Western District of Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY – KANTRELL DAWAN HENDERSON, 34, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 18 months in federal prison for assault on a federal officer or employee, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public record, on October 19, 2024, Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a metro neighborhood regarding an assault on a U.S. Postal Service Mail Carrier. Witnesses reported that, while the Mail Carrier was delivering mail on his route, Henderson confronted and placed the Mail Carrier in a chokehold. A passerby pulled Henderson off the Mail Carrier, which allowed him to escape. Officers located and arrested Henderson following a brief confrontation.

On August 6, 2025, Henderson was charged by Superseding Information with assault on a federal officer or employee. He pleaded guilty on August 13, 2025, and admitted he assaulted a federal employee who was engaged in their official duties.

At the sentencing hearing on November 25, 2025, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell sentenced Henderson to serve 18 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Russell noted the seriousness of the offense and Henderson’s criminal history. Public record reflects that Henderson has felony convictions for Arson in the Second Degree in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2016-9248 and Possession of a Controlled Substance in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2016-9100. He was under 10-year suspended sentences in these cases at the time of the assault.

This case is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Nichols, Jr., prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – RANDALL JOSEPH WILLIAMS, 56, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 40 months in federal prison for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public record, on April 12, 2025, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) responded to a home disturbance that involved a firearm. At the home, officers learned that Williams had threatened multiple people’s lives, including his family members, while he possessed a firearm. Williams spoke with officers and gave them permission to search his vehicle, where they found a firearm. Public record further reflects that Williams was subject to multiple protective orders, including an order in Oklahoma County District Court that stated that he represented a credible threat to the physical safety of a child and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

On May 20, 2025, a federal Grand Jury charged Williams with being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. He pleaded guilty on June 18, 2025, and admitted he possessed a firearm despite the protective order issued against him.

At the sentencing hearing on November 24, 2025, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Williams to serve 40 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Wyrick noted the need to protect the public, promote respect for the law, and deter future criminal conduct by Williams.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Oklahoma City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary E. Walters prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (OTBA), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. This case is also part of “Operation 922,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of OTBA, which prioritizes prosecution of federal crimes connected to domestic violence.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, LARRY DAVID WELCH, 30, and JACOB LEE MADISON, 24, both of Oklahoma City, were sentenced to serve 154 months in federal prison collectively for illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to court records, on April 7, 2025, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) responded to an apartment complex on reports of a shooting. Officers learned that two suspects, later identified as Welch and Madison, had fired weapons during a dispute with neighbors. The two fled the apartment after the shooting but were found hiding in a nearby residential backyard shed, where they did not have permission to be. The firearms used in the shooting were found by OCPD shortly thereafter. On May 6, 2025, a federal Grand Jury charged both Welch and Madison with being felons in possession of a firearm.

Welch and Madison both have prior felony convictions. Welch’s previous felony convictions include:

• injuring or burning a public building in Mayes County District Court case number CF-2015-228;
• possession of a firearm after former felony conviction in Cherokee County District Court case number CF-2015-629; and
• possession of a firearm after former felony conviction, endangering others while eluding/attempting to elude police officer, and unauthorized use of a vehicle in Mayes County District Court case number CF-2019-90.
• second degree burglary in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2020-1275;
• knowingly receiving or concealing stolen property in Canadian County District Court case number CF-2022-437; and
• possession of a firearm after former felony conviction, unlawful possession of a controlled drug with intent to distribute, and committing a felony with a firearm with a defaced ID number in McClain County District Court case number CF-2023-72.  

Madison’s previous felony convictions include:

On July 16, 2025, both Welch and Madison pleaded guilty and admitted they possessed a firearm despite their prior felony convictions.

At sentencing hearings today, U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones II sentenced Welch to serve 96 months, and Madison to serve 58 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release for both. In announcing the sentences, Judge Jones noted the seriousness of the offenses and the need for deterrence.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Oklahoma City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) Laney Ellis prosecuted the case. SAUSA Ellis is an attorney with City of Oklahoma City whose position is funded by a federal Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) grant awarded to the City of Oklahoma City to enhance efforts to address and reduce violent crime. PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

This case is part of “Operation Shots Fired,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of PSN, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Operation Shots Fired targets cases involving individuals who discharge firearms as part of their criminal activity, such as drive-by shootings or when shots are fired during robberies, domestic disputes, or other incidents.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – JOSHUA KYLE COOK, 39, of Missouri, has been sentenced to serve 210 months in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.  

According to public record, on August 27, 2020, Cook was stopped by an Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (OBN) agent while traveling on Interstate 40 in Canadian County and found to be in possession of approximately 3 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed inside his vehicle. On September 16, 2020, a federal Grand Jury charged Cook with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Following his initial arrest, Cook was placed on pretrial release, but later absconded and has been a fugitive since March 10, 2021. Recently uncovered information suggested that Cook was living in Theodosia, Missouri. On June 9, 2025, multiple law enforcement agencies located and surrounded Cook who was armed and barricaded inside a shed. An armed standoff ensued, lasting approximately two hours, during which time Cook threatened to shoot officers. Cook was eventually taken into custody peacefully.

Cook pleaded guilty to the 2020 drug charge on September 2, 2025, and admitted he possessed methamphetamine which he intended to distribute.

At the sentencing hearing on November 24, 2025, Cook was sentenced to serve 210 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court considered the need for Cook’s sentence to provide just punishment, promote respect for the law, and afford adequate deterrence to criminal conduct. By engaging in an armed standoff with officers, the Court noted that Cook had endangered his own life and the lives of law enforcement.

This case is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Marshals Service, OBN, the Ozark County Sheriff’s Office, and Howell County SWAT. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Drew E. Davis and Jason Harley prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – DERRY LEE DAVIS, 24, ANTAJAUN MONZELLE BROWN, JR., 24, AMAURION RAMONE NORMENT, 21, OLIVERNAESHA OLIEAH WOODS, 22, LORENZO JONES IV, 24, and MATEI LEANN BASS, 23, all of Oklahoma City, DAZJUAN JERAE DEMOND MATTHEWS, 21, of Kansas, and AMARION ADRIONE WHITESIDE, 22, of Texas, have pleaded guilty for their roles in a conspiracy to steal mail from mail deposit boxes across the Oklahoma City metro area using a stolen United States Postal Service (USPS) arrow key, forge checks found in the stolen mail, and deposit the forged checks to obtain cash from financial institutions. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public record, beginning in 2022, Davis possessed a stolen USPS arrow key, which he and other conspirators used to access and steal mail from mail deposit boxes across the Oklahoma City area in search of checks. Davis and Brown would then alter information on stolen checks so that they could be deposited into the bank accounts of other conspirators who agreed to participate in the scheme. In order to find people willing to join the scheme, the court records allege that Davis, Brown, Norment, and others, advertised the scheme on social media urging those interested to contact them to make quick money. Matthews, Whiteside, Woods, Jones, Bass, and others agreed to join the conspiracy and allowed forged checks to be deposited into their bank accounts in exchange for a portion of the check proceeds.

Brown, Davis, Norment, Matthews, and Whiteside have each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and face up to 30 years in federal prison. Brown has also pleaded guilty to a second count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud for his role in a similar but separate check fraud scheme in Illinois and faces up to an additional 30 years in federal prison. Woods, Jones, and Bass have each pleaded guilty to forgery of securities and face up to 10 years in federal prison.

This case is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jackson D. Eldridge is prosecuting the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – During the lapse in government funding, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma continued its essential mission to protect Oklahoma communities from dangerous drugs and violent crime. Below are several sentencings in separate and unrelated cases that were finalized during this period.

BREON MONTE BELLAMY, 36, of Lawton, was sentenced to serve 156 months in federal prison, followed by six years of supervised release, for distribution of fentanyl and drug conspiracy. According to public record, on August 21, 2023, Bellamy sold fentanyl to REECY ANN BENCH, 22, at a casino in Lawton, Oklahoma. Bench then gave a portion of the fentanyl to JOANIE ANN WILSON, 38, while still at the casino. The federal investigation suggested that some of this fentanyl was then distributed to another Stephens County resident, who died of fentanyl and methamphetamine toxicity on August 23, 2023. Both Bench and Wilson have previously been sentenced after pleading guilty to drug conspiracy, with Bench receiving 42 months and Wilson receiving 54 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release for each.

ANDRES MICHI GENTRY, 20, of Purcell, was sentenced to serve 70 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of an unregistered firearm. According to public record, on April 2, 2024, Gentry assaulted a victim at their home and fired at officers with the Purcell Police Department who had responded to the home. Following Gentry’s arrest, officers executed a search warrant at his home and recovered a modified shotgun.

MARIO MANZO, 39, of California, was sentenced to serve 37 months in federal prison for assault on a federal officer. In August 2023, Manzo was incarcerated at the Federal Transfer Center (FTC) in Oklahoma City, where he was serving a 60-month sentence for importation of methamphetamine out of the Southern District of California. According to public record, on August 29, 2023, while incarcerated at the FTC, Manzo struck an FTC employee in the face.

PHILBERT QUENTIN MCCOY, JR., 23, of Dallas, Texas, was sentenced to serve 147 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of black-market marijuana with intent to distribute and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to public record, McCoy was arrested on several occasions in Oklahoma for picking up distribution quantities of black-market marijuana. In January 2024, McCoy was stopped by Oklahoma Highway Patrol in possession of 83 kilograms of marijuana, $87,645, and multiple firearms. In March 2024, Oklahoma City Police encountered McCoy at short term rental property which was being used as a marijuana stash house. McCoy fled from the scene and struck a patrol vehicle causing injuries to one officer before he was apprehended. McCoy was in possession of $127,555 and a firearm along with approximately 96 kilograms of marijuana in the residence.

ADAM ROUSE,33, BRENDAN SHANE HOLDER, 32, DAMION BLAIR BRADLEY GEORGE, 31, and KRISTOPHER HAUSER, 32, all of Oklahoma City, were collectively sentenced to serve more than 520 months in federal prison for maiming in aid of racketeering activities of the Irish Mob Gang. The Irish Mob Gang is an enterprise engaged in, among other things, the distribution of controlled substances, firearms trafficking, and acts of violence. According to the Indictment, for purposes of gaining entrance to and maintaining and increasing their position within the Irish Mob Gang, Rouse and Holder severed a victim’s right pinkie finger with a hatchet, while Holder, George, and Hauser all participated in the burning of a gang tattoo off the back of a victim’s head with a heated machete.  As a result, Rouse received a 108-month sentence, Holder a 120-month sentence, George a 180-month sentence, and Hauser a 120-month sentence. Each defendant received a three-year term of supervised release.

STEPHEN SCHERER, 46, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 240 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to public record, on September 27, 2024, police found almost 4 kilograms of methamphetamine, a small amount of fentanyl pills, digital scales, a large amount of U.S. currency, and a firearm at a hotel where Scherer had been staying and using as a base of operations for a significant drug trafficking operation. Public record further reflects that Scherer has previous felony convictions in Oklahoma County District Court that include larceny of an automobile and attempting to elude a police officer in case number CF-1997-2287, larceny from a person after former felony conviction in case number CF-2002-2765, and conspiracy to manufacture, attempting to manufacture, and possession of methamphetamine and child endangerment in case number CF-2004-3939.

BRUCE LAWAYNE TALLEY, JR., 40, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 135 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. According to public record, on July 12, 2024, Talley was seen picking up a brown cardboard box from a residence in Oklahoma City. After a traffic stop, Talley fled, leading the police on a high-speed pursuit which reached speeds of over 100 miles per hour. Talley was eventually stopped and taken into custody. The brown cardboard box was recovered from near the area where Talley was eventually stopped and contained over 750 grams of fentanyl pills.

LADON TREVAUGHN TURNER, 33, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 137 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction and unlawful possession of a machinegun. According to public record, on January 1, 2025, Turner was involved in a shootout with others in Bricktown. Surveillance video showed Turner firing approximately nine rounds in the direction of the opposing group. After executing a search warrant at Turner’s home, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department located a firearm used in the Bricktown shooting, as well as a 3D-printed machinegun conversion device (MCD). When installed, MCDs convert semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic machineguns, and possession of the devices violates federal law. Public record further reflects that Turner has previous felony convictions in Oklahoma County District Court that include second degree burglary in case number CF-2013-1969, possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a child under 12 years of age in case number CF-2015-593, and possession of a firearm while on probation after former felony conviction in case number CF-2017-1655.

XAVIER JORDAN WHITESIDE, 28, of Odessa, Texas, was sentenced to serve 60 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction. According to public record, on January 19, 2025, officers with the Mooreland Police Department responded to Whiteside’s home on a domestic violence call involving the discharge of a firearm. At the home, officers located a loaded gun belonging to Whiteside under the covers of a bed. Public record further reflects that Whiteside has previous felony convictions in Texas for unauthorized use of a vehicle, possession of a prohibited weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

These cases are the result of investigations by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Oklahoma City Police Department, the Norman Police Department, the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, and the Mooreland Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth M. Bagwell, Tiffany Edgmon, Stephen Hoch, Elizabeth Joynes, David McCrary, Mary E. Walters, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Laney Ellis prosecuted the cases.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – During the lapse in government funding, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma continued to work to protect Oklahomans from financial harm. The cases below represent a portion of the sentencings finalized during this period in separate and unrelated cases involving bank fraud, forged checks, and theft of mail.

AARON D. JOHNSON, 43, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve six months in federal prison, followed by 12 months of home confinement and 24 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $102,069.44 in restitution and a $100,000 fine for bank fraud. According to public records, from September 2017 through at least November 6, 2018, Johnson, who was President and CEO of Farmers Bank, used the bank’s operating account to pay for personal expenses, causing an overdraft in the bank’s operating account of approximately $200,000. Johnson then approved a modification to a loan, without approval from the bank’s board of directors, advancing $200,000 on the loan which he used to repay the overdraft he caused.

DEONTE MONTRELL HORNSBY, 28, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 21 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and possession of stolen mail. According to public records, between December 2024 and April 2025, Hornsby used a stolen United States Postal Service key to steal mail from mail deposit boxes in Oklahoma City.  Hornsby then fraudulently altered checks found in the stolen mail and deposited the altered checks into bank accounts owned by co-conspirators to obtain cash from banks. In all, Hornsby and the co-conspirators were responsible for $72,727.96 in losses.  

RAHBIN JOSEPH WARD, 27, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 12 months and one day in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $53,960 in restitution for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. According to public records, between May 2023 and June 2023, Ward and other co-conspirators obtained checks from stolen mail, fraudulently altered the information on the checks, and deposited the forged checks into Ward’s personal bank account.

These cases are the result of investigations by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of the Inspector General (FDIC-OIG) and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julia E. Barry and Jackson D. Eldridge prosecuted the cases.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – ALIAS BAH DE ZA LAWRENCE SOUDRY, 21, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 60 months in federal prison for involuntary manslaughter in Indian Country, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public records, on June 14, 2024, law enforcement officers with the Blanchard Police Department and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) responded to a fatal car collision on Highway 76. While driving southbound on the highway, Soudry drifted into oncoming traffic, sideswiping one vehicle and colliding with a second. The driver of the second vehicle, Raquel Anderson, died on scene, and a passenger was transported to a nearby hospital with injuries, where they were later released. Soudry was administered a blood test, which showed evidence of alcohol and marijuana in his system, and was subsequently arrested. On September 17, 2024, a federal Grand Jury charged Soudry with involuntary manslaughter.

This case is in federal court because Soudry is a member of the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma and the crime took place within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation.   

On June 4, 2025, Soudry pleaded guilty and admitted he knowingly drove a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and marijuana and thereby caused the death of another person.

At the sentencing hearing on November 18, 2025, U.S. District Judge Jodi W. Dishman sentenced Soudry to serve 60 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing her sentence, Judge Dishman noted the nature and circumstances of the offense, highlighting the extent of Soudry’s intoxication and the number of individuals injured or killed during the collision.

This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Blanchard Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

United States Marshals Service Located Man in Upstate New York After More Than a Decade on the Run

OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal Grand Jury has charged ANTHONY MICHAEL LENNON, 44, of Moore, with failure to register as a sex offender, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to court documents, on March 12, 2012, officers with the Moore Police Department (MPD) contacted the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) for assistance in locating Lennon. MPD learned that Lennon disappeared from a local hotel, where authorities found evidence of a violent struggle. However, after consulting with crime scene experts, the USMS determined the crime scene was staged.

At the time of his disappearance, Lennon, a registered sex offender, faced child pornography charges in Cleveland County District Court, as well as potential prison time for violating the terms of his suspended sentence from a prior child pornography conviction. USMS learned that Lennon had emptied his bank accounts shortly before vanishing and believed he had fled the state of Oklahoma.

Recently discovered information determined that Lennon lived in the State of New York, had failed to register as a sex offender, and had attempted multiple times to obtain a United States passport under an alias. Lennon was arrested on October 30, 2025, in Canton, New York. On November 18, 2025, a federal Grand Jury sitting in the Western District of Oklahoma charged Lennon with failure to register as a sex offender.

If convicted, Lennon faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

The public is reminded this charge is merely an allegation, and that Lennon is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is the result of an investigation by the United States Marshals Service, the Moore Police Department, and the Diplomatic Security Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon is prosecuting the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – ABDULLAH HAJI ZADA, 19, a native and citizen of Afghanistan and U.S. lawful permanent resident, has been sentenced to serve the statutory maximum of 180 months in federal prison for knowingly receiving, attempting to receive, and conspiring to receive a firearm and ammunition to be used to commit a federal crime of terrorism.

According to court documents, Zada and a co-conspirator received two AK-47-style rifles and 500 rounds of ammunition, knowing that the firearms and ammunition would be used in connection with a terrorist attack on Election Day in November 2024, on behalf of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. Zada was arrested with his co-conspirator, NASIR AHMAD TAWHEDI, 28, also a citizen of Afghanistan, in October 2024.

“Zada was welcomed into the United States and provided with all the opportunities available to residents of our Nation, yet he chose to embrace terrorism and plot an ISIS-inspired attack on Election Day,” said John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for National Security. “Today’s sentence, and Zada’s eventual removal from the United States, reflect the seriousness of his betrayal and our commitment to using every tool at our disposal to detect and disrupt such plots.”

“With today’s sentencing, Zada will pay the price for participating in a plot last year to conduct an ISIS-inspired Election Day terrorist attack,” said Assistant Director Donald Holstead of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “Detecting and preventing acts of terrorism against the American people is an essential part of the FBI’s mission. We will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to protect our communities.”

“The sentence today reflects the gravity of the planned terrorist attack, which was thwarted by the exceptional work of law enforcement,” said United States Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma. “The Department of Justice remains vigilant and focused to detect, deter, and disrupt acts of terrorism and hold offenders accountable.”

“By hatching a violent plot against the United States on behalf of ISIS, the defendant and his co-conspirator shamefully turned their backs on the country that provided them safety and refuge,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater. “I’m extremely proud of the swift and coordinated action taken by the Oklahoma City Joint Terrorism Task Force as soon as this disturbing plan was uncovered. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will never relent in our fight against terrorism, and in protecting the American people from those who wish them harm.”

Zada, who was 17 at the time of his arrest, entered his guilty plea as an adult on April 17, 2025. As part of the plea agreement, Zada stipulated to the entry of a judicial order of removal from the United States to Afghanistan following his term of incarceration. Zada acknowledged that the order of removal would terminate his lawful permanent resident status. Zada also waived his right to appeal the conviction except in limited circumstances or seek any form of appeal or relief from his removal and deportation, including but not limited to, seeking asylum.

At a sentencing hearing today, U.S. District Judge Scott L. Palk sentenced Zada to serve 180 months in federal prison. In announcing the sentence, Judge Palk emphasized the seriousness of the offense, the need to provide just punishment, and the need to afford adequate deterrence to criminal conduct.

Zada’s co-conspirator, Tawhedi, pleaded guilty on June 13, 2025, to two terrorism-related offenses: conspiring and attempting to provide material support and resources to ISIS, a designated terrorist organization, and receiving, attempting to receive, and conspiring to receive firearms and ammunition in furtherance of a federal crime of terrorism. At sentencing, Tawhedi faces a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison for the material support charge and up to 15 years in prison for the firearms charge. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

Upon completion of any sentence, Zada and Tawhedi will be permanently removed from the United States and barred from reentry under stipulated judicial orders of removal to Afghanistan.

The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task Force—which includes Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Marshals Service, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Edmond Police Department, the Moore Police Department, the Oklahoma City Police Department, the Oklahoma City Community College Police Department, and the Oklahoma City University Police Department—investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica L. Perry and Matt Dillon for the Western District of Oklahoma and Assistant U.S. Attorney Everett McMillian, previously with the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, along with other trial attorneys from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, prosecuted the case. Trial Attorney Mark Stoneman of the Money Laundering, Narcotics, and Forfeiture Section, who previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma, also assisted with the prosecution.

Abdullah Haji Zada, 19, a native and citizen of Afghanistan and U.S. lawful permanent resident, has been sentenced to serve the statutory maximum of 15 years in federal prison for knowingly receiving, attempting to receive, and conspiring to receive a firearm and ammunition to be used to commit a federal crime of terrorism.

According to court documents, Zada and a co-conspirator received two AK-47-style rifles and 500 rounds of ammunition, knowing that the firearms and ammunition would be used in connection with a terrorist attack on Election Day in November 2024, on behalf of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. Zada was arrested with his co-conspirator, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 28, also a citizen of Afghanistan, in October 2024.

"Zada was welcomed into the United States and provided with all the opportunities available to residents of our Nation, yet he chose to embrace terrorism and plot an ISIS-inspired attack on Election Day,” said John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for National Security. “Today’s sentence, and Zada’s eventual removal from the United States, reflect the seriousness of his betrayal and our commitment to using every tool at our disposal to detect and disrupt such plots.”

“With today’s sentencing, Zada will pay the price for participating in a plot last year to conduct an ISIS-inspired Election Day terrorist attack,” said Assistant Director Donald Holstead of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “Detecting and preventing acts of terrorism against the American people is an essential part of the FBI’s mission. We will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to protect our communities.”

“The sentence today reflects the gravity of the planned terrorist attack, which was thwarted by the exceptional work of law enforcement,” said United States Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma. “The Department of Justice remains vigilant and focused to detect, deter, and disrupt acts of terrorism and hold offenders accountable.”

“By hatching a violent plot against the United States on behalf of ISIS, the defendant and his co-conspirator shamefully turned their backs on the country that provided them safety and refuge,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater. “I’m extremely proud of the swift and coordinated action taken by the Oklahoma City Joint Terrorism Task Force as soon as this disturbing plan was uncovered. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will never relent in our fight against terrorism, and in protecting the American people from those who wish them harm.”

Zada, who was 17 at the time of his arrest, entered his guilty plea as an adult on April 17, 2025. As part of the plea agreement, Zada stipulated to the entry of a judicial order of removal from the United States to Afghanistan following his term of incarceration. Zada acknowledged that the order of removal would terminate his lawful permanent resident status. Zada also waived his right to appeal the conviction except in limited circumstances or seek any form of appeal or relief from his removal and deportation, including but not limited to, seeking asylum.

At a sentencing hearing today, U.S. District Judge Scott L. Palk sentenced Zada to serve 15 years in federal prison.

Zada’s co-conspirator, Tawhedi, pleaded guilty on June 13, 2025, to two terrorism-related offenses: conspiring and attempting to provide material support and resources to ISIS, a designated terrorist organization, and receiving, attempting to receive, and conspiring to receive firearms and ammunition in furtherance of a federal crime of terrorism. At sentencing, Tawhedi faces a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison for the material support charge and up to 15 years in prison for the firearms charge. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

Upon completion of any sentence, Zada and Tawhedi will be permanently removed from the United States and barred from reentry under stipulated judicial orders of removal to Afghanistan.

The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task Force—which includes Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Marshals Service, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Edmond Police Department, the Moore Police Department, the Oklahoma City Police Department, the Oklahoma City Community College Police Department, and the Oklahoma City University Police Department—investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica L. Perry and Matt Dillon for the Western District of Oklahoma and Assistant U.S. Attorney Everett McMillian, previously with the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, along with other trial attorneys from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, prosecuted the case. Trial Attorney Mark Stoneman of the Money Laundering, Narcotics, and Forfeiture Section, who previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma, also assisted with the prosecution.

OKLAHOMA CITY – KEITH TERRELL THOMPSON, 27, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 108 months in federal prison for a firearms trafficking conspiracy, possession of methamphetamine and cocaine and methamphetamine with intent to distribute, unlawful possession of a machinegun, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public record, on January 17, 2024, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) executed a search warrant at Thompson’s residence. Inside, OCPD officers recovered multiple firearms, an assortment of controlled substances including cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl, $9,965.00 in cash, and a machinegun conversion device (MCD). When installed, MCDs convert semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic machineguns, and possession of the devices violates federal law. Thompson was later located and arrested by OCPD officers on January 29, 2024, at a different apartment. OCPD executed a search warrant on the second residence and recovered two stolen firearms, controlled substances, and more than $10,000 in cash.

On March 11, 2025, Thompson was charged by Superseding Information with a firearms trafficking conspiracy, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, unlawful possession of a machinegun, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. Thompson pleaded guilty on March 20, 2025, and admitted he knowingly conspired to traffic firearms, that he knowingly and intentionally possessed cocaine and methamphetamine which he intended to distribute, that he possessed a firearm in furtherance of that drug distribution, and that he knowingly possessed an MCD.

At the sentencing hearing on September 25, 2025, Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti sentenced Thompson to serve 108 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge DeGiusti noted the seriousness of these offenses.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew E. Davis prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – CALEB GRAVES, 33, of Del City, and ROBERT ALLEN KEEFE, 25, of Oklahoma City, have been sentenced to serve 109 months collectively in federal prison for illegal possession of ammunition and possession of an unregistered destructive device, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

On November 6, 2024, Graves was charged with being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition. On April 1, 2025, he was also charged with possession of an unregistered destructive device and felon in possession of a firearm, namely, an improvised explosive bomb. On April 1, 2025, Keefe was charged with possession of an unregistered destructive device related to the same improvised explosive bomb.  Firearms and pipe bombs are considered destructive devices under federal law.

According to public records, on August 18, 2024, officers with the Village Police Department stopped a vehicle driven by Graves and observed a loaded firearm magazine. The following day, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives executed a search warrant at Graves’ residence, where they several rounds of ammunition in his vehicle. While on pretrial release awaiting trial, Graves was arrested again, this time on October 14, 2024, after Oklahoma City Police Department officers stopped Graves in his vehicle and located a hidden pipe bomb.  Keefe, who was the lone other passenger, was arrested, as well.

On June 6, 2025, Graves, who had previously been convicted of a felony, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of ammunition and a felon in possession of a firearm, namely an improvised explosive bomb. Federal law prohibits previously convicted felons from possessing ammunition and firearms, including bombs. On June 9, 2025, Keefe pled guilty to being in possession of an unregistered destructive device.

Public records further reflect that Graves has previous felony convictions in Oklahoma County District Court for:

• Second degree burglary, possession of stolen property, and conspiracy to commit a felony in case number CF-2010-4613;
• possession of a methamphetamine in case number CF-2016-3849; and
• child neglect and possession of contraband in a penal institution in case number CF-2016-4096.

At sentencing hearings this month, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell sentenced Graves to serve 72 months in federal prison, and sentenced Keefe to serve 37 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release for both. In announcing the sentences, Judge Russell noted the seriousness of the offense and the need to provide just punishment.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Village Police Department, and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew E. Davis prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – DORIEON MYKEL BATES, 29, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 138 months in federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public records, on January 30, 2024, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) responded to a home after a 911 caller claimed to have heard gunfire. The caller further reported that after the gunshots, a stranger, later identified as Bates, knocked on their door, said he had been involved in a shooting, and claimed someone stole his vehicle. Responding OCPD officers spoke with Bates and took him to a local hospital to be evaluated. Hours later, Bates was returned to the scene, and officers learned his car had never been stolen. The car was recovered nearby, and officers observed bullet holes in the back passenger side of the vehicle, along with a loaded firearm near the driver’s seat. On May 7, 2025, a federal Grand Jury charged Bates with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Bates pleaded guilty on February 4, 2025, and admitted he possessed a firearm despite his previous felony convictions.

Public record further reflects that Bates has multiple previous felony convictions in Oklahoma County, including:

• robbery with a firearm and unauthorized use of a credit card in case number CF-2014-5996;
• domestic abuse by strangulation, domestic abuse (assault and battery) resulting in great bodily injury, maiming, and attempting to prevent a state’s witness from testifying in case number CF-2018-32; and
• assault and battery upon a police or other law officer in case number CF-2018-2242.

At the sentencing hearing on September 23, 2025, Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti sentenced Bates to serve 138 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge DeGiusti noted Bates’s extensive criminal history tied to his history of drug abuse.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Nichols, Jr., prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – LUIS MEJIA-ALAS, 30, of El Salvador, has been sentenced to serve 20 months in federal prison for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. 

According to public record, on January 29, 2025, a trooper with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a pickup truck on NW 10th Street in Oklahoma City, but the truck fled. Following a brief high-speed pursuit, the truck crashed into a cart return cage in the parking lot of a shopping center and the driver, Mejia-Alas, fled the vehicle on foot. He was taken into custody shortly afterward, and OHP located a firearm in the floorboard of Mejia-Alas’s truck. On March 18, 2025, a federal Grand Jury charged Mejia-Alas with being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. On June 3, 2025, Mejia-Alas pleaded guilty, and admitted he possessed a firearm and that he is a citizen of El Salvador in the United States illegally.

At the sentencing hearing on September 23, 2025, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced Mejia-Alas to serve 20 months in federal prison. In announcing his sentence, Judge Heaton noted the nature and circumstances of the offense.

This case is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Nichols, Jr., prosecuted the case.

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

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – DAVY EUGENE KING, 52, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 90 months in federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public record, on February 2, 2025, and into the early morning hours of February 3, 2025, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) responded to a home due to a reported shooting. The calling party told OCPD that King had become argumentative, had exited the home, and began firing his weapon at others and into the air before fleeing the scene. Nobody was injured. Shortly after, OCPD officers spotted King inside a nearby gas station and surrounded the convenience store. Officers witnessed King pull out a firearm and throw the gun across the counter before he was arrested.

Public record further reflects that King has numerous previous felony convictions in Oklahoma County District Court, including second-degree murder in case number CF-1990-5376, possession of a stolen vehicle in case number CF-2014-4630, attempted grand larceny in case number CF-2014-5432, and domestic abuse (great bodily injury after former felony conviction) in case number CF-2014-2946. 

On March 4, 2025, a federal Grand Jury charged King with illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction. King pleaded guilty on April 19, 2025, and admitted he possessed a firearm despite his previous felony convictions.

At the sentencing hearing on September 17, 2025, U.S. District Judge Scott L. Palk sentenced King to serve 90 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Palk noted King’s long criminal history, which includes violent and domestic violence offenses, and emphasized the seriousness of the offense given that King not only illegally possessed the weapon, but fired it, as well.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Oklahoma City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) Laney Ellis prosecuted the case. SAUSA Ellis is an attorney with City of Oklahoma City whose position is funded by a federal Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) grant awarded to the City of Oklahoma City to enhance efforts to address and reduce violent crime. PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

This case is part of “Operation Shots Fired,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of PSN, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.  Operation Shots Fired targets cases involving individuals who discharge firearms as part of their criminal activity, such as drive-by shootings or when shots are fired during robberies, domestic disputes, or other incidents. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok/project-safe-neighborhood-psn.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – KENNETH LYNCH, 45, of Edmond, has been sentenced to serve 360 months in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a child, announced U.S Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public records, in October 2024, agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) discovered images depicting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) that were shared on a chat board on the dark web, a computer network within the internet that is restricted and cannot be accessed by the general public using a standard search engine. HSI agents were able to identify the minor victim in the images and spoke with her the following month. The victim told agents Lynch sexually abused her on multiple occasions and captured the images in question. Edmond police arrested Lynch at his home on January 16, 2025, after executing a search warrant. On Lynch’s phone, law enforcement found some of the CSAM images that started the investigation.

“Through manipulation and coercion, this defendant engaged in abhorrent acts of child exploitation, concealed his crimes in secrecy, and shared his abuse across the dark web,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “The harm he caused will haunt his victim for life.  While no sentence can undo that pain, this punishment stands as a stark warning that those who prey upon our most vulnerable will be found, prosecuted, and held accountable to the fullest measure of justice.”

“This dangerous predator sexually assaulted an innocent child and then published recordings of the abuse to the dark web forcing his victim to relive that horrifying nightmare for the rest of her life knowing those images could still be out there,” said Homeland Security Investigations Dallas Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard. “Working closely with our law enforcement partners and leveraging our expertise in investigating sophisticated criminal activity on the dark web, our special agents were able to quickly identify Mr. Lynch and remove him from the community to ensure he is no longer a threat to our children.”

On February 20, 2025, a federal Grand Jury charged Lynch with sexual exploitation of a child. Lynch pleaded guilty on May 7, 2025, and admitted he used a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing CSAM.

At a sentencing hearing on September 18, 2025, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced Lynch to serve 360 months in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and ordered Lynch to pay restitution in the amount of $32,300. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the extraordinarily egregious conduct of the defendant, the need to “send a message” to others who would consider being involved in similar conduct, and that society will not tolerate this kind of abuse toward children.

This case is the result of an investigation by HSI and the Edmond Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Ganz prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – BRADEN BIRDSONG, 28, of Oklahoma City, appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Bernard M. Jones for the Western District of Oklahoma today and pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime violation.

According to filed plea documents and today’s court hearing, on August 25, 2023, Birdsong, a white man, attacked D.G., a black man, while D.G. was cleaning the parking lot of the Oklahoma City restaurant at which he worked. Birdsong used racial slurs and other anti-Black rhetoric as he punched D.G. in the head multiple times. D.G. suffered bodily injury because of the attack. As Birdsong admitted in court today, he assaulted D.G. because of D.G.’s race and color. 

Birdsong faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and 3 years of supervised release for the hate crime violation. U.S. District Court Judge Jones will determine Birdsong’s final sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors at a later date. Birdsong will remain in federal custody pending the future sentencing hearing.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma, and Special Agent in Charge Douglas M. Goodwater of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia E. Barry for the Western District of Oklahoma and Trial Attorneys Laura Gilson and Taylor Payne of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.

OKLAHOMA CITY – JOSEPH PRESTON ANDERSON, 37, and TIFFANI AMBER STEVENS, 31, of Oklahoma City, and KALUB LYNN ROBINSON, 30, of Blanchard, have been sentenced for their roles in distributing fentanyl, the use of which resulted in an overdose death, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public record, beginning in at least September 2023, Anderson and Stevens were engaged in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl to others. On December 3, 2023, the two distributed fentanyl powder to Robinson, and Robinson distributed that fentanyl to another person the following day, the use of which led to the victim’s death. Public record further reflects that, despite knowing of the victim’s death, Anderson and Stevens continued to sell fentanyl through January 2024. Anderson and Stevens were charged with a drug conspiracy in May 2025 and have pleaded guilty. On October 22, 2024, Robinson was charged with distribution of fentanyl, a charge to which he has since pleaded guilty as well.

At their sentencing hearings on September 15, 2025, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell sentenced Anderson to serve 180 months, Stevens to serve 72 months, and Robinson to serve 60 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release for each. The defendants were also each ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,725.60, amounting to a total restitution award of $8,176.80. In announcing his sentences, Judge Russell stated that the circumstances were “tragic beyond belief” and expressed that the world must know that there are significant consequences for dealing fentanyl.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and demonstrates the importance of the DEA’s “One Pill Can Kill” campaign. More information about “One Pill Can Kill” can be found at https://www.dea.gov/onepill. Further information about the danger associated with fentanyl distribution and use can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96JQ56kuJQI.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Joynes and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaleigh Blackwell prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – PRISCILLA ORANGE, 67, of Oklahoma City, has been convicted of obstructing a federal audit and two counts of federal program theft, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

On April 16, 2025, a federal Grand Jury returned a three-count Indictment against Orange, charging her with the crimes listed above. On September 10, 2025, after a two-day trial, a federal jury found Orange guilty on all counts. Orange owned and operated Rainbow Connection Child Care & Learning Center (Rainbow Connection), a childcare center with multiple locations in the Western District of Oklahoma. Evidence presented at trial indicated that, in 2021, the Oklahoma Department of Education launched an audit of reimbursements provided to Rainbow Connection by the Child Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, CACFP funded nutritious meals and snacks for low-income children at participating childcare centers. Since at least 2013, Rainbow Connection participated in CACFP and received approximately $1,555,000. The 2021 audit was intended to verify that Orange had served as many meals and snacks to children as she had previously claimed each month and for which she had been reimbursed. Testimony at trial showed that, in an attempt to obstruct the audit, Orange submitted false and fraudulent food-related expenses to the Oklahoma Department of Education.

Additionally, trial evidence showed that Orange applied for and received childcare stabilization grants (CCSGs), money allocated by Congress in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Childcare centers that received CCSGs were required to use the money for approved business expenses. In all, Rainbow Connection received nearly $500,000 from the CCSG program. Evidence at trial showed that Orange used Rainbow Connection accounts to gamble at local casinos and otherwise diverted hundreds of thousands of dollars for personal use.

At sentencing, Orange faces up to 25 years in federal prison, and fines of up to $750,000.

This case is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Assistant U.S. Attorneys D.H. Dilbeck and Jackson D. Eldridge are prosecuting the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – JEREMIAH ALEXANDER DEARING, 21, of Lawton, has been sentenced to serve 70 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a machinegun, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public records, on October 9, 2024, Dearing participated in a recorded video jail call with an inmate at the Grady County Jail. During that call, officers with the Lawton Police Department (LPD) observed Dearing display an AK47-style pistol and flash multiple gang signs. As Dearing’s age prohibited him from legally carrying such a firearm under Oklahoma state law, LPD detectives sought and obtained a search warrant for his residence. Law enforcement executed that warrant and discovered five firearms in Dearing’s bedroom, including a privately manufactured firearm that did not have a serial number. All of the firearms were chamber-loaded and equipped with high-capacity magazines. Officers also seized a machinegun conversion device (MCD). When installed, the MCD converts a semi-automatic weapon into a fully automatic machinegun. Law enforcement also recovered approximately 92 fentanyl pills from the residence.

On December 3, 2024, a federal Grand Jury charged Dearing with unlawful possession of a machinegun. Dearing pleaded guilty on February 11, 2025, and admitted to possessing a machinegun.

At the sentencing hearing on August 22, 2025, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Dearing to serve 70 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Wyrick noted the significant public safety concern posed by Dearing’s conduct and the need to promote respect for the law.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lawton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle M. Connolly prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. This case is also part of “Project Switch Off,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s local implementation of PSN. “Project Switch Off” targets illegal machinegun conversion devices to address the significant danger these illegal devices present and to remove them from our streets. For more information about PSN, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – RUSSELL KIM, 63, of Edmond, has pleaded guilty to making a false statement to a financial institution and money laundering, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public records, in 2020, Kim was the owner of R&D 2 Investment Group (R&D) in Oklahoma City. On April 3, 2020, Kim submitted an application for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan, administered by the Small Business Administration, to support the ongoing operations of a restaurant operated by R&D. The PPP was a COVID-19 pandemic relief program that provided forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses. Court documents show R&D’s restaurant had in fact closed in March 2020, and that Kim submitted payroll information for employees who no longer worked for R&D. As a result of Kim’s false statement, the bank approved a PPP loan in the amount of $174,000. On August 12, 2025, Kim was charged by Information with making a false statement to a financial institution and money laundering.

On September 4, 2025, Kim pleaded guilty to the Information, and admitted he knowingly made a false statement to a bank in order to influence the bank to approve a PPP loan, and that he knowingly engaged in a monetary transaction of a value greater than $10,000 with funds derived from the unlawful activity of making a false statement on a PPP loan application.

At sentencing, Kim faces up to 40 years in federal prison, and fines of up to $1,250,000. 

This case is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the United States Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle London is prosecuting the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – JOSE PAXTOR-OXLAJ, 45, of Guatemala, has been sentenced to serve 24 months in federal prison, the statutory maximum, for illegally reentering after removal from the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public records, on November 21, 2023, Paxtor-Oxlaj was the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident near Elk City, Oklahoma, in which his six passengers—including three children—died, and a seventh passenger was critically injured. An investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) revealed Paxtor-Oxlaj was ordered to be removed by an Immigration Judge on June 29, 2010, and he had been removed from the United States to Guatemala on July 9, 2010. According to investigators, Paxtor-Oxlaj promptly reentered in 2011 and did not have permission to reenter the United States after his prior deportation.

On September 17, 2024, a federal Grand Jury charged Paxtor-Oxlaj with illegal reentry after previous deportation. On March 21, 2025, Paxtor-Oxlaj pleaded guilty and admitted he was knowingly in the United States without having obtained the consent of the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission into the United States.

In Beckham County District Court, Paxtor-Oxlaj was convicted of six counts of first-degree manslaughter and one count of causing accident with great bodily injury without a valid driver’s license in case number CF-2023-257.  He was sentenced to serve four years in state prison.

At the sentencing hearing yesterday, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Paxtor-Oxlaj to serve 24 months in federal prison, which is to run consecutively to his sentence in Beckham County, Oklahoma. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted that the defendant preyed on others who were here illegally and that his conduct was reprehensible.

This case is the result of an investigation by the HSI, ICE, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Hale and Elizabeth Joynes.

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

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

Defendants Ordered to Pay Nearly $480,000 in Restitution

OKLAHOMA CITY – JACKIE DUNCAN, 35, and NIA HALL, 30, both of Lawton, have been sentenced to serve more than 45 years collectively in federal prison and ordered to pay $479,832.97 in restitution for engaging in sex trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. 

According to public records, in May 2024, two juveniles ran away from a juvenile group home in Lawton, Oklahoma, and were entered into law enforcement databases as missing juveniles. One of the juveniles was located by officers with the Plano Police Department on July 16, 2024, at a motel in Collin County, Texas, where she disclosed that she and the other missing juvenile had been sex-trafficked. The victim told officers that after she and the other juvenile had fled the group home, they were approached by two people, later identified as Duncan and Hall, at a gas station. The juveniles began living with Duncan and Hall, who soon after drove the girls to various Texas cities, where they performed sex acts for cash, which Duncan and Hall kept. In return, Duncan and Hall gave the girls food and shelter. The juvenile told authorities she had recently escaped Duncan and Hall’s vehicle in the Dallas area. On September 30, 2024, the second juvenile was found and recovered in San Antonio, Texas. She recounted a similar account of being sex-trafficked by Duncan and Hall. During the investigation, local and federal law enforcement reviewed sex advertisements associated with Hall, which contained photos of the victims. Duncan and Hall were arrested on December 16, 2024.

On January 21, 2025, a federal Grand Jury charged Duncan with sex trafficking of children and Hall with a conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. On April 30, 2025, Duncan pleaded guilty, and admitted he knowingly recruited two minors under the age of 18 to cause them to engage in commercial sex acts and that he aided and abetted Hall to do the same. Hall pleaded guilty on May 19, 2025, and admitted she knowingly worked with Duncan to recruit and transport the juveniles for purposes of commercial sex acts. 

At sentencing hearings this week, U.S. District Judge Scott L. Palk sentenced Duncan to serve 360 months in federal prison, followed by supervised release for life, and Hall to serve 188 months in federal prison, followed by supervised release for life.  Judge Palk also ordered Duncan and Hall to pay restitution in the amount of $479,832.97. In announcing his sentences, Judge Palk noted the depraved nature of the offenses, the need to protect the public, and the need for the sentences to send a “shockwave” through the community of individuals who would consider engaging in this kind of conduct. 

“The sexual exploitation and trafficking of children is among the most vile and heartbreaking crimes in our society,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “These sentences stand as a powerful reminder that those who prey on children will be held fully accountable under the law. Through the tireless and unified efforts of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we have ensured that these predators have been stopped from harming any other children. We remain steadfast in our mission to protect the most vulnerable among us and to pursue those who target them.”

“The exploitation of vulnerable youth is among the most reprehensible crimes we confront,” said Richard “Glen” Melville, Director of Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services. “This case underscores the critical importance of collaboration across jurisdictions to protect children and hold traffickers accountable. We are grateful to our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their tireless efforts in bringing justice to the victims and ensuring those responsible face the full weight of the law.” 

“Two child sex traffickers have received significant sentences, underscoring the seriousness of their crimes and serving as a reminder that the FBI will identify and arrest child predators,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “We are proud to have worked closely with our law enforcement partners to pursue these defendants who preyed on our society’s most vulnerable members.”

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, FBI, Lawton Police Department, Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics & Dangerous Drugs Control, Fort Smith Police Department, Arkansas State Police, San Antonio Police Department, Plano Police Department, and Fort Worth Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jordan Ganz and Brandon Hale prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – NATASHA ALLMON, 48, of Oklahoma City, has pleaded guilty to health care fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

From January 2021 through December 2023, Allmon worked as a behavioral health counselor, and had an agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) to provide behavioral health counseling services. According to public records, during this period, Allmon either submitted or caused to be submitted thousands of false and fraudulent claims for behavioral health counseling sessions for family members to BCBS for reimbursement. Court records allege that Allmon routinely claimed to have provided 60-minute psychiatric treatment to family members nearly every day of a calendar year, and routinely claimed to have treated beneficiaries for more than 24 hours in a single day. In total during the period, Allmon submitted approximately $1.4 million in claims for services provided, for which she received close to $1.1 million in reimbursements from BCBS.

On August 1, 2025, Allmon was charged by Information with health care fraud. Allmon pleaded guilty on August 15, 2025, and admitted she knowingly executed a scheme to defraud a healthcare benefit program.

At sentencing, Allmon faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney D.H. Dilbeck is prosecuting the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – LANDON KYLE SWINFORD, age 20, of Blanchard, Oklahoma, has been sentenced to serve 120 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography and communicating a threat, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public records, on May 18, 2023, Swinford made contact with an undercover law enforcement officer (UC) after posting Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) propaganda on social media. Swinford communicated with the UC through October 22, 2023, during which time he expressed a desire to travel overseas to fight with ISIS. Swinford also scouted out Gaylord Memorial Stadium at the University of Oklahoma for a possible terror attack, and suggested a Walmart or the city of New Orleans be targeted for attack as well. Additionally, Swinford sent the UC a manifesto and an ISIS Bayat video in which he pledged his allegiance to ISIS and burned an Israeli flag.

Through the course of the investigation, the FBI learned that Swinford had multiple social media accounts. On October 23, 2023, Swinford posted a public statement on Instagram that read “CAST FEAR INTO THE HEARTS OF THE KUFFAR THIS HALLOWEEN Dress up as your favorite mujahideen and bomb a synagogue.”

During the investigation, the FBI also learned that the known IP address and two accounts of Swinford were found to have accessed child pornography in April and July of 2023. Swinford later confessed to having possessed and shared child pornography. On July 17, 2024, a federal Grand Jury charged Swinford with possession of child pornography and with communicating a threat.

“The egregious conduct of this defendant stands in direct violation of our core values and must be confronted with the full force of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “The Justice Department remains unwavering in its commitment to protect children and defend our communities from the vile, hateful rhetoric exposed in this case. This sentence sends an unmistakable message: those who exploit the internet to target the vulnerable and spread fear will face swift and severe consequences.”

“In an apparent pledge of loyalty to ISIS, the defendant used his access to the internet to make threats of violence against innocent Americans,” said FBI Oklahoma City Acting Special Agent in Charge Sonia Garcia. “The sentence handed down today reflects the deliberate and calculated nature of his crimes, which also include viewing child pornography. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate this kind of egregious behavior, and we will continue to respond to all threats with the utmost urgency.”

Swinford pleaded guilty on November 13, 2024, and admitted he knowingly possessed material containing child pornography, including images of prepubescent children, and that he knowingly transmitted a communication containing a threat to injure another person.

At the sentencing hearing on August 14, 2025, U.S. District Judge Charles Goodwin sentenced Swinford to serve 120 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Goodwin noted the seriousness of the offenses, that Swinford had specifically targeted Synagogues and people of the Jewish faith, Swinford’s willingness to fight for ISIS, his distribution of child pornography, and that Swinford had direct contact with minors in which he had discussions and traded pictures of a sexual nature.

This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Edmond Police Department, the McClain County Sheriff’s Office, the New York City Police Department, the Norman Police Department, the Oklahoma City Community College Police Department, the Oklahoma City Police Department, the Oklahoma City University Police Department, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the University of Oklahoma Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Dillon prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – MARLON DEWAYNE MARTIN, 48, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 240 months in federal prison for child sex trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public records, on September 15, 2023, a homeless female minor was recruited by another individual to work for Martin. Their plan was to make money using the minor to engage in commercial sex acts. When Martin began sex trafficking the minor he knew she was under the age of 18. From September of 2023 through February of 2024, Martin sex trafficked the minor by setting up commercial sex dates for the minor, providing her transportation to and from the dates, providing her hotel rooms, and collecting the money. Additionally, Martin produced and distributed child pornography involving the minor.

“The exploitation of minors is among the most reprehensible crimes we confront, and those who prey on children will face the full weight of the justice system,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “This sentence reflects not only the seriousness of the offense but also our unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable.”

“The actions of Marlon Dewayne Martin could best be described as pure evil, using a juvenile victim for commercial sex trafficking and distributing child pornography,” said Donnie Anderson, Director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. “I want to thank the US Attorney’s Office Western District for their prosecution and securing this sentence.  And I am extremely proud of the exhaustive investigative work by my agency’s Human Trafficking Unit to get this predator off our streets and rescuing the victim so they could get immediate access to recovery assistance.”

“HSI works relentlessly with our law enforcement partners every single day to ensure those involved in sexually exploitative acts against children are brought to justice, “ said James Carmany, Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the HSI Dallas – Oklahoma Division. “With this child predator behind bars, the lengthy healing journey for this unwarranted trauma can now begin.”

On September 17, 2024, a federal Grand Jury charged Martin with child sex trafficking. Martin pleaded guilty on February 7, 2025, and admitted he rented a hotel for the victim and drove her to the hotel to engage in commercial sex acts.

At the sentencing hearing on August 8, 2025, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell sentenced Martin to serve 240 months in federal prison, followed by supervised release for life. In announcing his sentence, Judge Russell noted Martin’s long criminal history that included 15 separate criminal convictions for crimes ranging from assault on a police officer to drug distribution to DUIs, the seriousness of the offenses, and the need to protect the public from Martin.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bow Bottomly prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – KIM WEINRICH, 68, of Mustang, has been sentenced to serve 18 months in federal prison for committing wire fraud and making and subscribing a false tax return, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public records, between 2014 and April 2022, Weinrich was employed by Mustang Public Schools (the “District”) as Payroll Supervisor and was later promoted to Director of Payroll Services in 2021. In her roles with the District, Weinrich administered, processed, and reconciled the bi-monthly payroll for the District’s employees. Beginning in July 2016, Weinrich manipulated the District’s payroll accounting software to increase her net pay each pay period, and deposited the stolen funds into her personal bank account. Weinrich’s scheme resulted in several District employees underreporting their federal and state withholdings, which reduced the amount of their tax refunds. In all, between July 2016 and April 2022, Weinrich defrauded the District out of approximately $470,000.

“Simply put, Weinrich stole taxpayer money intended for the benefit of students, families, and employees of Mustang Public Schools,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.  “I applaud the efforts by the investigators and prosecutors to safeguard public funds, especially those that support Oklahoma’s education, and hold Ms. Weinrich accountable.”

Public records further indicate that Weinrich manipulated the District’s payroll accounting software to make it appear as if she paid substantial amounts in federal income taxes, when in reality, Weinrich had no federal income taxes withheld. On April 5, 2022, Weinrich filed a federal tax return where she reported an income that was substantially lower than the actual income received due to the fraud.

On December 3, 2024, Weinrich was charged by Information with wire fraud and making and subscribing a false tax return. On December 12, 2024, Weinrich pleaded guilty and admitted that she adjusted payroll amounts to herself to increase her income, manipulated payroll software to make it appear as if she were paying substantial amounts in federal and state income taxes when in fact she was not, and filed a federal tax return declaring she only made $91,295 while knowing the actual income received was substantially more. 

At the sentencing hearing on July 30, 2025, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Weinrich to serve 18 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.  Judge Wyrick also ordered Weinrich to pay $595,970.21 in total restitution, with payable $470,385.21 to Mustang Public Schools and $125,585.00 payable to the IRS. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the substantial amount of money embezzled by Weinrich and her repeated fraudulent conduct.

This case is the result of an investigation by IRS Criminal Investigation and the United States Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cole McFerren prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

Defendant Ordered to Pay More Than $18,000 in Restitution for Funeral Expenses

OKLAHOMA CITY – BETH NICHOLE CHRISTIANNA MORRIS, 34, of Moore, has been sentenced to serve 110 months in federal prison for distribution of fentanyl leading to an overdose death, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

On October 28, 2019, Norman Police Department responded to a fatal fentanyl overdose at an apartment complex in Norman. A subsequent investigation identified Morris as having sold three counterfeit “M-30” pills to the victim the day prior. The counterfeit “M-30” pills were laced with fentanyl and resulted in the victim’s fatal overdose.

On March 18, 2024, Morris was charged by Superseding Information with distribution of fentanyl. Morris pled guilty on March 27, 2024. As part of her guilty plea, Morris admitted that the fentanyl she distributed resulted in the death of the victim.

At the sentencing hearing on July 29, 2025, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced Morris to serve 110 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release. Morris was also ordered to pay $18,690.51 in restitution to the victim’s family for funeral expenses. In announcing his sentence, Judge Heaton noted the seriousness of the offense and the need to afford adequate deterrence.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and demonstrates the importance of the DEA’s “One Pill Can Kill” campaign. More information about “One Pill Can Kill” can be found at https://www.dea.gov/onepill. Further information about the danger associated with fentanyl distribution and use can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16O7TkhFH9k.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Hoch and David McCrary prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – AMANDA CHRISTINE DAILEY, 37, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve six months in federal prison for forging the signature of a federal judge, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public records, in August 2022, Dailey filed a petition for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. A year later, in August 2023, Dailey purchased a vehicle from a car dealership, which she financed in part with a loan from a federal credit union. Public records reflect that, in order to be approved for financing, Dailey presented a false order which purported to show the discharge of her Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceedings. In reality, Dailey had not been granted a discharge, and the false order she presented included the forged signature of Judge Sarah A. Hall, Chief United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Western District of Oklahoma.

On October 1, 2024, a federal grand jury charged Dailey with forging a signature of a federal judge. Dailey pleaded guilty on January 16, 2025, and admitted she forged a court order with Judge Hall’s signature.

At the sentencing hearing on July 31, 2025, U.S. District Judge Charles Goodwin sentenced Dailey to serve six months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Goodwin noted the seriousness of the offense, and the need to deter Dailey and others from perpetrating similar offenses in the future.

This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia E. Barry prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

One Defendant Received Life Sentence and 26 Others to Serve Nearly 235 Years Collectively

OKLAHOMA CITY – ZACHARY CLARK, 35, BRANDON HORNE, 42, and JOHNNY ROSS, 32, all inmates in the custody of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, have been sentenced in federal court for their roles in directing a major methamphetamine drug-trafficking organization from behind prison walls, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

As a result of a two-year-long investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (OBN), law enforcement seized approximately 90 kilograms of methamphetamine, 22 firearms, and nearly $350,000 in drug proceeds. The investigation also led to the arrests of 27 individuals throughout Oklahoma. All 27 individuals have pleaded guilty and have been sentenced to serve nearly 235 years collectively, in addition to one life term, in federal prison.

“Inmates using contraband cell phones behind prison walls orchestrated an entire network to traffic deadly poison in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “Dismantling this operation required a united front between federal and state agencies, committed to stop the flow of drugs and hold the traffickers accountable.  I commend the diligent work of law enforcement and prosecutors to destroy this criminal network.”

“The arrest, conviction and sentencing of members of this organization and its leadership has undoubtedly made neighborhoods throughout Oklahoma a safer place for our children and families,” said Joseph B. Tucker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of DEA Dallas. “The DEA will continue to work hand in hand with our state and local law enforcement partners to hold those distributing poison in our communities accountable for their actions.”

“The results from this investigation have no doubt saved lives. These individuals were responsible for orchestrating the distribution of large shipments of meth onto the streets of Oklahoma while behind bars,” said OBN Director Donnie Anderson. “As meth continues to be one of Oklahoma’s leading killers, my agency is committed to working with our state and federal partners to arrest and prosecute those who threaten the safety of our citizens.” 

According to public record, in early 2024, Ross, Clark, and Horne were all inmates in the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC). Despite being incarcerated, Ross, Clark, and Horne were all able to run a significant drug trafficking organization (DTO) with connections to the Irish Mob Gang, through the use of contraband cell phones. They relied on individuals who were not incarcerated to facilitate the distribution of the drugs—mainly methamphetamine—and collection of drug proceeds. Ross was indicted by a federal Grand Jury on April 16, 2024, for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. Clark and Horne were separately indicted by a federal Grand Jury about a month later, on May 21, 2024, also for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.

Clark, Horne, and Ross each pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy, and 24 other individuals have been charged in related cases in federal court with a mixture of drug and firearm offenses.

The defendants charged and sentenced as a result of this investigation include:

• Zachary Clark was sentenced to life in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy.
• Brandon Horne was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy.
• Johnny Ross was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy.
• Tiffany Manovsky, 42, was sentenced to 200 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for two counts of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
• Jerry Ward, 54, was sentenced to 200 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy
• Mondale Larue Golston, 33, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
• Kelly Dwayne Russell, 43, was sentenced to 170 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy and being a felon in possession of firearms.
• Sarah Christine Annesley, 39, was sentenced to 165 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
• Teresa Denise Dill, 34, was sentenced to 132 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of firearms.
• Logan Eugene Stapleton, 36, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
• Ronni Kita-Jean Love, 36, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy.
• Jennifer Delacy Smith, 44, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for distribution of methamphetamine.
• Armando Neri, 43, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of firearms.
• Troy Hickey, 35, was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for distribution of methamphetamine.
• Sharla Jo Cummins, 39, was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
• Sarah Deanne Fryhover, 37, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
• Tina Jane Combes, 49, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
• James Buchannon Wiyninger, 50, was sentenced to 80 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy.
• Tabitha Sue Frair, 40, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of firearms.
• Gloria Leshell Bills, 30, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
• Clayton Frank Adcock, 47, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
• James Russell Kearney, 54, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
• Carlos Alfredo Herrera Jimenez, 31, was sentenced to 44 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, for drug conspiracy.
• Jacqueline Lynette Aguilar Avila, 43, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
• William Ray Cooper, 51, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
• Tera Michell Warren, 39, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
• Emily Walker, 38, was sentenced to a five-year term of federal probation for drug conspiracy and being a drug user in possession of firearms.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. It is a part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Anderson, Jason Harley, and David McCrary prosecuted the above cases.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.  

OKLAHOMA CITY – CHRISTOPHER KYLE BUXTON, 35, of Lawton, has been sentenced to serve 360 months in federal prison for aiding and abetting in the production of child pornography and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public record, between August 2023 and April 30, 2024, Buxton induced others to produce child pornography and possessed child pornography. Public record further reflects that Buxton possessed a large collection of child pornography, distributed child pornography, and caused others to sexually exploit children for his own gratification.

“Securing justice for vulnerable child victims, and holding child predators accountable, remains an unwavering priority for my office and the Justice Department,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “This 30-year sentence sends a clear and uncompromising message that such heinous crimes will be met with the full force of the law. I commend the relentless efforts of law enforcement and prosecutors who stand firm in protecting our children from the threat posed by this defendant.”

“A sentence of this magnitude reflects the severity of the crimes committed,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater. “I commend the efforts of agents and prosecutors in holding this dangerous predator accountable. He will now spend decades behind bars where he can no longer target children in our communities.”

On December 26, 2024, Buxton was charged by Superseding Information with aiding and abetting in the production of child pornography and possessing child pornography.  On January 7, 2025, Buxton pleaded guilty to the Superseding Information and admitted to these offenses.

At the sentencing hearing on July 18, 2025, U.S. District Judge Jodi W. Dishman sentenced Buxton to serve 360 months in federal prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, and ordered Buxton to pay $41,500 in restitution. In sentencing Buxton, Judge Dishman stated that Buxton’s conduct was egregious and reprehensible and indicated that the depravity of his conduct was difficult to comprehend. Judge Dishman further noted that Buxton’s sentence must serve a strong retributive purpose.

This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Joynes prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – ANTJUAN LAMONT GAINES, 47, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 162 months in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public record, on June 12, 2024, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department responded to a motel on reports of a shooting. The victim told police that as she was attempting to leave the motel in her car, an individual she didn’t know, later identified as Gaines, shot at her several times from a separate vehicle. Nobody was injured as a result of the shooting. Officers executed a search warrant on Gaines’s room and seized more than 140 grams of methamphetamine and a firearm. 

Prior to this arrest, Gaines had been convicted of multiple felonies, including convictions in Oklahoma County District Court for larceny of a motor vehicle in case number CF-2006-479; assault and battery on a police officer and possession of a weapon in case number CF-2007-5284; and possession of methamphetamine and cocaine in case number CF-2011-2084. 

On September 17, 2024, a federal Grand Jury charged Gaines with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Gaines pleaded guilty on January 8, 2025, and admitted he possessed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and a firearm despite his previous felony convictions.

At the sentencing hearing on July 22, 2025, Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti sentenced Gaines to serve 162 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge DeGiusti noted the seriousness of the offense.

This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) Laney Ellis prosecuted the case. SAUSA Ellis is an attorney with City of Oklahoma City whose position is funded by a federal Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) grant awarded to the City of Oklahoma City to enhance efforts to address and reduce violent crime. PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

This case is also part of “Operation Shots Fired,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of PSN, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.  Operation Shots Fired targets cases involving individuals who discharge firearms as part of their criminal activity, such as drive-by shootings or when shots are fired during robberies, domestic disputes, or other incidents. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – MARK RYAN JORDAN, 38, of Midwest City, has been sentenced to serve 120 months in federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public record, on October 28, 2024, a deputy with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) responded to a road rage incident. The reporting party told the deputy a man driving a truck, later identified as Jordan, followed her and her juvenile daughter, yelling, gesturing, and tailgating her vehicle near Broadway and Waterloo. Jordan followed the victims to a gas station, where he pulled out a firearm and pointed it at their vehicle.

That same day, LCSO received another report that the defendant had stolen a shotgun and intended to get in a shootout with law enforcement. Public record further reflects that Jordan shot the bedroom window of a Midwest City home, then drove to the house of a family member of the homeowner in an attempt to find them. Officers with the Midwest City Police Department were waiting for Jordan at the family member’s house, and he was arrested soon after. In his vehicle, officers recovered a 12-gauge shotgun and several rounds of both live and spent ammunition.

Prior to this arrest, Jordan had previous felony convictions in Oklahoma County District Court that include domestic abuse by strangulation and domestic abuse – assault and battery in case number CF-2013-4060 and domestic abuse – assault and battery in case number CF-2016-170.

On December 17, 2024, a federal Grand Jury charged Jordan with being a felon in possession of a firearm. On March 28, 2025, Jordan pleaded guilty and admitted he possessed a firearm despite his previous felony convictions.

At the sentencing hearing on July 22, 2025, U.S. District Judge Scott L. Palk sentenced Jordan to serve 120 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the defendant’s escalating violence and the need to protect the public.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and the Midwest City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacquelyn M. Hutzell prosecuted the case.

This case is part of “Operation 922” and Operation “Shots Fired,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. “Operation 922” prioritizes prosecution of federal firearms violations connected to domestic violence. “Shots Fired” targets cases involving individuals who discharge firearms as part of their criminal activity, such as drive-by shootings or when shots are fired during robberies, domestic disputes, or other incidents. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – JOSE REYES ZAMORA-DE LA TORRE, 33, of Mexico, has been sentenced to serve 14 months in federal prison for illegally reentering the United States after a prior removal, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public record, on January 16, 2025, Zamora-De La Torre was found to be knowingly within the United States after having previously been removed from the United States to Mexico on May 31, 2024. Zamora-De La Torre was encountered by immigration authorities after he was arrested on warrants related to state charges in Oklahoma County District Court for assault and battery upon a police officer, public intoxication, and obstruction of an officer in case number CF-2024-2332, and malicious injury to property of less than $1,000 in case number CF-2024-1809, crimes for which he has since been convicted.

On February 28, 2025, Zamora-De La Torre was charged with illegally reentering the United States after a prior removal. Zamora-De La Torre pleaded guilty on April 4, 2025, and admitted he knowingly reentered the United States without proper consent.

At the sentencing hearing on July 22, 2025, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell sentenced Zamora-De La Torre to serve 14 months in federal prison. In announcing his sentence, Judge Russell noted the sentence was warranted because, while in the U.S. illegally, Zamora-De La Torre engaged in other criminal conduct for which he was convicted in state court.

This case is the result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bow Bottomly prosecuted the case.

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

Reference is made to public filings for additional information. 

Pair also Ordered to Pay Nearly $178,000 in Restitution

OKLAHOMA CITY – GAYLEN DASHON STEPHENS, 29, and LENIE EUGENE JENNINGS, 29, both of Oklahoma City, have been sentenced to serve more than 40 months in federal prison collectively and pay $177,964.74 in restitution for their roles in a scheme to obtain and forge checks stolen from the United States Mail, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public records, from March 2023 through October 2023, Stephens and Jennings conspired to obtain checks stolen from the United States Mail, forge the checks by altering the payee name, and then deposit the forged checks into bank accounts created by Stephens and Jennings to obtain cash. During the course of the conspiracy, it’s alleged Stephens and Jennings attempted to steal approximately $277,000.  

On July 17, 2024, a federal Grand Jury indicted Stephens and Jennings. Stephens has pleaded guilty to bank fraud and admitted he knowingly and intentionally engaged in a scheme to deposit a fraudulent check with the intent to defraud the bank. Jennings has pleaded guilty to bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud and forge checks. As part of her plea, Jennings admitted she conspired with Stephens to obtain and deposit fraudulent checks with the intent to defraud the bank.

At a sentencing hearing held on July 21, 2025, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced Stephens to serve 28 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release. That same day, Judge Heaton also sentenced Jennings to serve 12 months and one day in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Heaton also ordered restitution in the amount of $177,964.74, the total amount of actual loss reported by the victim banks, to be paid jointly and severally by Stephens and Jennings. In announcing his sentencings, Judge Heaton noted that crimes involving theft of United States Mail and fraud upon financial institutions undermine public trust in these institutions, and that the nature of these crimes, combined with the substantial loss in this case, warranted the sentences imposed to reflect the seriousness of the offenses and to deter this kind of conduct by others.

This case is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jackson D. Eldridge prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – ANTHONY MICHAEL GRIMM, 42, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 121 months in federal prison for possession of, and access with intent to view, child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public records, in May 2024, agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) discovered Grimm had distributed multiple videos depicting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to an individual in Michigan. HSI executed a search warrant of Grimm’s apartment and confiscated Grimm’s cell phone where numerous images and videos depicting CSAM were found.

On January 7, 2025, a federal Grand Jury charged Grimm with possession of, and access with intent to view, child pornography. Grimm pleaded guilty on March 31, 2025, and admitted he knowingly accessed a cell phone that contained images depicting CSAM.

At the sentencing hearing on July 23, 2025, U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones sentenced Grimm to serve 121 months in federal prison, followed by ten years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Jones noted the need to deter Grimm and to protect the public from future crimes of Grimm.

This case is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – ADRIAN GOMEZ-OSORIO, 40, of Mexico, has been sentenced to serve 64 months in federal prison for illegally reentering the United States after a prior removal, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public record, on October 17, 2024, Gomez-Osorio was found to be knowingly within the United States after having previously been removed from the United States to Mexico on July 2, 2020. Gomez-Osorio was encountered by immigration authorities after he was arrested and charged in Oklahoma County District Court with acquiring proceeds from drug activity, aggravated trafficking, and trafficking of fentanyl crimes he has since been convicted of in case number CF-2024-5079.

On November 19, 2024, a federal Grand Jury charged Gomez-Osorio with illegally reentering the United States after a prior removal. Gomez-Osorio pleaded guilty on February 14, 2025, and admitted he knowingly reentered the United States without proper consent.

At the sentencing hearing on July 23, 2025, U.S. Chief District Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti sentenced Gomez-Osorio to serve 64 months in federal prison. In announcing his sentence, Judge DeGiusti noted the need to promote respect for the law, and to protect the public from future crimes of Gomez-Osorio.

This case is the result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon prosecuted the case.

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

Reference is made to public filings for additional information. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – MICHAEL LOWELL BONJOUR, 39, of Mustang, has been sentenced to serve 87 months in federal prison for illegal possession of firearms after previous felony conviction, possession of stolen firearms, and possession of an unregistered firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public record, Bonjour was arrested on state charges by officers with the El Reno Police Department in March 2024 when he was discovered to be in possession of a stolen firearm. Six months later, in September 2024, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department arrested him after he was stopped driving a stolen vehicle and found to be in possession of three stolen firearms – including a sawed-off shotgun. 

Prior to these arrests, Bonjour had been convicted of multiple felonies, including convictions in Canadian County District Court for bringing contraband into a jail/penal institution in case number CF-2023-232; possession of a stolen vehicle in case number CF-2023-298; and stalking in case number CF-2023-325, as well as a total of four misdemeanor convictions for violations of a protective order.

On November 6, 2024, a federal grand jury charged Bonjour with being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of stolen firearms, and possession of an unregistered firearm.  On February 28, 2025, Bonjour pleaded guilty and admitted he knowingly possessed stolen firearms despite his previous felony convictions, and further admitted that one of the firearms was not properly registered to him despite its modified barrel.

At a sentencing hearing on July 18, 2025, U.S. District Judge Scott L. Palk sentenced Bonjour to serve 87 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the need to deter additional criminal conduct and to protect the public.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Edmond Police Department, the Oklahoma City Police Department, and the El Reno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle M. Connolly prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice program to reduce violent crime. This case is also part of “Operation 922,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of PSN, which prioritizes prosecution of federal crimes connected to domestic violence. For more information about PSN, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – LARRY WELCH, 29, and JACOB MADISON, 24, both of Oklahoma City, have each pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

On May 6, 2025, a federal Grand Jury returned a two-count Indictment, charging both Welch and Madison with being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to public record, on April 7, 2025, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department responded to a reported shooting at an apartment complex. Witnesses told police that prior to the shooting, they had been involved in a dispute with the shooting suspects, later identified as Welch and Madison. Nobody was injured as a result of the shooting. Officers reviewed nearby surveillance video which showed Welch and Madison opening fire on the unarmed witnesses and then fleeing the complex. Officers canvassed the area, and shortly thereafter arrested Welch and Madison, who were found hiding in a residential backyard shed on a nearby property. Law enforcement also recovered two firearms, which Welch and Madison used during the shooting.

Public records show that both Welch and Madison have lengthy criminal histories. Welch has previous felony convictions that include:

• possession of a firearm after felony conviction in Cherokee County District Court case number CF-2015-629;
• injuring or burning a public building in Mayes County District Court case number CF-2015-0228; and
• feloniously pointing a firearm in Cleveland County District Court case number CF-2019-1389.

Madison has previous felony convictions that include:

• second-degree burglary in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2020-1275;
• knowingly receiving or concealing stolen property in Canadian County District Court case number CF-2022-437; and
• possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction, unlawful possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, committing a felony with a firearm with a defaced ID number, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia in McClain County District Court case number CF-2023-0072.

On July 16, 2025, both Welch and Madison pleaded guilty, and both admitted they possessed a firearm despite their previous felony convictions. 

At sentencing, the defendants face up to 15 years in federal prison each, and fines of up to $250,000.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Laney Ellis (SAUSA) is prosecuting the case. SAUSA Ellis is an attorney with City of Oklahoma City whose position is funded by a federal Project Safe Neighborhoods grant awarded to the City of Oklahoma City to enhance efforts to address and reduce violent crime.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, JOSE MELGAR-RIVAS, 34, of Honduras, was charged by Complaint with assaulting, resisting, or impeding a federal officer resulting in bodily injury, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to the Complaint, on July 15, 2025, officers with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) pulled over a vehicle on NW 23rd Street in Oklahoma City. The driver, Melgar-Rivas, was a Honduran national and an ICE fugitive. The Complaint alleges that Melgar-Rivas refused the officer’s demands to exit the vehicle, and, as officers attempted to remove Melgar-Rivas from the vehicle, a struggle ensued. During the struggle, Melgar-Rivas put the vehicle into drive and fled the scene. As the vehicle accelerated, an ICE officer became trapped in the door of the vehicle, which caused the officer to be dragged down the road. The officer ultimately freed himself from the vehicle but sustained several injuries. Melgar-Rivas, who fled the scene, was arrested several hours later.

“Ensuring the safety of law enforcement personnel in executing their lawful duties is paramount, and it remains a top priority of the Justice Department,” said United States Attorney Robert J. Troester. “Those who assault or interfere with members of law enforcement for simply doing their job enforcing the law must and will be held accountable.”

“Those who assault federal officers will face swift and stern accountability for their actions,” said Travis Pickard, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Dallas Special Agent in Charge over North Texas and Oklahoma. “Violence and any threats of violence to a federal officer in the performance of their duties will result in an immediate and collaborative law enforcement response to track down the perpetrator.”

“Assaults on federal agents will not be tolerated by the FBI,” said FBI Oklahoma City Acting Special Agent in Charge Joe Ogden. “We will continue to aggressively support and defend our fellow public servants so they can safely carry out their sworn duties.”

If found guilty, Melgar-Rivas faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and a fine of up to $250,000.

Melgar-Rivas appeared today in U.S. District Court in Oklahoma City and was ordered to be detained in federal custody pending further proceedings.

The public is reminded this charge is merely an allegation, and that Melgar-Rivas is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the Oklahoma City Police Department, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon is prosecuting the case.

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

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jonathon Roy Philpott, age 44, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count on a Superseding Indictment of Unlawful User of Controlled Substance in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition, punishable by up to fifteen years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine.

The Superseding Indictment alleged that on February 4, 2025, Philpott knew that he was an unlawful user of a controlled substance, and knowingly possessed a semi-automatic rifle, a semi-automatic pistol, and 39 rounds of ammunition.

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

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

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

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

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

FBI Seeks to Identify Additional Potential Victims

OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal Grand Jury has charged LEE GRANT CLARK, 78, of Stillwater, with two counts of production of child pornography, and one count each of receipt of child pornography, possession of child pornography, and aggravated sexual abuse, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

On July 1, 2025, a federal Grand Jury returned a five-count Indictment against Clark, charging him with the crimes listed above. According to public record, in October 2024, FBI agents began investigating a computer user requesting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) through a file-sharing website. An investigation into the IP address of the user led authorities to Clark’s home in Stillwater. FBI agents spoke with officers with the Stillwater Police Department, who alerted the agents of a report involving Clark’s alleged sexual abuse of two minors around 2004. The Indictment further alleges that Clark produced CSAM on at least two occasions and sexually abused minors under the age of 12.

The FBI is seeking to identify potential additional victims. Anyone with additional information to report can contact the FBI at LGC-Victims@fbi.gov.

If found guilty, Clark faces up to life in federal prison. He also faces fines of up to $250,000 for each count.

The public is reminded that these charges are merely allegations, and that Clark is innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office (Stillwater Resident Agency) and the Stillwater Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Ganz is prosecuting the case.

This case is also part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – GORDON BELLAMY, Jr., 45, of Norman, has been sentenced to serve 10 months in federal prison for falsely claiming dependents to fraudulently receive nearly $27,000 in Veterans disability benefits to which he was not entitled, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

“Veterans disability benefits are intended to support injured patriots who make incredible sacrifices to defend our country,” said U.S. Attorney Troester. “Mr. Bellamy’s false claims are not only criminal, but offensive. We remain committed to vigorously investigate and prosecute those who defraud and steal the benefits honestly earned by our veterans.”

On March 19, 2024, a federal Grand Jury returned an 11-count Indictment against Bellamy, charging him with theft of public money, making a false statement, and nine counts of making a false representation of a Social Security number. According to public records, from March 1, 2020, through January 31, 2024, Bellamy willfully and knowingly received thousands of dollars’ worth of disability compensation through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), to which he was not entitled. The Indictment alleges that Bellamy submitted VA applications for disability benefits with a number of fraudulent dependents, causing his monthly disability award to be falsely inflated. In all, Bellamy fraudulently received $26,940.13 from the VA.

On August 19, 2024, Bellamy pleaded guilty to Count 2 of the Indictment and admitted he knowingly made a false statement to the VA by submitting an application for VA benefits on which he falsely claimed to be the biological father of a child that was not his.

At the sentencing hearing on June 27, 2025, U.S. District Judge Charles Goodwin sentenced Bellamy to serve ten months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Goodwin also ordered Bellamy to pay $26,940.13 in restitution to the VA. In announcing his sentence, Judge Goodwin noted Bellamy’s history of financial crimes, including his second federal prosecution for conduct involving dishonesty. Public record reflects that Bellamy has a previous conviction for computer access fraud in the Western District of Oklahoma, case number CF-22-350, for which he was sentenced to serve 20 months in federal prison.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle London prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – BRIAN KEITH MAYS, 58, of Arkansas, has been sentenced to serve 120 months in federal prison for committing armed bank robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

On January 21, 2025, a federal Grand Jury returned a two-count Superseding Indictment, charging Mays with armed bank robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. On March 13, 2025, after a three-day trial, a federal jury found Mays guilty of both counts.

According to evidence presented at trial, on July 5, 2024, Mays brandished a pistol at the FNB Community Bank in Harrah, Oklahoma, and demanded money from the tellers. The tellers complied, and Mays left the bank with $12,123.00. Agents with the FBI reviewed surveillance footage from the bank and an adjoining store, where they viewed Mays flee the scene. An eyewitness was able to obtain the tag number of the get-away vehicle, and an investigation into that car led authorities to Mays.

At the sentencing hearing on June 30, 2025, U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones sentenced Mays to serve 120 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Jones noted the dangerous nature and circumstances of the robbery as well as the impact such an offense has on the victims. 

This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City and Fort Smith Field Offices, Harrah Police Department, Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Gridley and Drew E. Davis and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Laney Ellis (SAUSA) prosecuted the case. SAUSA Ellis is an attorney with City of Oklahoma City whose position is funded by a federal Project Safe Neighborhoods grant awarded to the City of Oklahoma City to enhance efforts to address and reduce violent crime.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

Largest Justice Department Health Care Fraud Takedown in History Results in 324 Defendants Charged in Connection with Over $14.6 Billion in Alleged Fraud

OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, United States Attorney Robert J. Troester announced ALEXANDER FRANK, 55, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, has been charged in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud Medicare.

“We are committed to combatting fraud in our nation’s health care system, especially against federal programs that serve those most in need of care,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “Today’s nationwide announcement is proof of the Department of Justice’s ongoing effort to protect Americans from those who seek to exploit government programs for their personal gain.”

On June 3, 2025, Frank was charged by indictment with twenty-five counts of health care fraud. As alleged in the indictment, between 2021 and 2023, Frank fraudulently billed Medicare for approximately $3.2 million dollars’ worth of face-to-face visits with beneficiaries in skilled nursing facilities which he did not render or rendered only in part. If convicted, Frank faces up to ten years in prison on each count, a $250,000 fine, and mandatory restitution.

The charges announced today are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in criminal charges against 324 defendants for their alleged participation in health care fraud and illegal drug diversion schemes that involved the submission of over $14.6 billion in alleged false billings and over 15.6 million pills of illegally diverted controlled substances. The defendants allegedly defrauded programs entrusted for the care of the elderly and disabled to line their own pockets. In connection with the Takedown, the Government seized over $245 million in cash, luxury vehicles, and other assets.

Details of the Department of Justice’s 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, and materials related to today’s national announcement, are available on the Department website through these links:

• Department of Justice press release  
• Graphics and Resources
• Case Descriptions
• Court Documents

The Western District of Oklahoma case against Frank is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D.H. Dilbeck. The Western District of Oklahoma worked with the Department’s Criminal Division and the following law enforcement organizations to investigate and prosecute the cases filed during the enforcement period: the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General.

A complaint, information, or indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

OKLAHOMA CITY – RAYMOND IVAN MUNOZ, 22, of Lawton, has been sentenced to serve 84 months in federal prison for illegal possession of firearms after conviction of a previous misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

On September 4, 2024, a federal Grand Jury returned a two-count Indictment against Munoz, charging him with being a drug user in possession of a firearm and, on a separate occasion, possession of firearms by a person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. According to public record, on February 14, 2023, officers with the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Police Department encountered Munoz unconscious under the influence of drugs in the front passenger seat of a vehicle with an AK-47 loaded with an extended magazine resting between his legs. Later, on May 10, 2024, Lawton Police Department investigators observed one of Munoz’s social media posts in which he displayed a firearm while driving in a vehicle. Later that evening, officers observed Munoz, whom they knew to have a suspended license and active warrants, driving that vehicle in Lawton. When they attempted a traffic stop, Munoz initiated a pursuit in which his speeds exceeded 100 miles per hour, at times on the wrong side of the road and with his headlights off. He eventually reached his residence where he hid inside for approximately two hours before being arrested. Upon execution of a search warrant at the residence, detectives located two firearms hidden in a bathroom.

Public record further reflects that Munoz was convicted of domestic assault and battery in Comanche County District Court case number CM-2020-810.

On February 7, 2025, Munoz pleaded guilty to Count 2 of the Indictment and admitted that he possessed firearms despite having previously been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

At the sentencing hearing on June 25, 2025, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell sentenced Munoz to serve 84 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court specifically noted the threat that Munoz poses to society and the necessity of a substantial sentence to protect the public.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Police Department, and the Lawton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle M. Connolly prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice program to reduce violent crime. This case is also part of “Operation 922,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of PSN, which prioritizes prosecution of federal crimes connected to domestic violence. For more information about PSN, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – SHERI LYNN VICKERY, 40, of Blanchard, has been sentenced to serve 22 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $727,300 in restitution for making a false statement to a financial institution, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public record, from April 2020 through December 2021, Vickery worked as an office manager for Coil Chem LLC, a chemical manufacturing company based in Washington, Oklahoma. On April 7, 2020, Vickery submitted an application for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) on behalf of Coil Chem. The PPP was a COVID-19 pandemic relief program that provided forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses. The Indictment alleges that Vickery inflated Coil Chem’s total payroll costs and misrepresented what the PPP loan proceeds would be used for, ultimately causing $727,300 to be transferred into Coil Chem’s operating bank account. Vickery then used the proceeds for impermissible purposes, including to pay off a family member’s personal debts.

On September 10, 2024, Vickery pleaded guilty, and admitted she knowingly submitted a PPP loan application that contained false representations.

At the sentencing hearing on June 16, 2025, U.S. District Judge Jodi W. Dishman sentenced Vickery to serve 22 months in federal prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, and ordered Vickery to pay $727,300 in restitution. In announcing the sentence, the court noted the nature and circumstances and seriousness of the offense.

This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia E. Barry prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal jury has convicted RONNIE ALLEN BARTON, 48, of Canadian County, of two counts of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, one count of commission of a sex offense by a registered sex offender, and one count of attempted receipt of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

On February 20, 2025, a federal Grand Jury returned a four-count Indictment against Barton, charging him with the above crimes. On June 17, 2025, a federal jury found Barton guilty on all counts.

Evidence presented at trial showed that in July 2024, an undercover FBI agent posted an online advertisement for the opportunity to meet with two fictitious, underage children—a nine-year-old girl and an 11-year-old girl—for sexual purposes. Through the platform, Barton expressed interest in the ad, and over the course of several months, requested that the agent send him pornographic pictures of the girls. Ultimately, Barton arranged to meet the agent and the two fictitious girls at an Oklahoma City motel for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts with the girls. Barton was arrested outside of the motel on January 24, 2025, when he showed up at the appointed time and place for the meeting.

Public records reflect that Barton is a registered sex offender, with a previous 2018 felony conviction for lewd acts or indecent proposal in Canadian County District Court case number CF-2017-254.

At sentencing, Barton faces no less than 20 years and up to life in federal prison, and a fine of up to $250,000.

This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Joynes and Brandon Hale are prosecuting the case.

This case is also part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.  

OKLAHOMA CITY – GUSTAVO GORDILLO, 42, of Guatemala, has pleaded guilty to production of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

On February 20, 2025, a federal Grand Jury returned a four-count Indictment against Gordillo, charging him with production, transportation, distribution, and possession of child pornography. According to an affidavit in a previously filed criminal complaint, in July 2020, investigators with the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) received a cyber tip after files containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) were uploaded to a Google Photos account. The affidavit alleges that the suspect who uploaded the photos, later determined to be Gordillo, lived in Oklahoma City. OCPD detectives investigated the tip, as well as additional tips from Facebook, and learned that Gordillo had communicated with a child living out of state. The affidavit further alleges Gordillo provided CSAM to and received CSAM from the child. Additional investigation led law enforcement to a residence in the Oklahoma City metro that was connected with Gordillo, and he was arrested by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and OCPD on January 29, 2025.

The affidavit further indicates that Gordillo previously entered the United States on a temporary visa, but that visa had expired.

On June 12, 2025, Gordillo pleaded guilty to Count 1 of the Indictment, and admitted he used a child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing CSAM.  At sentencing, Gordillo faces no less than 15 years and up to 30 years in federal prison, and a fine of up to $250,000.

This case is the result of an investigation by HSI and OCPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon is prosecuting the case.

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

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.