trafficking organization from Mexico. Chuy directed shipments of multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine from Mexico to Oklahoma and ensured the drug proceeds were sent back to Mexico. He coordinated with alleged Tulsa-based distributor and money launderer Manuel Gustavo Cardenas-Lozoya, 39, who sold bulk quantities of cocaine to mid-level dealers in Tulsa for redistribution. The two would then coordinate the transport of sizeable drug profits from Tulsa back to Mexico. At Chuy’s direction, Alexis Perez-Camacho, 23, and Juan Luis Lopez-Carreon, 39, transported the cocaine from Oklahoma City to Tulsa so it could be distributed by Cardenas-Lozoya and mid-level dealers. Perez-Camacho also stored cocaine and drug proceeds at his residence. Danahe Cervantes, 23, Cardenas-Lozoya’s girlfriend, helped facilitate the drug sales by acting as a translator. Mid-level dealers who purchased the cocaine from Cardenas-Lozoya for redistribution in Oklahoma were Reinaldo Gustavo Martinez, 44; Miguel Angel Gabino-Trujillo, 38; Christopher Holdman, 46; and Yovani Soto Tejo, 36. Aren Yoana Lopez-Gomez, 33, and Audrina Denis Lopez-Gomez, 34, helped Cardenas-Lozoya laundered money and assisted him in his distribution efforts.The conspirators used Messenger and cells phones to allegedly discuss the amount of cocaine, price and payment arrangements, distribution times and locations, settling debts owed, and money laundering. All defendants but Chuy have been located and arrested. The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Operation Snow Hunter. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.The Drug Enforcement Administration led the operation with assistance from the Tulsa Police Department, Broken Arrow Police Department, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, Miami Police Department, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Colorado Springs Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Nasar is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-506

Harley Drew Campbell. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Felon in Possession of Ammunition. Campbell, 41, of Tulsa, is charged with purposefully driving his vehicle into a Catoosa police officer’s patrol car on Dec. 5, 2021. The officer was trying to apprehend the defendant at the time of the incident. Campbell is further charged with being a felon in possession of 70 rounds of ammunition. The FBI and Catoosa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon A. Skates is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-560

Rodrigo Javier Diaz De La Cruz. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Diaz-De La Cruz, 22, is charged with reentering the United States after having been removed on March 18, 2020, at or near Hidalgo, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. McLoughlin is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-545

Janice Margaret Glaze. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Glaze, 57, of Grove, is alleged to have knowingly possessed with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on Oct. 6, 2021. She is further charged with maintaining a residence in Grove for the purpose of distributing the drug. Finally, she is charged with possessing seven firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Grove Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan E. Michel is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-546

Kovon Daylan Hemphill. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. Hemphill, 29, of Tulsa, allegedly attempted to stab a Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office deputy on Nov. 11, 2021. The FBI and Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney John E. Brasher is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-547

Keith Dwain Murray. Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country. Murray, 53, of Quapaw, allegedly assaulted an individual on Nov. 24, 2021, resulting in serious bodily injury. The FBI and Quapaw Tribal Marshals Service are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan H. Heatherman is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-548

Seth James Palmer. Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. Palmer, 21, of Quapaw, allegedly brandished a firearm, shot at a family of four occupying a vehicle, and threatened to kill them on April 13, 2021. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Quapaw Tribal Marshals Service are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle M. McWaters is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-549

Brandon Cruze Rose. Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country. On June 6, 2019, Rose, 29, of Bartlesville, allegedly assaulted an individual, resulting in serious bodily injury. The FBI and Bartlesville Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor A.S. Régal is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-550

Noe Alejandro Sandoval-Herrera. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Sandoval-Herrera, 29, is charged with reentering the United States after having been previously removed on July 9, 2018, at or near San Ysidro, California. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. McLoughlin is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-551

Jacob Darnell Singleton. Robbery in Indian Country; Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding (Misdemeanor). Singleton, 21, of Tulsa, allegedly took $200 from an individual by force, violence and intimidation on Dec. 1, 2021, while the victim was retrieving money from an ATM. Later that evening he allegedly struck a different female victim several times in the head. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan E. Michel is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-552

Joel Richard Smith; Amanda Irene Smith. Child Abuse in Indian Country (Counts 1, 3); Child Neglect in Indian Country (Counts 2,4).  From July 8, 2016, and continuing through April 5, 2019, Joel and Amanda Smith, aiding and abetting one another, are alleged to have repeatedly struck a child with their hands and belt and restrained the child’s ankles with handcuffs. During that time, they also failed to adequately provide for the physical, emotional, and educational needs of the child. The child ran to a neighbor’s home for help and was severely malnourished, did not have basic hygiene needs met, and showed signs of physical abuse, including difficulty walking. Joel Smith, 46, of Salina, is charged in counts 1 and 2. Amanda Smith, 43, of Salina, is charged in counts 3 and 4. The FBI and Mayes County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra M. Urban is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-553

William Mark Sullivan; Michelle Cadman-Sullivan. Bank Fraud Conspiracy (Count 1); Aggravated Identify Theft (Counts 2 -5). Sullivan, 48, and Cadman-Sullivan, 41, residences unknown, are alleged to have fraudulently applied for six Paycheck Protection Program loans at Arvest Bank in Tulsa and The Exchange Bank in Skiatook. Paycheck Protection Program loans are guaranteed by the Small Business Administration under the CARES Act,. The two applied for more than $2.7 million dollars in loans and actually obtained $691,145 in funding from the banks. The coconspirators created various business entities that would fraudulently represent on loan applications that they had a number of employees and amount of payroll expenses that would qualify for the loans. The two applied for the loans under fictitious companies like Oaklahoma Paving LLC; U.S. Central Construction LLC; USA-1 Construction INC.; Oaklahoma Energy; and Oaklahoma Paving. The two lied on the applications, signed them and failed to disclose to the banks that they were submitting duplicative and overlapping applications. In counts 2 through 5, Cadman-Sullivan is charged with aggravated identity theft for unlawfully using the names of others in relation to the scheme. The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection Office of Inspector General and Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin C. Leitch and Matthew J. Feeley are prosecuting the case. 21-CR-561

Thomas Velazquez-Pacheco. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Velazquez-Pacheco, 30, reentered the United States are having been previously deported on Aug. 27, 2014, at or near Hidalgo, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. McLoughlin is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-554

Britton Lemarcus Washington. Interference with Interstate Commerce by Robbery; Bank Robbery. On Nov. 26, 2021, Washington, 33, of Tulsa, allegedly affected interstate commerce when he robbed a Check Into Cash in Tulsa, stealing $874.05. On Nov. 29, 2021, he is further alleged to have robbed a Spirit Bank of Oklahoma in Tulsa of $2,820. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle M. McWaters is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-555

Salvador Yanez-Pereyra. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Yanez-Pereyra, 30, is charged with reentering the United States are having been previously deported on Sept. 18, 2019, at or near Paso Del Norte, Texas. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. McLoughlin is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-556

* The December Grand Jury A Indictment press release was sent to media on December 9, 2021. Grand Jury A took place from Dec. 6-9, 2021

Acting United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the December 2021 Federal Grand Jury A.

The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.

Kimberly Nichole Biglow. Kidnapping in Indian Country; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. On Nov. 12, 2020, at a Sapulpa gas station, Biglow, 43, of Bristow, allegedly pointed a knife at a female victim and told her to drive to a location in Sapulpa. The defendant and victim eventually ended up in Kellyville before Biglow exited the vehicle and the victim called authorities. The FBI, Creek County Sheriff’s Office, Kellyville Police Department and Sapulpa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex M. Scott is prosecuting the case.

Deanjlo Dewayn Doyle. Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling in Indian Country; Tampering with a Witness by Using the Threat of Physical Force. Doyle, 31, of Tulsa, allegedly strangled an intimate partner on Oct. 14, 2021. He then threatened to kill a witness to the strangulation and told the witness not to cooperate with law enforcement. The Tulsa Police Department and FBI are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven J. Briden is prosecuting the case.

Edgar Jairo Del Rio Cardona. Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises. Del Rio Cardona, 32, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing cocaine with intent to distribute on Nov. 30, 2021, and is charged with maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing cocaine. The Drug Enforcement Administration and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Nasar is prosecuting the case.

Justin Cecil Detar. Coercion and Enticement of a Minor. Detar, 36, of Sapulpa, is charged with attempting to coerce and entice a 10-year-old into sexual behavior from May 9, 2015, to Aug. 24, 2015. The FBI and Sapulpa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey is prosecuting the case.

Sean Michael Faulkner. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition (Counts 1-4); Possession of Child Pornography (Count 5) (superseding) Faulkner, 38, of Kansas, Oklahoma, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Walther .45 caliber pistol, a Davis Industries .38 Special Derringer, and a M&P 9 mm caliber pistol and 12 rounds of ammunition on July 21, 2021. He is further charged with possessing a Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver, a Taurus 9X19mm pistol, a Ruger .22 LR caliber rifle, a Kel-Tec .22 caliber rifle; a DPMS multi-caliber rifle, a Reming6ton 12-gauge short-barrel shotgun and 214 rounds of ammunition. He is also charged with possessing a Springfield Armory .45 ACP caliber pistol and 12 rounds of ammunition. In this superseding indictment, Faulkner is further charged with possession of child pornography. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Mayes County Sheriff’s Office, Pryor Police Department, and Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Kelly is prosecuting the case.

Kevin Lynn Greer. Felon in Possession of a Firearm; Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Greer, 50, of Collinsville, is charged being a felon in possession of two Remington 30-06 caliber rifles, a DoubleStar Corp 5.56mm caliber rifle, a Ruger .380 caliber pistol, a Smith & Wesson .45 auto caliber pistol, a Ruger 9mm pistol, a Taurus .357 Magnum caliver revolver, and 674 rounds of ammunition. He is further charged with possession with intent to distribute less than 50 kilograms of marijuana on Nov. 10, 2021. Finally, he is charged with possessing the firearms to further his illegal marijuana operation. The FBI executed federal search warrants on Greer’s Collinsville home and business on Nov. 10, 2021. According to a criminal complaint, agents located the firearms, ammunition and 4 kilograms of marijuana packaged in 41 plastic bags. The FBI is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex M. Scott is prosecuting the case.

Richard Johnson. Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling and Suffocating in Indian Country. On Nov. 19, 2021, Johnson, 27, of Tulsa, allegedly assaulted an intimate partner by strangling her. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor A.S. Régal is prosecuting the case.

Khalid Jalil Kornegay. False Statement to Acquire a Firearm. On Sept. 24, 2021, Kornegay, 27, of Broken Arrow, allegedly attempted to acquire a Glock 17 9mm semi-automatic pistol from a federal firearms dealer and lied on the ATF Form 4473. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Jiang is prosecuting the case.

Jeremy Brandon Lawhorn. Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country. Lawhorn, 39, of Quapaw, is charged with knowingly engaging in a sexual act with a child between the ages of 12 and 16 on Aug. 14, 2020. The crime occurred within the Quapaw Nation Reservation. The FBI and Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney John E. Brasher is prosecuting the case.

Terry Danell Limose. First Degree Murder in Indian Country; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. Limose, 36, a transient, killed a man just outside the entrance of a Tulsa Walmart on Nov. 13, 2021, around 4 am, by striking the victim with his fists, hitting him with metal stick, then strangling him. Video surveillance from nearby businesses showed that Limose followed the victim prior to the murder and threw rocks and chunks of pavement at him, hitting him multiple times. The crime occurred within the Muscogee Nation Reservation. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron M. Jolly is prosecuting the case.

Manuel Quezada. First Degree Murder in Indian Country (Count 1,2). Quezada, 49, of Owasso, is alleged to have shot and killed Dajon Revel Ross and Albert Thomas IV on Oct. 22, 2019. The crime occurred within the Cherokee Nation Reservation. The FBI and Rogers County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chantelle D. Dial and Steven J. Briden are prosecuting the case.

Jacob Thomas Shell. Child Abuse in Indian Country. Jacob Thomas Shell, 27, of Catoosa, is charged with injuring and maiming a three-month-old by violently shaking and throwing the child on Feb. 12, 2020. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra M. Urban is prosecuting the case. The FBI and Rogers County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies.

Kor Vang. Sexual Exploitation of a Child; Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography; Possession of Child Pornography in Indian Country. From July 2019 to November 2021, Vang, 35, of Tulsa, allegedly placed hidden cameras in a residence to produce sexually explicit photos and videos of an unknowing child victim. Vang is further charged with receiving and distributing child pornography and possessing child pornography in Indian Country. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Niko Boulieris and Christopher Nassar are prosecuting the case.

Corbin Jacob Williams. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Tampering with a Witness and Victim by Threatening the Use of Physical Force. On Nov. 10, 2021, Williams, 21, of Marshall, Texas, brandished and pointed an AR-15 rifle at the face of another individual and threatened to shoot her. He reportedly told the victim he would get in a shootout with police if the victim called 911. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey is prosecuting the case.

Yakir Yakov Zofi. Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force and Threat in Indian Country. Zofi, 31, a resident of the state of New York and an Israeli national, is charged with raping a victim on Nov. 14, 2021. The FBI and Bartlesville Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Harder is prosecuting the case.

 A federal jury today convicted a man for assaulting his dating partner in a Broken Arrow hotel room in March 2021, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

Craig Wallace Wood, 32, of Wynona, was found guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm in Indian Country and assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country.

“Craig Wood brutally assaulted his dating partner,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners are committed to seeking justice on behalf of domestic violence victims. This criminal behavior cannot and will not be tolerated.”

On March 16, 2021, the victim and Wood went out for the evening, but the woman returned to their hotel room early. When Wood returned at 11:30 pm, he accused the victim of nodding at people and saying names of different men under her breath. Wood assaulted the victim for hours, throughout the early morning of March 17, by repeatedly beating her with a hairdryer, straightener, belt, and an electric cord. He then forced the victim to lay beside him.

After he fell asleep, the victim escaped the hotel room, and authorities were contacted. When officers responded, the victim expressed fear, saying that the defendant would find her and kill her for calling the police. They noted facial swelling so severe that the victim’s eyes were swollen shut, among other injuries. They then entered the hotel room and arrested the defendant.

As a result of the assault, the victim suffered injuries including a closed fracture of the nasal bone; fractured ribs; and bruising on her face, back, legs, hands and arms.

The FBI and Broken Arrow Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Niko A. Boulieris and Stacey P. Todd are prosecuting the case.

A member of the Universal Aryan Brotherhood pleaded guilty Thursday for his role in a racketeering enterprise, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. The UAB is a “whites only” prison-based gang with members operating inside and outside of state prisons throughout Oklahoma.

Eddie L. Funkhouser, 51, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise and to kidnapping but refused to cooperate with the United States.

The plea agreement, if accepted by U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan, stipulates that Funkhouser will serve 15 years in prison. Judge Eagan will sentence Funkhouser on April 12, 2022.

“Universal Aryan Brotherhood gang member Eddie Funkhouser was brought to justice for his violent criminal acts, including a 2014 kidnapping,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Thankfully, Homeland Security Investigations and IRS-Criminal Investigation joined forces with state and local law enforcement to take down UAB members and associates, including Funkhouser, who helped to expand and further the influence of this dangerous criminal enterprise.”

In his plea agreement, Funkhouser admitted to being part of the UAB criminal enterprise from about 2005 and continuing through December 2018.

Funkhouser stated that he conspired with other UAB members and associates to directly and indirectly further the gang’s criminal enterprise, consisting of criminal acts such as murder, kidnapping, robbery in violation of Oklahoma state law, and drug trafficking conspiracy acts that violated federal law. He further admitted that he knew and agreed that at least two gang members charged in the same indictment would commit racketeering crimes for the benefit of the UAB.

Funkhouser also admitted to personally being involved in the Oct. 26, 2014, kidnapping of two individuals. Funkhouser and other UAB members believed that one of the individuals was a law enforcement informant. As part of the kidnapping, Funkhouser participated in overt acts of intimidation meant to instill fear in the victims and to keep the victims confined against their will, believing there was no escape. Defendant Charles M. McCully, 44, also admitted to taking part in the 2014 kidnapping when he pleaded guilty in federal court on Nov. 30, 2021.

Funkhouser was indicted on Dec. 7, 2018, with 17 other UAB members and associates. The indictment was unsealed Feb. 20, 2019, and alleged the gang to be a racketeering enterprise that committed acts of murder, kidnapping, the trafficking of methamphetamine and firearms, money laundering, assault, and robbery throughout the State of Oklahoma. The indictment alleged that nine individuals were murdered as part of the UAB’s racketeering operations, often upon the orders of the Main Council, the highest governing body of the UAB.

The UAB was established in 1993 within the Oklahoma Department of Corrections and modeled itself after the principles and ideology of the Aryan Brotherhood, a California-based prison gang that formed in the 1960s.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and IRS-Criminal Investigation led the investigation with assistance from the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, the Tulsa and Enid Police Departments, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Dennis A. Fries is prosecuting this case.

You can find the press release announcing charges in February 2019 here.

A Fairview-based aerial herbicide application company has paid $240,000 to settle allegations of trespass and destruction of United States property at Skiatook and Birch Lakes, in Osage County, announced Clinton J. Johnson, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma.

According to the settlement agreement, the United States owns thousands of acres of land under and surrounding Birch Lake and Skiatook Lake, which are managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (“USACE”) and provide crucial wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and designated hunting areas for the benefit of the public. Regier Flying Service, LLC (“Regier Flying”) is an FAA-certified aerial herbicide application company.

The United States contends that, in 2014 and 2017, Regier Flying committed trespass when it applied Spike 20P herbicide onto United States land around Skiatook and Birch Lakes without consent. This resulted in the death of thousands of mature trees on approximately 138 acres of United States land, which negatively impacted existing wildlife habitat and public recreational opportunities.

“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers works daily to safeguard wildlife habitat and provide public use opportunities on federal land. The destruction of those lands will not be tolerated,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “This case should serve as a deterrent and a reminder that the United States will take appropriate action, whether civil or criminal, to hold accountable those who violate laws that protect federal land.”

This settlement resolves the pending civil action in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma captioned United States of America v. Drummond Ranch, LLC et al., Docket No. 4:19-cv-00077-JED-SH. This case was handled by Special Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah Gruber and Anne Thidemann.

A former Bixby High School teacher who was caught using his cell phone to illegally record underneath a female student’s skirt and later admitted to doing the same to multiple other unidentified students was sentenced Thursday in federal court, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. A fellow student saw Byrd filming the female student and immediately reported the crime.

U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Jason Scott Byrd, 46, of Jenks, to 60 months in federal prison followed by 15 years of supervised release. Byrd was also ordered to pay restitution to the victim and a $5,000 special assessment that will go to a victim assistance fund for child pornography and human trafficking victims.

The identified victim addressed both the Court and the defendant, describing the heavy mental toll the events had taken on her.  She said that Byrd “did not have to physically touch me to hurt me… I was raised my entire life thinking school was a safe place where I could grow and prosper. He took away my love for school and my trust for people of higher authority.”

In addition to grappling with the betrayal of trust, she stated that she also had to deal with hurtful comments and speculation on social media shortly after Byrd was arrested. The victim said she felt very alone.

“Jason Byrd’s despicable crimes violated the trust of the Bixby community and the students he served,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Two young people are to be commended for their roles in helping to bring this defendant to justice- the young man who saw and reported the crime and the identified victim who bravely spoke at today’s sentencing. I am proud of their courage. They, along with law enforcement and federal prosecutor Chris Nassar, stopped Byrd from continuing his predatory acts against countless students at Bixby High.”

In August, Byrd pleaded guilty to attempted receipt of child pornography; video voyeurism in Indian Country; and obstruction of justice by corruptly destroying records, documents, or other objects.

On Aug. 25, 2020, Byrd was observed walking closely behind the victim holding his iPhone underneath the victim’s skirt for several seconds. The witness noticed the red recording square and timer on the screen, indicating the phone was actively recording. The video was taken in a stairwell as students were returning to class after a fire drill. The witness reported the incident to two Bixby Police Department school resource officers. The victim was unaware she was being recorded.

Following the reported incident, Byrd was brought to a school office and held until law enforcement could question him, but he was briefly left unattended with his phone. Byrd admitted that when he saw law enforcement, he began deleting photographs and video, making them unrecoverable.

When questioned, Byrd initially denied the allegations but then indicated he was sorry and that he had a problem. He admitted to taking the video of the victim, as well as taking several similar photos or videos of other students over the past year. He said those photos and videos were taken using the same cell phone.

In a plea agreement, Byrd admitted that between Aug. 1, 2019, and Aug. 25, 2020, he intentionally attempted to use a camera to record and receive images of the victim and other students’ pubic areas. He further admitted that he captured those private images without their consent and under circumstances in which the individuals had a reasonable expectation of privacy. He further stated that on Aug. 25, 2020, he knowingly destroyed evidence on his phone so it would be unusable in a trial.

The crimes occurred within the boundaries of the Muscogee Nation reservation. Bryd, a Cherokee Nation citizen, started teaching at Bixby High School in 2008.

The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Police Department, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and Bixby Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar prosecuted the case.

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

A Claremore man who assaulted his girlfriend as she tried to escape from him at a Foyil gas station was sentenced Wednesday in federal court, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced William Frank Vanover, 47,  to 70 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

“William Vanover was a habitual criminal with more than 18 prior convictions, including a history of domestic violence. Because of his actions, he will spend almost six years in prison for the harm he caused this victim,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Federal prosecutors and victim specialists strive to provide domestic violence survivors a voice. When survivors are empowered, they are better able to aid in the prosecution of their abuser and seek assistance to heal from the trauma they’ve endured.”

Vanover pleaded guilty Aug. 10, 2021, to assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm in Indian Country.

On Dec. 30, 2020, at a Claremore motel, the victim tried to end a relationship with Vanover, who became enraged, held a knife to the victim, threatened her, and demanded she drive him to Chelsea. When stopping for gas at Foyil, the victim tried to escape. Vanover caught the victim and punched her in the face. She was eventually able to get away and run into the gas station where police were called.

At sentencing, the defense requested Vanover receive 63 months in federal prison. In her sentencing memorandum and in court, Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Childress argued that Vanover should receive a sentence at the highest end of the sentencing guidelines for the crime, 78 months in federal prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Childress pointed to Vanover’s more than 18 previous convictions to include three for domestic violence. Childress argued that the sentence would protect the public and the victim but also provide Vanover with an opportunity to receive extensive mental health, drug, and domestic violence treatment while in a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility. 

The victim is a Cherokee Nation citizen, and the crime occurred within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation.

The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation.

In the last week, three women who were alleged to have applied for and received almost $800,000 in Paycheck Protection Program loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration under the CARES Act have pleaded guilty in federal court, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

Leader of the scheme Aleta Necole Thomas, 43, pleaded guilty to two counts of making false statements to a financial institution. Katrina West, 38, and Pepper Jones, 42, pleaded guilty to false statement. In total, the defendants will have to pay restitution in the amount of $795, 158.50. The government previously seized $209, 991.11 from bank accounts held by Thomas pursuant to federal seizure warrants, which will go toward restitution.

“For more than a year, Aleta Thomas applied for and secured Paycheck Protection Program loans under false pretenses,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The nearly $800,000 of taxpayer money Thomas and her accomplices stole should have gone to legitimate small business owners serving and economically enhancing their communities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners will investigate and prosecute anyone who misdirects federal emergency assistance in order to illegally enrich themselves.”

“The actions of the defendants sought personal gain at the expense of taxpayers and eligible small businesses,” said Inspector General Hannibal “Mike” Ware.  “OIG will aggressively pursue fraud in the PPP and other SBA programs aimed at assisting the nation’s small businesses during the pandemic.  I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its leadership and dedication to pursuing justice.”

“Those who defraud the federal government of pandemic relief funds will be vigorously pursued and held accountable for their actions,” said Cory Nootnagel, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Western Region, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. “I commend our agents and their federal law enforcement partners for their hard work and persistence, which ultimately led to this result.”

In her plea agreement, Thomas stated that on May 27, 2020, she submitted false statements and reports to Cross River Bank when she applied for a Paycheck Protection Program loan. Thomas submitted a borrower application form falsely stating “Coming Correct Community Ministry” had an average monthly payroll of $35,000 and was in operation since Feb. 15, 2020. Thomas further claimed that she had 26 employees for whom she paid payroll taxes or independent contractors as reports in IRS Form 1099-MISC. Thomas also falsely certified that all information in the application and supporting documents was correct and submitted documentation that included forged bank statements and false 2019 IRS Schedule C (Form 1040).

Thomas further stated that on June 16, 2020, she submitted a false statements and reports to First Electronic Bank when she applied for another Paycheck Protection Program loan where she made similar claims.

West admitted that on March 25, 2021, she knowingly made false statements and affirmed their truthfulness when applying for a Paycheck Protection Program loan from Fountainhead Commercial Capital, a matter within the jurisdiction of the U.S. Small Business Administration. In her application and supporting documents, she claimed she owned a small business that was in operation on Feb. 15, 2020, with a gross annual income of $100,000.

Jones admitted that on March 16, 2021, she knowingly made false statements and affirmed their truthfulness when applying for a Paycheck Protection Program loan from Harvest Small Finance, LLC, a matter within the jurisdiction of the U.S. Small Business Administration. In her application and supporting documents, Jones claimed that in 2019, she owned a small business that had been in operation since Feb. 15, 2020, with an annual gross income of $100,000.

The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration; Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristin Harrington and Cymetra Williams are prosecuting the case.

To learn more about the Justice Department’s COVID response, visit: https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. For further information on the Criminal Division’s enforcement efforts on PPP fraud, including court documents from significant cases, visit the following website: https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/ppp-fraud. 

To report a COVID-19-related fraud scheme or suspicious activity, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) by calling the NCDF Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-for

Two Universal Aryan Brotherhood influential gang members pleaded guilty Tuesday for conspiring to participate in a racketeering enterprise that committed acts of murder, kidnapping, the trafficking of methamphetamine and firearms, money laundering, assault, and robbery throughout the State of Oklahoma, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

The UAB is a “whites only” prison-based gang with members operating inside and outside of state prisons throughout Oklahoma.

Christopher K. Baldwin, 42, and Robert W. Zeidler, 47, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise and to drug conspiracy, but both men refused to cooperate with the government.

The plea agreements, if accepted by U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan, stipulate that Baldwin and Zeidler will each serve 22 years in federal prison. The men will be sentenced April 6, 2022.

“The Universal Aryan Brotherhood is a criminal enterprise responsible for countless violent crimes and narcotics distribution throughout Oklahoma. The gang orchestrates a prolific drug trafficking operation responsible for distributing an estimated 2,500 kilograms of methamphetamine per year,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “My office and our local, state, federal, and tribal partners will continue to pursue and prosecute criminal organizations, like the UAB, who wreak havoc in northeastern Oklahoma. Baldwin and Zeidler’s guilty pleas are another step forward in dismantling this criminal organization and ensuring justice for victims.”

Baldwin and Zeidler were key players involved in UAB operations while imprisoned in the Oklahoma State Penitentiary at McAlester. Incarcerated UAB members used contraband cell phones, social media and “kites” to carry out their operations. Kites are written communications, or notes, passed to intended recipients.

In their plea agreements, Baldwin and Zeidler stated that when joining the UAB they understood that members took part in racketeering activities to further the gang’s enterprise.

Baldwin admitted to being part of the gang from at least 1999 to 2017 and that during part of that time, he sat on the “Main Council,” the UAB’s highest governing body. Baldwin stated that he was involved directly or indirectly as a coconspirator in crimes of drug dealing, witness intimidation, money laundering and other crimes of violence.

Zeidler admitted to joining the gang and to committing or causing to be committed crimes related to the racketeering enterprise and drug conspiracy. Zeidler helped lead the gang’s methamphetamine operation.

Both men also admitted to knowingly and willfully agreeing with others to possess with intent to distribute in excess of 500 grams of methamphetamine. As part of the UAB’s operations, members and associates participated in a significant and widespread methamphetamine distribution scheme directed by incarcerated UAB leaders.

In conjunction with the gang’s large-scale methamphetamine operation, members also laundered hundreds of thousands of dollars in illegal drug proceeds for the benefit of the UAB enterprise, using cash transfers, stored value cards, PayPal, Green Dot, and Walmart money transfers. Investigators from the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) helped trace the money trail.

According to court documents, multiple kidnappings were also ordered in an effort to leverage and expand the UAB’s power and operations throughout Oklahoma.  Members and associates of the enterprise used kidnapping as a way to enforce discipline, recoup drugs and other debts, and to ensure the individuals were not cooperating with law enforcement. Additionally, nine individuals were murdered as part of the UAB’s racketeering operations, often upon the orders of the Main Council.

“The guilty plea of these conspirators sends a strong message that those involved in criminal enterprises committing heinous acts of violence and drug trafficking will face swift prosecution,” said Christopher Miller, acting Special Agent in Charge HSI Dallas. “Working in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, our agency is relentless in the pursuit of dismantling transnational criminal organizations wherever they operate.”

Both men were charged in an indictment along with 16 other members and associates of the UAB in December 2018. You can find the press release announcing charges in February 2019 here.

The UAB was established in 1993 within the Oklahoma Department of Corrections and modeled itself after the principles and ideology of the Aryan Brotherhood, a California-based prison gang that formed in the 1960s.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and IRS-Criminal Investigation led the investigation with assistance from the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Tulsa and Enid Police Departments, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, U.S. Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Dennis A. Fries is prosecuting this case.

A Sand Springs man pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court for robbing and assaulting a gas station owner, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

Camaran Blake Breazeale, 29, pleaded guilty to robbery in Indian Country and carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The defendant will be sentenced on May 25, 2022.

“Camaran Breazeale maliciously assaulted a gas station owner, hospitalizing the man,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “My thoughts are with the victim as he continues his long-term recovery following Breazeale’s violent attack. Individuals who commit acts of violence against community members will be held accountable.”

Breazeale admitted in his plea agreement that he entered A&S Fuels gas station in Sand Springs and demanded money from the cash register. When the victim didn’t give Breazeale the money, he punched him, grabbed a shotgun from under the counter, and repeatedly struck the victim with the shot gun. He then took the money from the register and fled.

On July 13, the Sand Springs Police Department responded to a male loitering at a gas station. An officer arrived and notified Breazeale to leave the property’s premises.

Approximately twenty minutes later, the defendant returned to the gas station and said to the owner, “This is my land. Give me everything now.” According to the affidavit, video footage showed Breazeale striking the defendant with his fist multiple times and knocking him down. Then, he grabbed a shotgun and used the butt of the firearm to strike the victim repeatedly in the head saying, “Stop don’t move, or I will shoot you.” Breazeale then took cash from the register and exited the station.

The same police officer who responded to the initial loitering call was in the area when he heard a driver in a parked car yell at Breazeale on the north side of the store. As he approached Breazeale, a customer came running out to the store saying a man was on the floor covered in blood.

Breazeale then allegedly walked up to the officer and handed over the money saying “he gave me that.” His right hand appeared to have blood on it. The officer secured the defendant and rendered aid to the victim who was unconscious in the store with multiple injuries. The victim was transported by ambulance to an area hospital.

Breazeale is a Cherokee Nation citizen, and the crime occurred within the Muscogee Nation Reservation.

The FBI and Sand Springs Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas E. Buscemi and Victor A.S. Régal are prosecuting the case.

On Friday, a federal jury found Edward Joseph Parson, 31, of Tulsa, guilty of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country.

“Edward Parson repeatedly sexually abused a young child. He preyed upon the vulnerable child left in his care and then exploited her fear to hide his crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “His attempts to intimidate the victim into silence ultimately failed, and she spoke out three years ago. With the support of family, DHS workers, interviewers, and counselors, she was able to bravely continue to speak out against him, even in the face of enormous pressure at trial. Although still under twelve years old, her testimony last week helped bring this predator to justice.” 

“Stopping predators like Mr. Parson is why the FBI works tirelessly with our partners. We are grateful for the conviction of someone who would target our most vulnerable population,” said Rebecca Day, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Oklahoma City.

Beginning likely in 2017 and continuing through most of 2018, Parson repeatedly sexually abused the minor victim who was under the age of twelve. The child eventually disclosed to several adults that Parson had abused her. Unfortunately, the first adults she trusted tried to silence her. Five months later, when she was safely placed with supportive caregivers, she disclosed a portion of the abuse again. That time, her new caregivers listened and called authorities. As the jury heard from a child sexual abuse expert, children often do not disclose sexual abuse immediately. When children do disclose, they frequently disclose in pieces over time as they become more comfortable and as they are met with acceptance and support. The minor victim was then interviewed by child specialists at the Children’s Advocacy Center. During those interviews, she disclosed multiple instances of physical abuse and extensive sexual abuse.

The defendant is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, and the crime occurred within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation. The victim is also a citizen of the Cherokee Nation.

The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chantelle D. Dial and Vani Singhal are prosecuting the case.

A Tulsa man was sentenced Thursday for leading a methamphetamine conspiracy and illegally possessing firearms, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

Chief U.S. District Judge John F. Heil III sentenced Charles Dean Studie, 37, to 19 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release.

“Charles Studie used Tulsa public housing as a base of operations to traffic methamphetamine,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Families in public housing deserve a safe environment to live and raise their children. Thankfully, our partners at the Tulsa Housing Authority Community Enhancement Unit and DEA joined forces to dismantle Studie’s drug operation and protect the community.”

“100,000 Americans died of drug overdoses this year. Oklahomans accounted for 1,009 of those fatalities. As methamphetamine continues to ravage our state, we must stay vigilant in educating our policy makers and enforcing the law on those who would choose to sell and distribute this poison to our citizenry,” said Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado. “I am proud of the work our Tulsa Housing Authority Deputies, in partnership with our colleagues with the Drug Enforcement Administration, have done to ensure the continued safety of our citizens who reside within these housing complexes.”

Studie previously pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

In his plea agreement, Studie admitted that beginning in June 2019, he knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute the deadly drug. He provided methamphetamine and cash to other individuals to promote and further their drug dealing operation, which was being staged out of Tulsa public housing. Studie’s participation required the participation, direction, and action of others, and all parties worked together for their shared mutual benefit. Further, Studie, a felon, admitted that beginning on November 22, 2019, he knowingly possessed a Jennings .25 auto caliber semi-automatic pistol and a Jimenez, .22 LR caliber semi-automatic pistol, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Tulsa County Sheriff’s Deputies that make up the Tulsa Housing Authority Community Enhancement Unit pursued this investigation as part of their responsibility to ensure the safety and security of the families that live within the Tulsa Housing Authority complexes. The Community Enhancement Unit (CEU) was created through a partnership between the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office and the Tulsa Housing Authority.

The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar prosecuted the case.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and local, state and federal task force partners arrested nine individuals this week alleged to have been part of a drug trafficking organization that transported bulk quantities of cocaine from Mexico into the Northern District of Oklahoma for redistribution, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

Those arrested along with two others were named in an indictment that was unsealed Wednesday afternoon as defendants began making initial appearances in federal court. The defendants were charged with drug conspiracy, specifically possessing with intent to distribute and to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine starting as early as January 2020, and other crimes associated with the conspiracy.

“This organization is estimated to have transported and sold more than 10 kilograms of cocaine a month in Oklahoma,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Ten different law enforcement agencies joined forces to investigate and take down this alleged drug trafficking organization. I appreciate their commitment to protecting our communities from the effects of the illicit drug trade.”

“Dismantling criminal organizations such as this one cannot be successful without DEA Tulsa’s partnership with the law enforcement and citizenry of Oklahoma,” said Eduardo A. Chávez, Special Agent in Charge of DEA operations in Oklahoma. “These individuals are being held responsible for their actions. Whether it is a gram or a kilogram, cocaine is not produced in Tulsa, and DEA Tulsa will never cease its efforts to rid these drugs from our streets.”

According to the indictment, an unknown defendant called “Chuy” led the drug trafficking organization from Mexico. Chuy directed shipments of multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine from Mexico to Oklahoma and ensured the drug proceeds were sent back to Mexico. He coordinated with alleged Tulsa-based distributor and money launderer Manuel Gustavo Cardenas-Lozoya who sold bulk quantities of cocaine to mid-level dealers in Tulsa for redistribution. The two would then coordinate the transport of sizeable drug profits from Tulsa back to Mexico. Chuy remains at large. Cardenas-Lozoya was arrested Thursday in Atlanta.

At Chuy’s direction, Alexis Perez-Camacho and Juan Luis Lopez-Carreon transported the cocaine from Oklahoma City to Tulsa so it could be distributed by Cardenas-Lozoya and mid-level dealers. Perez-Camacho also stored cocaine and drug proceeds at his residence.

Danahe Cervantes, Cardenas-Lozoya’s girlfriend, helped facilitate the drug sales by acting as a translator.

Mid-level dealers who purchased the cocaine from Cardenas-Lozoya for redistribution in Oklahoma were Reinaldo Gustavo Martinez, Miguel Angel Gabino-Trujillo, Christopher Holdman, and Yovani Soto.

Aren Yoana Lopez-Gomez and Audrina Denis Lopez-Gomez helped Cardenas-Lozoya laundered money and assisted him in his distribution efforts.

The conspirators used Messenger and cells phones to allegedly discuss the amount of cocaine, price and payment arrangements, distribution times and locations, settling debts owed, and money laundering.

The arrests and indictment are part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force operation titled Operation Snow Hunter.

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the operation with assistance from the Tulsa Police Department, Broken Arrow Police Department, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, Miami Police Department, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Colorado Police Department.

An indictment is merely an accusation. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

Defendant

Role in Conspiracy

Charges

Status

Chuy, unknown

directed the DTO

-Drug Conspiracy

 

At large

Manuel Gustavo Cardenas-Lozoya 39, of Broken Arrow

Tulsa-based distributor and money launderer

-Drug Conspiracy

-Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute;

-Distribution of Cocaine;

-Use of a Communication Facility in Committing, Causing, and Facilitating the Commission of a Drug Trafficking Felony;

-Money Laundering Conspiracy

Federal custody

Alexis Perez-Camacho

23, of Indianapolis, Indiana

transported cocaine

-Drug Conspiracy

-Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute;

-Distribution of Cocaine;

-Use of a Communication Facility in Committing, Causing, and Facilitating the Commission of a Drug Trafficking Felony

Federal custody

Juan Luis Lopez-Carreon

age unknown, of Oklahoma City

transported cocaine

-Drug Conspiracy

-Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute;

-Distribution of Cocaine

Federal custody

Danahe Cervantes

23, of Tulsa

facilitator/

translator

-Drug Conspiracy

-Use of a Communication Facility in Committing, Causing, and Facilitating the Commission of a Drug Trafficking Felony

Federal custody

Reinaldo Gustavo Martinez

44, of Tulsa

mid-level dealer

-Drug Conspiracy

-Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute

-Use of a Communication Facility in Committing, Causing, and Facilitating the Commission of a Drug Trafficking Felony

 

Federal custody

Miguel Angel Gabino-Trujillo

38, of Tulsa

mid-level dealer

-Drug Conspiracy

-Use of a Communication Facility in Committing, Causing, and Facilitating the Commission of a Drug Trafficking Felony

Federal custody

Christopher Holdman

46, of Tulsa

mid-level dealer

-Drug Conspiracy

-Use of a Communication Facility in Committing, Causing, and Facilitating the Commission of a Drug Trafficking Felony

At large

Yovani Soto

36, of Sand Springs

mid-level dealer

-Drug Conspiracy

-Use of a Communication Facility in Committing, Causing, and Facilitating the Commission of a Drug Trafficking Felony

Federal custody

Aren Yoana Lopez-Gomez, 33, of Tulsa

money launderer

-Drug Conspiracy

- Use of a Communication Facility in Committing, Causing, and Facilitating the Commission of a Drug Trafficking Felony;

-Money Laundering Conspiracy

Federal custody

Audrina Denis Lopez-Gomez

34, of Colorado Springs, Colorado

money launderer

-Drug Conspiracy

Use of a Communication Facility in Committing, Causing, and Facilitating the Commission of a Drug Trafficking Felony;

-Money Laundering Conspiracy

Federal custody

 

A Tulsa man who possessed more than 600 images of child pornography was sentenced in federal court, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Matthew Steven Janson, 38, to seven years in federal prison followed by seven years of supervised release.

“Matthew Janson accessed and viewed hundreds of images of children being sexually abused,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The demand for child pornography feeds an illicit industry that preys on the most vulnerable members of society. The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains relentless in its pursuit of those who produce and seek out depictions of child sexual abuse.”

Janson pleaded guilty in June after he knowingly used the internet to receive child pornography from April 18, 2016 to May 25, 2016.

According to the plea agreement, Janson admitted to possessing at least 600 images of child sexual abuse including the abuse of prepubescent minors who had not attained 12 years of age. The materials were possessed and knowingly accessed via Janson’s computer and within the Muscogee Nation Reservation.

Janson is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. Janson’s state conviction was vacated due to the Supreme Court’s ruling in McGirt v. Oklahoma. He previously pleaded guilty in state court in 2017 and was sentenced to 10 years with 5 years of that time suspended.

The Tulsa Police Department, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements’ Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cymetra M. Williams prosecuted the case.

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

A man who engaged in a series of violent crimes in Tulsa was sentenced Tuesday in federal court, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson

Chief U.S. District Judge John F. Heil III sentenced Deshawn Patrick, 19, of Tulsa, to 121 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

“Deshawn Patrick, armed with a firearm, committed two robberies against a teenager and an elderly man,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Patrick posed a serious danger to the public and will spend more than 10 years in prison for his violent acts.”

Patrick pleaded guilty on Aug. 23, 2021, to two counts of robbery in Indian Country.

In his plea agreement, Patrick admitted that he pointed a firearm and used force to take a minor victim’s phone, car keys and vehicle in Tulsa. When the victim arrived at an apartment complex on Sept. 6, 2020, Deshawn Patrick exited his vehicle pointing a firearm at the teenage victim and, along with a codefendant and two juvenile accomplices, demanded the driver and passenger exit the vehicle. He and his accomplices grabbed the victim’s phone and car keys. Patrick and an accomplice then drove away in the victim’s car.

Patrick further admitted to robbing a second victim on Oct. 18, 2020. Patrick and a juvenile accomplice approached the 74 year-old victim inside the victim’s garage. Patrick and his accomplice pointed semi-automatic pistols at the victim in order to gain entry into the house. Patrick struck the elderly victim in the head with a pistol, knocking him unconscious. Patrick then entered the victim’s home and took his keys and wallet. The two defendants fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle. The victim sustained lacerations to his head during the incident.

Both robbery victims are Muscogee Nation citizens, and the crimes occurred within the Muscogee Nation Reservation.

The Tulsa Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan H. Heatherman and Reagan V. Reininger prosecuted the case.

A Universal Aryan Brotherhood gang member pleaded guilty Tuesday for his role in a racketeering enterprise, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. The UAB is a “whites only” prison-based gang with members operating inside and outside of state prisons throughout Oklahoma.

Charles M. McCully, 44, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise and to kidnapping. The plea agreement, if accepted by U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan, stipulates that McCully will serve between 151 and 188 months in prison. McCully will be sentenced April 6, 2022.

“Charles McCully helped to further the Universal Aryan Brotherhood’s lucrative and deadly criminal organization,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Today, he has been brought to account for his crimes. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dennis A. Fries and agents with Homeland Security Investigations and IRS-Criminal Investigation are to be commended for their leadership and persistence in seeing that justice prevails in this case.”

In his plea agreement, McCully stated that he has been a member of the UAB since 2005. He admitted that members commit various crimes such as murder, kidnapping, witness intimidation, home invasions, and drug dealing for the gang. He further admitted that he knew and agreed that at least two gang members would commit racketeering crimes for the benefit of and in the name of the UAB.

McCully also stated that on Oct. 26, 2014, he and others kidnapped two individuals and held them against their will because they believed the individuals had provided law enforcement with information about a UAB stash house. While they held the victims, McCully and the others threatened them and used tarps, shovels, blow torches and other items in an attempt to scare and intimidate the victims.

McCully was indicted on Dec. 7, 2018, with 17 other UAB members and associates. The indictment was unsealed Feb. 20, 2019, and alleged the gang to be a racketeering enterprise that committed acts of murder, kidnapping, the trafficking of methamphetamine and firearms, money laundering, assault, and robbery throughout the State of Oklahoma. The indictment alleged that nine individuals were murdered as part of the UAB’s racketeering operations, often upon the orders of the Main Council, the highest governing body of the UAB.

The UAB was established in 1993 within the Oklahoma Department of Corrections and modeled itself after the principles and ideology of the Aryan Brotherhood, a California-based prison gang that formed in the 1960s.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and IRS-Criminal Investigation led the investigation with assistance from the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, the Tulsa and Enid Police Departments, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Dennis A. Fries is prosecuting this case.

You can find the press release announcing charges in February 2019 here.

A man was sentenced in federal court to a 78-month prison sentence for assaulting a woman with a piece of door trim that had a nail protruding from it while she was holding her three-month-old daughter, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

Following his term of imprisonment, Robert Joseph Marder, 32, will serve three years on supervised released.

“Robert Marder will spend more than six years in federal prison for terrorizing the victim and her child with his abusive conduct and for trying to prevent the victim from cooperating with authorities. Make no mistake, children also suffer the immediate and long term effects of violence in the home,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “After living under the control of an abuser, it can be difficult for domestic violence victims to cooperate with authorities. I want to assure victims that my team of federal prosecutors and victim specialists are here to seek justice on their behalf, to support them as their cases are being prosecuted, and to help them find needed resources so they and their children can move forward from abusive relationships.”

Marder pleaded guilty July 14, 2021, to assault with a dangerous weapon in Indian Country.

On May 29, 2020, Marder showed up at a former girlfriend’s home and became aggressive. The woman, accompanied by her three-month-old, attempted to leave the apartment. The defendant followed her to her car, so she ran back to the apartment and locked the doors. Marder kicked in the door causing the door trim to break. He then exited the apartment but came back through a window and continued the argument. While the victim was holding her child, Marder picked up a piece of trim with a nail sticking out of it and struck the victim multiple times on her forehead, shoulder and back of the head.

During the assault, the apartment’s security officers heard screaming. After arriving at the apartment, they witnessed Marder striking the victim with the trim. Security detained Marder and called police. The victim was transported to the hospital for treatment.

Marder is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, and the crime occurred within the Muscogee Nation reservation.

The FBI and Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin G. Bish and Benjamin D. Hargrove prosecuted the case.

A man who was arrested after a Mannford police officer discovered methamphetamine, fentanyl, and firearms in his vehicle was sentenced in federal court Monday, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Eric Steven Bentley, 35, of Bakersfield, California, to 15 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release.

“Eric Bentley traveled to northeastern Oklahoma to exchange deadly methamphetamine for guns and cash,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Illicit drug deals and firearms are a recipe for violence and suffering. Because of the work of the Mannford Police Department, DEA, and ATF, this defendant will no longer be able to operate his illegal drug business in our communities.”

Bentley pleaded guilty July 27, 2021, to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and to possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

In his plea agreement, Bentley stated that on Oct. 31, 2020, he and two codefendants, Derrick Deeds and Nicole Dileva, possessed more than 500 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute the drug. He said the trio traveled from Bakersfield, California, to the Northern District of Oklahoma to sell the methamphetamine and had already distributed quantities of the methamphetamine in exchange for cash and firearms.

He further stated that the three defendants possessed a Hermann Weihrauch (Arminius) .38 Special caliber revolver, a Jimenez Arms, Inc. 9 mm Luger caliber semi-automatic pistol, and a 9 mm privately made firearm. Bentley, Deeds, and Dileva received two of the guns as payment for methamphetamine and used the firearms for protection while selling the drugs.

The three were charged after an October 2020 traffic stop conducted by the Mannford Police Department. During a probable cause search of the vehicle, officers discovered three pounds of methamphetamine, pills later determined to be fentanyl and oxycodone, and the three firearms.

Deeds, 36, and Dileva, 35, both of Bakersfield, also pleaded guilty in July. Deeds was sentenced to 78 months in prison, and Dileva was sentenced to 60 months in prison.

The Mannford Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica L. Wright and Justin G. Bish are prosecuting the case.

An Owasso man who fraudulently applied for Paycheck Protection Program loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was convicted Thursday by a federal jury.

“A jury has found Olusola Ojo guilty on all charges related to a Paycheck Protection Program bank fraud conspiracy. He was taken into custody to await sentencing,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Criminals should understand that diverting taxpayer money meant to help struggling small businesses survive during the pandemic will be fully investigated and prosecuted. Agents from the Federal Reserve, Small Business Administration, and FBI are to be commended for their work in this case.”

Olusola Ojo, also known as Sam Ojo, 42, was found guilty of bank fraud conspiracy, two counts of bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft. He will be sentenced on April 1, 2022.

Ojo, along with two coconspirators, created 12 fictitious business entities that would fraudulently apply for Paycheck Protection Program loans under false pretenses such as the number of employees, payroll expenditures, taxes paid during previous months, details of business ownership, and a false representation of their relationship with one another. During this time, Ibanga Etuk, Teosha Etuk, and Ojo submitted multiple applications for the same businesses to more than ten different banks, without disclosing to those banks that they were submitting duplicative applications. They conspired to obtain loans in the total approximate amount of $5,430,585 and actually obtained funding from banks in the total approximate amount of $995,385.

As part of the conspiracy, Ojo knowingly applied for a Paycheck Protection Program loan from Frontier State Bank under false pretenses from April 20, 2020, to April 29, 2020,. The defendant lied about the number of people employed during the previous months of purported operations, the payroll expenditures during the previous months, taxes paid during previous months of operation, ownership of the business, and relationships between the parties in a $300,000 loan application submitted for Quicksold Market, Inc.

From May 8, 2020, to May, 11, 2020, Ojo also applied for a $150,000 Paycheck Protection Program loan from Stride Bank submitted under false pretenses for the Inspired Group LLC.

As part of his crimes, Ojo used another individual’s identity on payroll records summitted to the banks when applying for the loans.

“This conviction sends a clear message that those who defraud the federal government of pandemic relief funds will be held accountable and brought to justice for their actions,” said Cory Nootnagel, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Western Region, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. “I commend our agents and their federal law enforcement partners for their hard work and persistence, which ultimately led to this conviction.”

“The FBI hopes this conviction sends a clear message that individuals who try to steal taxpayer dollars meant to help people and businesses in need during a national crisis will be held accountable,” said Alvin M. Winston, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Oklahoma City. “We thank our partners for their work in this investigation and the U.S. Attorney's Office for a successful prosecution.”

Ojo’s two codefendants previously pleaded guilty and were sentenced.

Ibanga Etuk, 41, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a total of four years in federal prison— two years for bank fraud and two years for aggravated identity theft. He was also ordered to pay $168,000 in restitution to Chickasaw Community Bank.

Teosha Etuk, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and was sentenced to one year and a day in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. She was further ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $150,000 to First Liberty Bank.

The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection Office of Inspector General; Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General; and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristin Harrington, Victor A.S. Régal, and David D. Whipple are prosecuting the case.

To learn more about the Justice Department’s COVID response, visit: https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. For further information on the Criminal Division’s enforcement efforts on PPP fraud, including court documents from significant cases, visit the following website: https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/ppp-fraud. 

To report a COVID-19-related fraud scheme or suspicious activity, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) by calling the NCDF Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-for

A federal jury convicted a Wyandotte man Thursday for his role in a methamphetamine drug conspiracy, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

Adam Douglas Sherwood, 43, was found guilty of drug conspiracy, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and three counts of unlawful use of a communication facility. Sherwood is scheduled to be sentenced on March 25, 2022, before U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan.

“A jury held Adam Sherwood accountable for conspiring to distribute and distributing methamphetamine,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Illicit drug operations too often result in violence and further economic depression in struggling neighborhoods. Thankfully, multi-agency law enforcement teams are working together, as they did in this case, to dismantle drug operations that endanger communities in northeastern Oklahoma.”

The jury found that Sherwood took part in the drug conspiracy from January 2018 through January 2021. He and his conspirators distributed and possessed with intent to distribute between 50 and 500 grams of methamphetamine. On May 23, 2020, Sherwood and coconspirator Kenneth Rosenburg aided and abetted one another to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Finally, from May 13, 2020, to May 23, 2020, Sherwood also used his cellphone on three different occasions to conduct drug deals.

Sherwood, Rosenberg, and others supplied methamphetamine to buyers in Northeast Oklahoma in exchange for payment.

In the early morning hours of May 23, 2020, Tulsa Police officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that matched a description of a suspect vehicle involved in a shots-fired call earlier the same evening. Adam Sherwood, driver Kenneth Rosenberg, and a third individual were in the vehicle. Officers noted Sherwood with a can of beer when they approached the vehicle and a gun holster located on the center console of the car.

Officers then conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle and located a Lorcin Engineering Company, Inc. .380 ACP caliber single-action pistol and a Sturm, Ruger & Co. 22 WMR caliber double-action revolver under the center console of the vehicle. They also found a green zippered pouch containing multiple empty baggies, one baggie containing methamphetamine residue, a digital scale, and containers often used to store drugs. Officers searched Sherwood and located a clear plastic baggie containing a clear, brownish crystalline substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. Officers also located $226 in cash on Sherwood and approximately $1,300 on Rosenberg. Both were taken in to custody.

On Oct. 25, 2021, coconspirator Rosenberg was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison after he pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 

The Tulsa Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Miami Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin G. Bish and Thomas E. Duncombe are prosecuting the case.

TULSA, Okla. – A federal jury Wednesday found a Broken Arrow man guilty after his electronic devices were found to have more than 4,000 images and videos depicting the rape and molestation of children, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

Earl Hardy Morrow, 39, was convicted of distribution and receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography.

“My office and our local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement partners seek to protect children not only from their sexual abuser, but also from their revictimization through the repeated viewing of that abuse in child pornography,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Individuals like Earl Morrow must be held accountable for their role in a vile industry that preys on children across the globe.”

On Feb. 20, 2020, Morrow distributed and received child pornography via electronic means. From Nov. 5, 2019, to Feb. 27, 2020, Morrow further possessed visual depictions involving prepubescent minors and minors who were under 12 years of age.

On Feb. 20, 2020, multiple files of child sexual abuse material were sent to the Tulsa Police Department’s Cyber Crimes Unit via the BitTorrent network from an IP address that was later tracked to a Broken Arrow user. The final torrent file distributed to Tulsa Police contained multiple video files depicting the sexual abuse of children.

Officers served a search warrant on the address where Morrow resided on Feb. 27, 2020. During the search, Morrow told officers that he used BitTorrent on his computer and that he had illegal files on the computer.

During the forensic extraction and review of Morrow’s devices, the following items were found in Morrow’s bedroom and transported to the Tulsa Police Department for forensic extraction and review:

- 32GB Thumb drive connected to a keychain on Morrow’s car keys, found on the desk in his room--3140 pictures and 25 videos of child sexual abuse material found.

- Computer built by the defendant-- 546 pictures and 85 videos of child pornography, as well as the qBittorrent program.

- Laptop found on Morrow’s desk- 39 pictures and 79 videos of child pornography.

- 32 GB thumb drive found on Morrow’s desk-- 497 pictures and 54 videos of child pornography, includes 1 RTF document, titled “Daddy’s Collection,” where the author is Morrow, and the contents of the document lists child pornography search terms.

- 2 GB thumb drive found on Morrow’s desk-- 5 videos of child pornography.

The Tulsa Police Department led the investigation into Morrow with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations.

“The Tulsa Police Department’s Cyber Crimes Unit and Homeland Security Investigations consistently locate, investigate, and arrest child predators. These officers and agents are key partners when holding defendants accountable at trial,” said Johnson.

Visiting U.S. District Judge Daniel D. Crabtree from Kansas presided over the trial. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Nassar, Nathan E. Michel, and Stacey P. Todd are prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part the Northern District of Oklahoma’s Operation Clean Sweep, which charged 33 child predators. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar led the operation in conjunction with more than a dozen local, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies. The case is also part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

TULSA, Okla. – A Stilwell man was convicted Wednesday in federal court for sexually assaulting a minor in 2017 near Vinita during a road trip, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

The jury found David Anthony Romannose, 45, guilty of aggravated sexual abuse by force and threat in Indian Country and sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country.

“David Romannose abused the trust placed in him by a 12-year-old child who, at the time, considered him a friend. Even though it was extremely difficult, the victim bravely testified this week about the abuse she endured from Romannose. She is to be commended for her courage and for stopping this defendant from preying on other children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Also to be commended are the officers and agents of the FBI, Oneida Indian Nation Police Department and the Craig County Sheriff’s Office, who ensured Romannose was held accountable for his crimes. Strong partnerships are critical in these types of cases.”

“Protecting children is a top priority for the FBI, and we are pleased with today’s conviction. I want to thank the FBI special agents and staff as well as our partners who worked on this case to make sure justice was done,” said Alvin M. Winston, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Oklahoma City.

On July 4, 2017, Romannose, a citizen of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, accompanied a group who were traveling through northeastern Oklahoma after attending a festival in Seiling. While traveling, Romannose sexually assaulted the victim in the backseat of the vehicle. The violation occurred in Indian Country on the Will Rogers Turnpike/Interstate Highway I-44 near Vinita, in Craig County. The victim told investigators she remembered the group stopping at a rest stop in Vinita shortly after the abuse occurred. Romannose also abused the minor, an Oneida Indian Nation citizen, after the group arrived home in New York.

During the trial, family members testified that following the road trip, the victim’s behavior changed dramatically, and they initially were unsure why. They stated that she became more withdrawn and started acting out. Unexplained changes in behavior can be indicative of child sexual abuse. The victim eventually disclosed the abuse to a counselor and family member.

Chief U.S. District Judge John F. Heil III will sentence Romannose on June 3, 2022.

The FBI, Oneida Indian Nation Police Department, Craig County Sheriff’s Office, and the Craig County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gina S. Gilmore and Stacey P. Todd are prosecuting the case.

A former Vinita preacher was indicted this week for sexually abusing five minors whose ages ranged from 7 to 16 years old when the abuse occurred, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

Roy Edward Williams, 63, was charged with Coercion and Enticement of a Minor in Indian Country (Counts 1,3,5,6, and 8); Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country (Counts 2,4,9); Abusive Sexual Contact of a Minor Between 12 and 16 Years Old in Indian Country (Count 7); and Possession of Child Pornography (Count 11).

The U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI encourage any other victims of Williams to come forward and contact the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office at (405) 290-7770.

Williams is alleged to have committed the sex crimes starting on or around November 2002 and as late as December 2018. According to the indictment, Williams also took sexually explicit photographs of several of the victims, paid or offered something of value to several victims immediately following the sexual abuse, and threatened several victims to prevent them from reporting the abuse to others. The defendant was further found in possession of child pornography on June 24, 2019. During the period of the described abuse, Williams was a member and preacher at Bunker Hill Baptist in Vinita.

Williams was previously charged in Craig County District Court. However, charges were dismissed in April 2021 as Williams is a Cherokee citizen and the alleged crimes occurred in or near Vinita, which is within the Cherokee Nation Reservation. The Cherokee Nation Attorney General’s Office then filed tribal charges against Williams in April, and he is currently in tribal custody awaiting trial. This week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office also filed charges in the case.

An indictment is merely an accusation. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The FBI, Craig County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leah Paisner and Edward Snow are prosecuting the case.

Acting United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the November 2021 Federal Grand Jury B.

The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.

Osakwe Bandele Jr.; Marvin Leon Bowie Jr.;  Larry Charles Hutton Jr. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition (Counts 1,2 3, 9, 10); Possession of Phencyclidine with Intent to Distribute (Count 4); Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises (Count 5); Using, Carrying, and Possessing Firearms During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime (Count 6); Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country (Count 7); Carrying, Using, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence (Count 8) (superseding). Bandele, 31, Bowie Jr., 40, and Hutton, 47, all of Tulsa, are charged separately in counts 1-3 with being a felon in possession of a Beretta .40 caliber pistol, a Glock .357 caliber pistol, and a Llama .45 caliber pistol, and associated ammunition on Sept. 29, 2021. Bandele, Bowie, and Hutton are also charged with aiding and abetting one another to possess with intent to distribute Phencyclidine, also known as PCP. They are further charged with maintaining a residence to distribute the PCP and with carrying firearms during and in relation to their drug trafficking operation. Bowie is also charged with assaulting another individual by striking him in the head with a firearm on July 9, 2021. Bandele is charged in Count 9 with being a felon in possession of a Model AR-15 .223 caliber rifle, a Glock .40 caliber pistol, a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol and associated ammunition on May 7, 2020. In Count 10, he is also charged with being a felon in possession of a Ruger .223 caliber rifle and associated ammunition on May 13, 2020. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan E. Michel is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-466

Jacob Ancen Bell. Child Abuse in Indian Country; Child Neglect in Indian Country. Bell, 45, currently incarcerated, is alleged to have put a child in a dangerous position by exposing the child to the manufacture of methamphetamine on Nov. 10, 2011. He also failed to protect the child from exposure to the use, possession, sale, and manufacture of illegal drugs, and the maintenance of a drug-involved residence on Nov. 11, 2011. The FBI, Tulsa Police Department, Tulsa Fire Department, and City of Tulsa Fire Investigations are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Valeria Luster is prosecuting the case.

Ashley Nicole Blizzard. Child Abuse in Indian Country; Child Neglect in Indian Country; Child Endangerment in Indian Country. On Feb. 28, 2020, Blizzard, 33, of Claremore, is alleged to have put her 11-year-old child in danger when she struck him with her pick-up in a driveway and ran over his arm. The child was trying to stop her from driving under the influence with a 2-year-old in her vehicle. Blizzard further failed to protect her 2-year-old child from exposure to the use, possession, sale, and manufacture of illegal drugs and other illegal activities and failed to adequately supervise her by placing her on top of a broken meth pipe without a car seat or a seatbelt. Finally, she allegedly endangered her 2-year-old child by driving the car under the influence of an intoxicating substance while her toddler was inside the car. Deputies from the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office located the defendant, stopped her, then took her into custody after finding her license was revoked and locating drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. Blizzard is non-Indian; the children are citizens of the Eastern Shawnee Nation. The crime occurred within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation. The FBI and Rogers County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah Paisner is prosecuting the case.

Valerie Bowman. Robbery in Indian Country (Counts 1, 3, 4, 5); Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country (Count 2); Attempted Robbery in Indian Country (Count 6). On Oct. 2, 2021, Bowman, 24, of Tulsa, allegedly used violence and intimidation to rob a Dollar General cashier, stealing cash from the store’s money drawer. During the crime, she assaulted the victim by spraying him in the eyes and face with bed bug spray and grabbed money from the open drawer. She is further charged with robbing a second cashier at a CVS Pharmacy on Oct. 8, 2021. She allegedly robbed a third cashier at another CVS Pharmacy on Oct. 10, 2021, and about eight hours later robbed a fourth cashier at a Walgreens Pharmacy. Finally, on Oct. 18, 2021, Bowman unsuccessfully attempted to steal an elderly woman’s purse at a Tulsa Walgreens. She fled the location but was stopped shortly after the crime by a Tulsa Police Officer. Bowman told the officer that she thought she was “untouchable” because she was a tribal citizen based on the McGirt v Oklahoma decision. She was wrong. The Tulsa Police Department and FBI are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Buscemi is prosecuting the case.

Jonathon Lewis Kernaghan. First Degree Burglary in Indian Country. Kernaghan, 31, of Tulsa, is charged with breaking into a home while it was occupied by pushing open a bathroom window and climbing through it on Sept. 29, 2020. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris is prosecuting the case.

Jacob Dillon Long. Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country. Long, 28, of Glenpool, is charged with sexually abusing a minor between 12 and 16 years of age on March 20, 2017. The FBI and Rogers County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra M. Urban and Chantelle D. Dial are prosecuting the case.

Winford Bruce Martin. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Kidnapping in Indian Country; Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country; Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle in Indian Country. Martin, 61, allegedly struck the victim in the face with a fire log, breaking her nose and causing bruising and lacerations to her head and neck between Sept. 1, 2020 and Dec. 1, 2020. On Dec. 2, 2020, he is further alleged to have kidnapped the victim via false imprisonment, knocked out several of the victim’s teeth, struck her with a sword causing lacerations, and strangled the victim.  The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey P. Todd is prosecuting the case.

Michael Martavious Pugh. Child abuse in Indian Country. Pugh, 20, of Tulsa, is charged with torturing a 23-month-old Native American victim on Sept. 29, 2021, by punching the child in the chest, causing significant bruising to his body, cardiac arrest and loss of blood to the brain. Assistant U.S. Attorney Valeria Luster is prosecuting the case.

Stephen John Rose. Obstruction of Justice by Tampering with a Witness, Victim, or Informant by Intimidation, Threats, Corrupt Persuasion, or Misleading Conduct. Rose, 56, of Tulsa, allegedly tried to persuade three individuals to make false statements in a federal investigation, from Oct. 22 through Oct. 23, 2021, regarding a murder he was allegedly involved in. The FBI and Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cymetra M. Williams is prosecuting the case.

Daelen Tate Space. Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country. Space, 26, of Pryor, is charged with the abusive sexual contact of a minor. The Rogers County Sheriff’s Office and FBI are the investigative agencies. State charges were dismissed based on the McGirt v Oklahoma decision and were refiled in federal court. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cymetra M. Williams is prosecuting the case.

Vernon Leon Weaver. Obstruction of Justice by Tampering with a Witness, Victim, or Informant by Physical Force or Threat; Obstruction of Justice by Tampering with a Witness, Victim, or Informant by Intimidation, Threats, Corrupt Persuasion, or Misleading Conduct. Weaver, 49, of Tulsa, allegedly threatened a witness with physical violence on Oct. 18, 2021, with the intent to influence, delay, and prevent the witness’ testimony in an official proceeding about a murder Weaver was allegedly involved in. He is also charged with persuading the witness to make a materially false statement in an official proceeding. The FBI and Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cymetra M. Williams is prosecuting the case.

Roy Edward Williams. Coercion and Enticement of a Minor in Indian Country (Count 1, 3, 5, 6, 8); Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country (Counts 2, 4, 9, 10); Abusive Sexual Contact of a Minor Between 12 and 16 Years Old in Indian Country (Count 7); Possession of Child Pornography (Count 11). Williams, 63, a former preacher in Vinita, was charged with sexually abusing five minors whose ages ranged from 7 to 16 years old at the time of the abuse. Williams allegedly paid or offered something of value to several victims immediately following the sexual abuse and threatened several victims to prevent them from telling others. Williams is alleged to have committed the sex crimes starting on or around November 2002 and as late as December 2018. Williams was further found in possession of child pornography on June 24, 2019. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI ask that any other possible victims come forward and contact the FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office at (405) 290-7770. The FBI, Craig County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leah Paisner and Edward Snow are prosecuting the case.

TULSA, Okla. – A Romanian national was sentenced today in federal court for conspiring with others to steal close to $80,000 from credit union customers’ accounts after installing skimmers and pinhole cameras on ATM machines in Yukon, Moore, south Oklahoma City and Tulsa, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced Iancu Ovidiu Florea, 53, to time served plus five years of supervised release. He was further ordered to pay $79, 660 in restitution to Tinker Federal Credit Union.

Florea pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit financial institution fraud on Aug. 18, 2021.

Florea admitted in his plea agreement that he and codefendant Marinel Muchie, also a Romanian citizen, committed fraud against Tinker Federal Credit Union in July and August 2019. The credit union incurred losses totaling $79,660 from 110 compromised customer accounts.

The two defendants carried out their scheme by placing “skimming” devices, also called “shimmers,” into ATM machines at various Tinker Federal Credit Union locations in the Oklahoma City area and Tulsa. The skimmers were electronic devices that gathered and stored account data from ATM customers when they used their debit cards to conduct transactions at the ATMs. Florea admitted that the two installed tiny cameras at the ATMs that recorded the customer’s personal identification numbers (PINS) as the customers typed on the keypad to access their accounts.

The skimmers ran on power from the ATM and stored customers’ account information until the conspirators downloaded the information onto a card inserted into the ATMs. The pinhole cameras were powered by batteries and used SIM cards to store video. Florea stated in the plea agreement that he helped check the devices and also removed them from the ATMs.

Once the electronic account data was obtained by the skimmers and the PINs were recorded by the cameras, the defendants had enough information to create false access cards and used those to conduct fraudulent financial transactions at ATMs, withdrawing money from the credit union’s customer accounts. Floreau and his codefendant withdrew money from those accounts at ATMs in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Las Vegas, Nevada, usually about $80 to $100 per withdrawal. 

To cover their tracks, the codefendants used false identities to rent vehicles and places to stay. For example, Florea used the name “Joel Sterk” to rent a vehicle which he was driving when arrested by authorities in Illinois.

A Secret Service Task Force in Oklahoma City opened the investigation on Aug. 5, 2019, after the credit union reported finding skimmers on their ATMs. The Task Force was eventually able to track down the defendant in the rental car and contacted authorities in Elmhurst, Illinois, to inform them a suspect was in their jurisdiction. Elmhurst Police Officers stopped Florea for a traffic violation, and after a positive identification was made based on surveillance footage from Tinker Federal Credit Union, he was arrested. Secret Service Agents also discovered there was an FBI active arrest warrant for Florea in the Eastern District of Michigan. He was eventually convicted and sentenced there in regard to an earlier, unrelated fraudulent scheme.

Codefendant Muchie pleaded guilty Sept. 16, 2021 to conspiracy to commit financial institution fraud and aggravated identity theft. He will be sentenced on Feb. 1, 2022.

The U.S. Secret Service and Oklahoma City Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David D. Whipple and Kevin C. Leitch conducted the investigation.

A Tulsa man was sentenced Monday in federal court for leaving his two children  unsupervised for more than four hours, at which time the children gained access to his parked vehicle and died due to extreme heat exposure, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced Dustin Lee Dennis, 33, to 48 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. 

Dennis fell asleep on June 13, 2020, only to wake up and discover his two children deceased in the back seat of his pick-up truck. He pleaded guilty on July 13, 2021, to two counts of child neglect in Indian Country. Three-year-old Ryan and four-year-old Tegan were citizens of the Cherokee Nation, and the crime occurred within the boundaries of the Muscogee Nation Reservation.

Dennis fell asleep the afternoon of June 13, 2020, leaving his two children unsupervised. The children entered Dennis’s vehicle in the driveway, were unable to get out of the truck, and died from exposure to extremely high temperatures while being trapped in the truck.

In his plea agreement, Dennis admitted that while caring for his children on June 12 and 13, 2020, he got high on cocaine and stayed up playing video games.

In court, Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina Gilmore outlined the evidence against the defendant. Dennis and his brother discussed purchasing and using cocaine days before the death of the children. On June 12, 2020, his brother indicated that he had the “stuff,” referencing cocaine, and the two could play video games at his home. Dustin later texted his brother that he would have to bring his children since his mother could not take care of them. Dennis then wrote that he was headed to his brother’s house.

Surveillance video showed Dennis and the children returning home just before 1 am on June 13. At 1:03 am, Dennis indicated in a text to his brother that he was turning his game on and later texted that he did a couple of lines and that he hated chopping up cocaine when it’s moist. He indicated he was about to do some more.

Surveillance video later showed Dennis leaving his residence alone at approximately noon on June 13 for 11 minutes during which time Dennis stated he drove to a QuikTrip. When Dennis returned home from the convenience store, he fell asleep. Surveillance footage showed the two children trying to get into Dennis’ truck at 1:22 pm when the vehicle’s alarm went off. They attempted a second time at 1:29 pm and successfully gained access to the truck. The video later captured Dennis exiting his apartment and searching for his children approximately four hours later, at 5:32 pm. Within minutes he discovered the children deceased in the truck.

Dustin Dennis was initially indicted on Aug. 7, 2020. On March 4, 2021, Dennis was charged in a superseding indictment with four counts of child neglect in Indian Country. He and his brother, Michael Dennis, were also charged with 12 counts of use of a communication facility in committing, causing, and facilitating the commission of a drug trafficking felony.

Michael Dennis pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance on July 29, 2021, and was sentenced Monday to 18 months of probation.

The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina S. Gilmore prosecuted the case.

A Tulsa man pleaded guilty Monday in U.S. District Court for assaulting and threatening to kill a victim, robbing him of hundreds of dollars, then carjacking his vehicle, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

Merle Jason Lancaster Sr., 42, pleaded guilty to Robbery in Indian Country.

Lancaster Sr. admitted that on Feb. 3, 2021, he threatened to kill the victim and his family if he did not hand over money or drugs. Lancaster further assaulted the victim with a baseball bat in order to force the victim to comply with his demands. He then forced the victim into the victim’s vehicle. Lancaster and an accomplice drove the victim to a convenience store so the victim could withdraw several hundred dollars from an ATM machine. Video surveillance showed the victim and Lancaster entering the convenience store, the victim withdrawing money, and the victim handing over the cash to Lancaster as he stood over the victim. The three left the convenience store, and at some point, Lancaster and his accomplice forced the man out of the car and drove away.

U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell will sentence Lancaster at a hearing set for March 9, 2022. If Judge Frizzell accepts the plea agreement, the defendant will serve 90 months in federal prison.

The defendant is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, and the crime occurred within the boundaries of the Muscogee Nation Reservation.

The Tulsa Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin G. Bish is prosecuting the case.

An investigation into a Broken Arrow man alleged to have been an administrator for a transnational child exploitation chat group has led to five additional arrests and the rescue of multiple child victims in the United States and Europe.

Thus far, the FBI and task force partners have arrested six individuals and rescued child victims in Oklahoma, Texas, Florida, Arkansas, Missouri, and Norway.

In August, Cameron Kelly McAbee, 31, of Broken Arrow, was charged in a federal indictment with child exploitation enterprise; sexual exploitation of a child by a parent; receipt and distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography in Indian Country.

“Cameron McAbee is alleged to have been an online administrator for a social media group whose criteria for entry was to have a child available to sexually abuse and photograph,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “My office and our law enforcement partners will continue to expose individuals involved in this covert group and identify and rescue child victims.”

"FBI Agents in both Tulsa and Atlanta, along with task force partners discovered, investigated, and ultimately neutralized an international cabal of alleged child predators," said Alvin M. Winston, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Oklahoma City. "The threat Mr. McAbee and his partners posed to children worldwide was thwarted by the relentless dedication of FBI investigators joining forces with detectives from Tulsa and Broken Arrow police departments. Only through strong police partnerships can law enforcement remain unified and effective in the global fight to bring child predators to justice."

According to court documents, on July 13, 2021, the FBI discovered an online chat group that shared child sexual abuse material and determined that McAbee was an administrator. The FBI observed that gaining membership in the group required showing photographic proof of having access to a child for the suspected purpose of sharing child sexual abuse material. Continued access to the group required members to produce and share images and videos of the members sexually abusing children. On July 24, 2021, McAbee is alleged to have posted a “live photo” to the group depicting the sexual abuse of a child.

On July 26, 2021, the FBI linked the administrator account to McAbee and his Broken Arrow address and executed a search warrant at the residence that same day.

McAbee agreed to an interview with FBI agents and allegedly confirmed that he held an administrative role in multiple groups, to include one specifically designed for sharing of explicit images and videos of children the members had physical access to. He allegedly stated that he had traded images of child sexual abuse that would be considered child pornography, to include the sexually explicit “live” image he sent of a child to the online chat group on July 24, 2021.

Defendants arrested as part of the investigation include:

FBI arrest - Cameron McAbee of Broken Arrow

FBI arrest - Eric McCants of San Antonio, Texas

FBI arrest - Michael McClure of DeFuniak Springs, Florida

FBI arrest - Jeffrey Prowant of Stone County, Missouri

Arkansas arrest - James Ray Bickerstaff of Siloam Springs, Arkansas

Law enforcement authorities in Norway arrested an unnamed subject

Additional child victims have been brought to safety, and the FBI continues to investigate leads in at least four other states.

An indictment is merely an accusation. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office (Tulsa Resident Agency), FBI Atlanta Field Office, Broken Arrow Police Department, and Tulsa Police Department are conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar is prosecuting defendants residing within the Northern District of Oklahoma.

A former office manager who embezzled more the $2.7 million from her former employer, all after facing unrelated charges in Tulsa County for similar crimes, was sentenced in federal court, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced Melissa Raye Dihel, 50, of Okmulgee, to 46 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. She was further ordered to pay $2,722,332.63 in restitution to her former employer and $775,971 in restitution to the IRS.

Dihel began stealing from her employer less than two years after pleading guilty to embezzling from another business, for which she received a deferred sentence on Dec. 16, 2009, in Tulsa County District Court.

“Melissa Dihel violated the trust of small business owners and robbed them for years,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Dihel’s string of lies, criminal acts, and excuses have finally caught up with her, resulting in almost four years of prison. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will hold white collar criminals responsible for the financial harm they cause to local businesses.”

“Ms. Dihel’s shameless actions to embezzle money, for a second time, from her employer shows her lack of remorse for her crimes and complete disregard for her employer and taxpayers in general. This sentencing shows that the cooperation between our law enforcement partners continues to catch these criminals and hold them accountable for their actions,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher J. Altemus Jr., Dallas Field Office.

Dihel pleaded guilty to mail fraud and tax evasion on July 21, 2021, after she brazenly embezzled more than $2.7 million from her employer from 2011 until May 2019. Dihel took advantage of her trusted position as an office manager at the business and forged the president’s signature on approximately 334 checks for her own benefit and to the detriment of the company. She made some checks payable to herself, some to her boyfriend and a family member, and some to personal credit card companies to pay her monthly credit card bills. Her boyfriend and family member were unaware of her scheme. Dihel further manipulated accounting entries in her employer’s books and records to cover her tracks. Dihel stated in her plea agreement that she spent most of the money on gambling. 

Additionally, Dihel did not report the illegal income to the IRS. Specifically, she stated that she did not report $820,148 in illegal income for tax year 2018 and that she failed to pay taxes in the amount of $279,273 for that year.

Dihel will self-surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility on Dec. 15, 2021.

IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Broken Arrow Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David D. Whipple and Kevin C. Leitch prosecuted the case.

A Welch man was sentenced Friday in federal court for murdering his 81-year-old mother in her home on Aug. 4, 2011, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell accepted a plea agreement between the Government and the defendant and sentenced Michael Joe Rice, 58, to 540 months in federal prison. In July 2021, Rice pleaded guilty to second degree murder in Indian Country and admitted to killing his mother, Ruth Rice, by beating her to death.

Following Rice’s statement at sentencing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Morgan criticized Rice for not offering even a simple apology for raping and murdering his own mother. He then stated that a 540-month sentence would ensure Rice was held accountable for the crime while also sparing the victim’s family from having to go through further court proceedings.

According to court documents, Michael Rice’s then girlfriend told a Craig County Sheriff’s Office deputy that she and Rice had found his adoptive mother in a back hallway of her home in Welch and they believed she was dead. She then directed the deputy to the victim’s residence nearby, which is located within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation. The victim was located in the home deceased.

Later, on Aug. 29, 2011, Rice was interviewed by special agents from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Rice told agents that the murder happened over money and that he was depressed. He told agents that he went to his mother’s house and began hitting her multiple times before tackling her to the ground. When she asked what he was doing, he hit her in the head, grabbed nearby bags and pushed them into her mouth to stop her from yelling. He continued his assault then eventually went home. He told investigators that he was unsure if she had died at that time, but said she was no longer talking.

According to an affidavit filed in the federal case, Rice told agents that he returned to the victim’s home and raped her. He said he thought she was still alive or might have been dying at the time of the rape. The Chief Medical Examiner confirmed that the victim had sustained blunt force trauma to the head and was sexually assaulted.

Rice, a citizen of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, previously pleaded guilty to the murder in Craig County District Court but challenged his state conviction and sentence based upon the Supreme Court ruling in McGirt v. Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals ruling in Hogner v. Oklahoma. At that time, the U.S. Attorney’s Office filed charges in the case and Rice pleaded guilty in July 2021. In September 2021, his state conviction was upheld based on the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeal’s decision in Matloff v Wallace that stated McGirt, in most cases, is not retroactive. (The Wallace decision was made in August 2021).

Rice appeared today in federal court on a writ from the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, where he is serving a sentence of life without parole. Now that he has been sentenced in federal court, he will return to an Oklahoma Department of Corrections facility to serve his life sentence without the possibility of parole as handed down in Craig County District Court.

“Michael Rice brutally assaulted his mother and left her for dead,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “His actions were heinous and inexcusable. I am thankful for the state and federal investigators and prosecutors who have worked diligently since 2011 to hold this killer accountable for his crimes.” 

The FBI, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and Craig County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Brasher and Mark R. Morgan are prosecuting the case. 

A federal jury convicted a Sapulpa man Thursday of sexually abusing two victims who were under the age of 12.

The jury found Andrew Lee Gibbs, 64, guilty of abusive sexual contact of a minor in Indian Country and aggravated sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country.

The jury found that on March 7, 2021, Gibbs knowingly touched the first victim in a sexual manner. They further found that on the same day, the defendant sexually abused a second child, who was also under the age of 12. After the sexual assaults, one of the children broke away from Gibbs, and eventually ran up to a man in a restaurant parking lot, told him that the defendant did an “unsafe touch,” and begged the man for help.  The man, who happened to be a Homeland Security Investigations special agent with 10 years of experience working crimes against children, then called 911. Gibbs soon arrived, but the child accused him of abuse. He left then returned a few minutes later with the child’s mother. When she heard of the abuse, she removed her remaining children from his vehicle.

A Child Abuse Forensic Interviewer later spoke with both victims who stated that Gibbs, an adult they had trusted, sexually abused them in his vehicle during an outing to a park. Following the visit to the park, Gibbs took the children to a nearby store where one ran away and sought help.

“A victim of Andrew Gibbs bravely reported his predatory acts and, along with her sister, testified against him in federal court,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “It is extremely difficult for children to reveal the details of their sexual abuse to anyone, let alone a courtroom of strangers. I commend both the victims for their courage.  When children report abuse, adults should listen and report to authorities.”

Gibbs remains in the custody and will be sentenced on Feb. 18, 2022.

The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Valeria Luster and Chantelle D. Dial are prosecuting the case.

 A Tulsa man was sentenced in federal court for attempted receipt of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced Don Westly Roe Jr., 62, of Tulsa, to 82 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release.

“Don Roe Jr. initiated sexually inappropriate online conversations with an individual he believed was a minor, asked for explicit images and arranged a meeting between the two,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Thankfully, instead of being met by a girl, this criminal was met by officers of the Bristow Police Department. Roe will spend nearly 7 years in federal prison for his illegal conduct.”

In his plea agreement, Roe Jr. admitted that from Feb 4, 2020, to April 5, 2020, he attempted to receive a visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

During that time, Roe engaged online with an individual he thought was a minor female. Instead, he was communicating with an undercover officer. Roe asked the individual if she wanted him to come pick her up and if she partied. Roe’s conversations increasingly became sexual, and he requested explicit photographs of the “minor.” The defendant then arranged for the two to meet. When Roe arrived at the designated meeting location, he was arrested by law enforcement.

The Bristow Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin G. Bish prosecuted the case.

A Miami, Oklahoma, man was sentenced Monday for possessing firearms as part of a methamphetamine distribution operation.

U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced Kenneth Dean Rosenberg, 38, to 60 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release.

“Guns and methamphetamine are a volatile combination. They fuel crime, violence and suffering in our neighborhoods,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “My office and our law enforcement partners will continue to protect communities from this deadly duo and hold drug distributors accountable for their crimes.”

Rosenberg admitted in a plea agreement that he was in possession of a Lorcin Engineering Company, Inc. .380 ACP caliber single-action pistol and methamphetamine on May 23, 2020, when he and codefendant Adam Douglas Sherwood were stopped by Tulsa Police officers. He admitted that the two men conspired to supply methamphetamine to buyers in return for payment. Rosenberg’s role in the drug operation included communicating with Sherwood and others regarding potential drug sales as well as driving Sherwood and the methamphetamine to the sales in a pick-up that belonged to Sherwood’s father. According to Rosenberg’s statement, the methamphetamine, cash, baggies, scales, and firearms that officers discovered during the stop were all used to further the drug operation.

Codefendant Adam Sherwood’s trial is set to begin in November 2021. Sherwood is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The Tulsa Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin G. Bish, Steven J. Briden, and Thomas E. Duncombe are prosecuting the case.

A woman who operated a Tulsa spa was sentenced today in federal court for using medical devices on her patients that were not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. The devices are also known as cosmetic fillers.

U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Elisa Kaye Sanders, 62, of Tulsa, to three years of probation. As a condition of her probation, Sanders cannot apply for reinstatement of her nurse’s license for the duration of her sentence. Sanders was further ordered to pay a fine of $25,000.

“U.S. consumers rely on FDA oversight to ensure that the drugs and devices they receive are safe and effective. Rogue health care professionals who obtain foreign unapproved medical products and then dispense and administer them to their patients, put the health of those patients at significant risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Charles L. Grinstead, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Kansas City Field Office. “We will continue to investigate and bring to justice those who choose to put the public’s health at such risk.”

Sanders was a majority owner and operator of L’Chaim Medical Spa, previously known as Enhance Skin and Body Medical Spa. She was originally charged in a 13-count indictment in January 2020 alleging Sanders defrauded clients seeking treatment from her spa; her staff; and state and federal regulatory agencies responsible for the oversight of the spa.

Sanders pleaded guilty on April 30, 2021, to misdemeanor fraud relating to misbranded devices. The defendant admitted that on March 10, 2017, she administered the medical devices Juvederm® Ultra 4 and Juvederm® Ultra with Lidocaine to a patient who, as a result, suffered adverse reactions. These specific devices are not approved by the FDA for distribution in the United States and are considered adulterated under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Sanders failed to tell the patient she was using unapproved fillers. The defendant purchased the fillers from unauthorized sources after previously being advised by the FDA that purchasing these prescription devices from unauthorized sources was illegal.

L’Chaim Medical Spa is no longer in operation.

The Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon Cozzoni prosecuted the case.

A con artist who defrauded a man out of $4.5 million and defrauded banks out of $3.9 million pleaded guilty Tuesday in U.S. District Court, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

William Brian Mulder, 63, of Tulsa, pleaded guilty to causing the interstate transmission of moneys taken by fraud and money laundering.

“William Mulder was driven by greed and a relentless spirit of deception. For nearly twenty years, this fraudster repeatedly lied to and cheated friends and banks out of millions of dollars,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “I commend the team of federal prosecutors and agents who brought Mulder to justice for his criminal deceit.”

Mulder was set to go to trial this week but instead pleaded guilty. Mulder admitted that beginning in 2000 and continuing through 2017, he received numerous checks totaling approximately $4.5 million from the victim, who was a local businessman and friend to Mulder. Mulder advised the victim to create a trust for his special needs son and for which Mulder would be the trustee and have complete discretion and control. Mulder told the victim that he would prudently invest the funds on the son’s behalf. Instead, Mulder used the funds for his own personal expenses and enrichment.

Mulder admitted that in December 2015, he fraudulently received a check from the victim in the amount of $142,500 and deposited funds from the check in the amount of $83,378.54 into his personal account, which he later used on a personal investment in generators in Missouri.

Further, Mulder admitted that he lied about his assets and submitted fabricated documents to obtain loans from Oklahoma banks in order to support a lifestyle he couldn’t afford on his own.

According to the indictment, Mulder, as part of his scheme, misrepresented himself as worth millions to friends. Mulder told several individuals that a wealthy Missouri widow had left him over $100 million in a blind trust in appreciation for his services as an insurance salesman for the widow. In another story, he said he was the beneficiary of a different blind trust worth hundreds of millions of dollars from his father. The government alleged that Mulder convinced his friends that if they pooled their investments with his fortune, they could grow their money faster. To cover his tracks, Mulder created a web of convoluted rules and restrictions to keep the victims from seeing the progress of their investments. The government alleged that, in reality, there were no investments. Mulder deposited checks into his personal bank accounts and used the funds to pay off credit card debts and to run a coffee shop chain. He also allegedly moved money between more than 60 bank accounts in order to make it difficult for the investors and law enforcement to follow the trail of money.

As part of the plea deal, Mulder agreed to pay $3.9 million in restitution to two of the banks and $4.5 million in restitution to his former friend and investor. Mulder also faces a sentence of 70 to 90 months in federal prison if the plea agreement is accepted by Chief U.S. District Judge John F. Heil III. Judge Heil will determine the sentence at a hearing on April 28, 2022.

The FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Treasury-Office of Inspector General; and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin C. Leitch, Vani Singhal, and Thomas E. Duncombe are prosecuting the case.

A Tulsa man pleaded guilty Friday to taking part in an attempted robbery and home invasion that ended in the deaths of his accomplice and the resident, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

Justin Tvmvmapky Harjo, 24, of Tulsa, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to carry, brandish, and use a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

“Justin Harjo choose to take part in an armed robbery that resulted in two deaths, one of whom was simply fighting to protect his home and those inside,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Now Harjo will face federal prison time.”

According to his plea, Harjo admitted that he conspired with Chauncey Thomas to carry, brandish, and use a firearm during a robbery committed on May 23, 2019. He admitted that he and Thomas planned to conduct an armed robbery of victim Dion Carr’s residence. Harjo drove Thomas to Carr’s residence and attempted follow Thomas through a window into the victim’s home. Carr confronted Thomas who was armed with a gun as he entered the residence. Witnesses in the home reported a struggle over the firearm that resulted in both Thomas and Carr getting shot. Carr died at the scene while Harjo helped his accomplice escape. Harjo drove Thomas to a Tulsa hospital, pulled him from the vehicle, and left him at the entrance. Harjo later burned the vehicle used in the robbery in a rural field to destroy evidence and conceal the conspiracy. Thomas died three days after he was left at the hospital.

Harjo, a citizen of the Muscogee Nation, faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for the crime, which occurred within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation reservation.

The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 16, 2022.

The Tulsa Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Nassar and Sandra M. Urban are prosecuting the case.

A federal jury today convicted a Tulsa man who assaulted and attempted to kidnap his wife then called her from jail trying to convince her to lie to authorities about the incident, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. 

Derek Lee Lovell, 37, was found guilty of attempted kidnapping in Indian Country; assault with intent to commit a felony; and attempting to influence, delay, and prevent testimony through corrupt persuasion.  

“There is no excuse for domestic violence, and this office will hold perpetrators accountable for their abuse. Mr. Lovell is no exception,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Three witnesses observed Lovell assault his spouse and took action. They are to be commended for intervening and preventing a kidnapping.”

On Jan. 28, 2021, the Tulsa Police Department responded to a Burger King near 1100 S. Harvard Ave. and 3242 E. 11th Street. Callers provided information that a man was assaulting a woman near the establishment. Callers further reported the man had a knife and fled in a silver Chrysler sedan.

Responding officers made contact with the female victim who stated that she had fled from her spouse as he chased her down the sidewalk. He eventually pinned her against a nearby concrete wall then attempted to drag her back to a vehicle. Officers observed the victim was visibly shaken. She was also concerned about cooperating with officers due to fear of reprisal.

During the assault, a driver pulled over and attempted to help the victim. Lovell then pulled out a pocketknife, approached the vehicle, stabbed the front right tire and shouted an expletive. Two other witnesses, along with camera footage, corroborated the driver’s statement to officers. The witnesses were also able to describe Lovell’s vehicle and license plate.

On Jan. 29, 2021, Tulsa Police officers executed a traffic stop on Lovell’s vehicle while on South Lewis Avenue and took the defendant into custody.

Lovell is a citizen of the Choctaw Nation, and the crime was committed within the Muscogee Nation reservation.

Following closing statements, the jury deliberated four hours then returned guilty verdicts on all counts. Lovell’s trial lasted two days.

The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie A. Childress and Edward Snow are prosecuting the case.

A Broken Arrow man whose trial was slated to start this week in federal court pleaded guilty today for sexually abusing a minor, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

Christopher Dean Dana, 35, pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor in Indian Country.

In his plea agreement, Dana, a non-Indian, admitted that he sexually abused the victim when she was between the ages of seven and 11 then again when she was between 12 and 16 years old. When she resisted his advances, Dana would further pressure the victim by offering her money. The victim is a citizen of the Choctaw Nation, and the crimes occurred within the boundaries of the Muscogee Nation reservation.

“Christopher Dana betrayed this young victim. He should have been an adult she could trust but instead was a sexual predator,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “My office and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate the abuse of the most vulnerable in our communities- children.”

Chief U.S. District Judge John F. Heil III will sentence Dana on Feb. 25, 2022.

The FBI and Broken Arrow Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stacey P. Todd and Gina S. Gilmore are prosecuting the case.

A Tulsa man who possessed a revolver and shotgun to protect himself and the marijuana he was illegally distributing pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

LeMorris Walton Jr., 33, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan will sentence Walton on Feb. 15, 2022.

“Violating federal firearms laws has consequences. The prosecution of these cases reduces violent crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “This office is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms.”

Walton admitted that on Nov. 9, 2020, he possessed firearms at his residence in Tulsa for the purpose of protecting and furthering his marijuana distribution operation. The defendant possessed a Herman Weihrauch .38 special revolver, a Maverick 12 gauge shotgun, and 33 rounds of ammunition. Walton is also a felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

The Tulsa Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas E. Buscemi and Mark R. Morgan are prosecuting the case.

This case is being prosecuted as part of the 2150 Initiative. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma, Tulsa Police Department, ATF, and all other local, state, tribal and federal law enforcement partners to combat violent crime by focusing efforts on prohibited persons in possession of firearms as well as straw purchasers.

Acting United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the October 2021 Federal Grand Jury B.

The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.

Osakwe Bandele; Marvin Leon Bowie Jr; Larry Hutton. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition (Counts 1,3) Felon in possession of ammunition. Bandele, 31, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Glock .357 caliber pistol and ammunition. Bowie Jr., 40, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition. Finally, Hutton, 47, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Beretta .40 caliber pistol and ammunition. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan E. Michel is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-466

Garrett Gene Barlow. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. Barlow, 29, of Claremore, is charged with assaulting another individual with a knife on Sept. 22, 2021, in Tulsa. The defendant is alleged to have unsheathed his knife, held it to the victim’s neck in a show of force, threatened the victim, cut the victim’s arm, then punched the victim. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex M. Scott is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-467

Tyler Gene Coddington. Kidnapping in Indian Country (Count 1); Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country (Counts 2, 4); Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling and Suffocating in Indian Country (Count 3); Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence (Count 4); Felon in Possession of a Firearm (Count 5).  Coddington, 27, of Tulsa, allegedly threatened the victim with a taser and kidnapped her on Dec. 26, 2019. He took the victim to a remote location where he tased and strangled the victim. Then on Feb 16, 2020, the defendant pointed a loaded firearm at the victim. Coddington is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a 2017 domestic violence conviction. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven J. Briden is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-460

William Colby Cox. Felon in Possession of Firearms; Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premise (superseding). Cox, 37, of Tulsa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a FEG 9mm pistol, a Rohm GMBH .25 caliber pistol; an Intratec 9mm pistol; a Rohm GMBH .22 caliber revolver; a Lorcin .380 caliber pistol; a Taurus Inc. .22 caliber pistol, and more than 85 rounds of ammunition. Cox, an alleged member of the Irish Mob, is also charged with knowingly possessing with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. He is further charged with knowingly possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He is also charged with possessing firearms to further his drug trafficking crimes and with maintaining a Tulsa residence for the purpose of distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Tulsa Country Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Nasar is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-356

Richard Allen Fisher. Receiving, Possessing, and Concealing a Vehicle in Indian Country. Fisher, 37, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing and concealing a stolen vehicle on Sept. 27, 2021. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-461

Isaac Ryan Foreman. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. Foreman, 20, of Twin Oaks, is charged with stabbing another individual in the neck on Sept. 17, 2021. The FBI and Delaware Country Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-462

Corbin Gaylin Doyle Hairgrove. Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Carrying Firearms During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime. Hairgrove, 25, of Sapulpa, is charged with being a felon in possession of a Taurus 9 mm caliber pistol, a Rossi .38 caliber revolver and 18 rounds of associated ammunition. He is further charged with knowingly possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and with carrying firearms during and in relation to his drug trafficking crimes. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Bartlesville Police Department are conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron M. Jolly is prosecuting the case.n21-CR-463

Earnest Clay Johnson Jr. Robbery in Indian Country; Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle in Indian Country; Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding (Misdemeanor). Johnson Jr., 31, of Tulsa, took the victim’s car keys, car, social security card and identification card on July 21, 2020, after he allegedly beat and strangled the victim. The FBI and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon A. Skates is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-464

Jeremy Aaron Mills. Possession of Child Pornography; Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography. Mills, 27, of Claremore, is charged with possessing child sexual abuse material depicting minors under the age of 12 engaging in sexually explicit conduct on Oct. 1, 2021. He is further charged with knowingly receiving and distributing child sexual abuse material depicting minors under the age of 12 engaging in sexually explicit conduct from June 6, 2021, to Oct. 1, 2021. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah Paisner is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-468

Jorden Michael Roberts. Failure to Register as a Sex Offender; First Degree Burglary in Indian Country (superseding). Roberts, 35, of Tulsa, is charged with failing to register as a sex offender from Oct. 30, 2020, to Jan. 31, 2021. He is further charged with breaking into a residence that was occupied at the time by kicking the door open and breaking the chain on the door. The U.S. Marshals Service and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor A.S. Régal is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-265

Shawn Alexander Simpson. Sexual Abuse of an Incapable Victim in Indian Country; First Degree Burglary in Indian Country; Abusive Sexual Contact with an Incapable Victim in Indian Country. On July 18, 2021, Simpson, 51, of Tulsa, allegedly broke into a residence and sexually abused a victim he knew was incapable of giving consent. The Tulsa Police Department and FBI are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Valeria Luster is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-469

Aleta Necole Thomas; Pepper Jones; Katrina West. False Statement to a Financial Institution; (Counts 1-5); False Statement (Counts 6-15); Aggravated Identity Theft (Counts 16, 17) (2nd superseding). In total, Thomas, 42, Jones, 42, and West, 38, all of Tulsa, together and separately, are alleged to have fraudulently applied for and received nearly $800,000 worth of Paycheck Protection Program forgivable loans administered by the Small Business Administration under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Some of the false businesses the defendants allegedly used to apply for the loans included the Lead Us Kids Home Daycare, Coming Correction Community Ministries, Coming Correct Community Ministries II, and Lead Us Kids Daycare II. The Office of Inspector General Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; U.S. Department of Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are the investigative agencies. 21-CR-239

William Ray Turner. Wire Fraud (Counts 1-27); Aggravated Identity Theft (Counts 28-37). Turner, 30, of Tulsa, was a car dealership sales associate who allegedly devised and carried out a scheme where he used stolen identities to purchase vehicles and sometimes sold the vehicles to other individuals for cash. In total, Turner was responsible for more than $1 million in fraudulent vehicle sales.

From March 2019 to the date of this indictment, Turner was employed as a sales associate at a car dealership in Bartlesville. Turner sold cars, assisted customers in obtaining financing for the purchase of vehicles, and received commission payments for his sales. As part of his scheme, starting in May 2020, Turner acquired various means of identification belonging to individuals living throughout the United States. The defendant allegedly used the stolen means of identification to purchase vehicles from the dealership in the victims’ names. The vehicles would then leave the dealership’s lot. On at least one occasion, after Turner processed a fraudulent car sale, he transferred the vehicle to another individual, who paid the defendant via CashApp.

In the indictment, Turner is charged with 27 counts of wire fraud after causing wire communications related to the fraudulent loan applications and 10 counts of aggravated identity theft for fraudulently using others’ identities when applying for the loans. The U.S. Secret Service and Bartlesville Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Cella is prosecuting the case. 21-CR-470

A Broken Arrow man was sentenced Friday in federal court for sexually abusing two children under the age of 12.

“Pedophile Jeffrey Jones will serve the remainder of his life in federal prison for sexually abusing two young children. I am thankful for the work of the FBI and Broken Arrow Police Department that ensured this defendant was held accountable for his crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our local, state, tribal and federal law enforcement partners will bring the full weight of the law against sexual predators for the harm they inflict on children.”

U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Jeffrey Arch Jones, 31, to serve three concurrent life terms in prison.

In June 2021, a federal jury found Jones guilty of two counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child in Indian Country and one count of abusive sexual contact of a child in Indian Country.

From Sept. 29, 2015 to Sept 28, 2016, Jones sexually abused a young child. He also sexually abused a second child from Oct. 9, 2014 to Sept. 30, 2016. On Feb. 2, 2017, one of the victims disclosed to a teacher that the defendant had been touching her in a sexual manner. School officials contacted the Broken Arrow Police Department. During the ensuing investigation, it was determined the second child was also sexually abused by Jones.

During the June trial’s closing arguments, Assistant U.S. Attorney Reagan Reininger reminded the jury of the testimony of expert witnesses, law enforcement, and the victims. She assured the jury the children had no incentive to lie and that the medical evidence corroborated the type of sexual abuse reported by the victims. She described how their behavior and disclosures were similar to that seen in other child sexual abuse victims. She explained how some victims disclose abuse on their own when they are ready, but others may be asked about abuse before they are fully ready to disclose what happened to them, as in the case of the second victim. She explained how difficult it had been for the two victims to describe the abuse to others repeatedly since 2017. Finally, Reininger reminded the jury that child sexual abuse is perpetrated in secrecy, behind closed doors, in moments when the abuser is alone with a child. She asked the jury to evaluate the evidence, including the children’s accounts, and to find Jeffrey Jones guilty.

Jones, a Cherokee citizen, was previously convicted of sexually abusing the two victims in Tulsa County District Court but appealed his conviction, arguing the state did not have jurisdiction to prosecute the case because the crime occurred within the Muscogee Nation Reservation and he was a tribal citizen. The case was then prosecuted in federal court.

The FBI and Broken Arrow Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reagan V. Reininger and Leah Paisner prosecuted the case.