PRESS RELEASES - MARCH 2009
March 05, 2009 - WELLS, Damien Allen Vincent
March 11, 2009 - VICARS, Kent
March 12, 2009 - GARZA, Ricardo
GLIDEWELL, Brandy Lee
March 12, 2009 - IRVING, Ronald Keith
WASHINGTON, Deandre L.
March 13, 2009 - POTTS, William Patrick
March 18, 2009 - FEDERAL GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS - MARCH 2009
BLAIR, Johnny Wayne
CRANK, Emily Mae
GARZA, Richard Alberto
a/k/a GARZA, Ricardo Alberto
GLIDEWELL, Brandy Lee
IRVING, Ronald Keith
LITTLE, William Penn
MANTZKE, Ronny Wayne
MARTINEZ, Giovanni
POWELL, Wayne Laverne
SANCHEZ, Rodolfo Sanabria
WASHINGTON, Deandre
March 25, 2009 - LOUIE, Xavier Lacroix
a/k/a "X"
March 30, 2009 - SMITH, Johnny Edward, Jr.
a/k/a "Tick"
a/k/a "Little Johnny"
March 31, 2009 - HICKS, James Earl
March 31, 2009 - LEDFORD, Kris
March 31, 2009 - MARTIN, Teresa Lou
a/k/a "Coo"
March 31, 2009 - SPEARS, Jerry Dewayne
a/k/a "Turkey"
FOR RELEASE: March 05, 2009
SUBJECT: WELLS, Damien Allen Vincent
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that DAMIEN ALLEN VINCENT WELLS, age 21, of Jacksonville, Florida, pled guilty to Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).
“Charges arose from an investigation by the Choctaw County Sheriff’s Department and the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling. “WELLS was indicted in February, 2009.”
“On January 26, 2009, Choctaw County deputies were dispatched to a local residence to investigate a possible burglary. When deputies arrived, the victim informed them that he arrived home to find 2 people, he did not recognize, exiting his residence and getting into a van. When the victim approached, the occupants in the van made an attempt to hit him with the van and fired shots at him.” continued U.S. Attorney Sperling.
“As the victim was relaying the story to the police, the van drove by the residence again. A pursuit ensued and the van made an attempt to elude and crashed. The two occupants, which included Wells, exited the car, each with a gun. Deputies held the two at gunpoint and the two were arrested on state charges.”
“WELLS was convicted on felony charges of Child Molestation, in Georgia back in 2005. It is unlawful for a felon to possess a firearm.”
“The Honorable Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the defendant’s guilty plea and ordered completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following its completion. WELLS remains in the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending imposition of sentence.”
“The statutory range of punishment is up to 10 years imprisonment and/or up to $250,000.00 in fines,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling. “A preliminary calculation of the Sentencing Guidelines, projects an advisory sentencing range of 57 to 71 months imprisonment.”
“Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow represented the United States.”
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FOR RELEASE: March 11, 2009
SUBJECT: VICARS, Kent
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that KENT VICARS, age 58 of Krebs, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 3 years probation and not less than 6 months of home detention for making False Statements During the Purchase of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(a)(6).
“Charges arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Krebs Police Department,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling. “VICARS was indicted in September, 2008.”
“The indictment alleged that VICARS, a convicted felon and Mayor of Krebs, Oklahoma, stated “no”, on four (4) separate occasions, when asked by a licensed firearms dealer if he was a convicted felon,” continued U.S. Attorney Sperling. “The guns purchased include one (1) Franchi model 48, 20 gauge shotgun; one (1) Thompson/Center Arms, model 209x50 Magnum caliber rifle; one (1) Browning, model 2000, 12 gauge shotgun; and one (1) Remington, model 700, 7mm caliber rifle.”
“The Honorable Frank H. Seay, District Judge, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over today’s hearing.”
“Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson represented the United States.”
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FOR RELEASE: March 12, 2009
SUBJECT: GARZA, Ricardo; and GLIDEWELL, Brandy Lee
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that RICARDO GARZA, age 60, of Thackerville, Oklahoma, and BRANDY LEE GLIDEWELL, age 46, of Ratliff City, Oklahoma, were charged by way of a Complaint with the federal felony, Distribution of Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. 841).
“Charges arose from an investigation by Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, and the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Department,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling.
“The Complaint charges that from on or about March 3, 2009 and continuing to on or about March 11, 2009, GARZA and GLIDEWELL, while working together, distributed six ounces of methamphetamine to a cooperating individual near Sardis Lake,” noted U.S. Attorney Sperling.
“The Complaint asserts that the total amount of meth distributed, and attributable to the charged offense, is upwards of 100 pounds of crank,” U.S. Attorney Sperling reported. “The Complaint also alleges an undercover meth purchase from Garza last week near Sardis Lake in Pushmataha County. Then, yesterday, undercover officers participated in a $15,000 buy/bust operation in the Eufaula area. GLIDEWELL was arrested shortly after the undercover transaction was concluded.”
“Federal law permits a term of imprisonment of not less than 10 years nor more than life imprisonment, up to $4,000,000.00 in fines, and not less than 5 years of supervised release,” noted U.S. Attorney Sperling.”
The above named individuals have been charged with a federal crime or crimes by the filing of a Complaint. A Complaint is a charging document that charges a federal defendant until the evidence can be presented to a grand jury. A grand jury Indictment is a method of bringing formal charges against the defendant. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and may not be found guilty unless evidence establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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FOR RELEASE: March 12, 2009
SUBJECT: IRVING, Ronald Keith; and WASHINGTON, Deandre L.
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, and James E. Finch, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, announced today that RONALD KEITH IRVING, age 35, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, and DEANDRE L. WASHINGTON, age 22, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, were charged by way of a Complaint.
“The defendants are charged with the federal felony, Tampering with a Witness, Victim or Informant in Conjunction with Attempts to Kill Another Person,” noted U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling. “The defendants are also listed, by way of statutory citation in the Complaint, as aiders and abettors in this charge.”
“These charges arose from an investigation by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, officers from the Muskogee Police Department and Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling. “Muskogee District Attorney Larry Moore and Sheriff Charles Pearson also worked with us on this investigation.”
“The Complaint charges that from on or about February 20, 2009, and continuing on or about March 11, 2009, IRVING and WASHINGTON entered into an agreement to kill Muskogee Police Lieutenant Brian Stark,” noted U.S. Attorney Sperling.
“IRVING is an inmate in the Muskogee County Jail, on pending federal drug charges. The complaint asserts that IRVING solicited WASHINGTON to kill Lieutenant Stark,” U.S. Attorney Sperling said. “Lieutenant Stark is a supervisor of the Muskogee Police Department Narcotics Squad and is a witness in the pending federal drug charge against IRVING. WASHINGTON, a known gang member, whom the complaint avers is also known as “Monster” and “ol dude,” assertedly agreed to travel to Muskogee to kill Lieutenant Stark at his house. The alleged price for the intended killing was at his house for $25,000.”
“Yesterday, as the Complaint states, WASHINGTON travelled to Muskogee to carry out the murder of Stark. WASHINGTON was apprehended by troopers of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The vehicle in which WASHINGTON was a passenger had crossed the Arkansas River Turnpike Bridge in the direction of Muskogee,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling.
“The affidavit underlying the Complaint contains graphic recorded comments made by Washington,” U.S. Attorney Sperling added, including, “Can we do it before Thursday?” “Do you know how to find him?” “I won’t wound him. I will shoot him in the face.” “He’s a police officer.” “I’m ready.” “It will be ‘splat, splat.” “We’ll ride down there and it will be ‘boom-boom.’” “We will hit him at his house.”
“The statute provides a term of imprisonment of up to 30 years, $250,000.00 in fines, and up to 5 years of supervised release if the court so orders,” noted U.S. Attorney Sperling.
“We are grateful for the teamwork of federal, state, and county officers,” U.S. Attorney Sperling concluded. “Our mantra, ‘All the badges are the same size.’ was actualized in this investigation. Most importantly, the intended victim and his family members are safe.”
“Finally, we have consistently expected the highest professional conduct by officers under our authority,” U.S. Attorney Sperling said. “The flip side of that coin is that if a city, county, tribal, state or federal officer is seriously threatened or harmed and a federal hook (statute) is available, we will take appropriate prosecutorial action.”
The above named individuals have been charged with a federal crime or crimes by the filing of a Complaint. A Complaint is a charging document that charges a federal defendant until the evidence can be presented to a grand jury. A grand jury Indictment is a method of bringing formal charges against the defendant. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and may not be found guilty unless evidence establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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FOR RELEASE: March 13, 2009
SUBJECT: POTTS, William Patrick
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that WILLIAM PATRICK POTTS, age 47, of Peggs, Oklahoma, was found guilty by a federal jury.
“Charges arose from an investigation by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Tahlequah Police Department and support from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling. “POTTS, a prior convicted felon, was convicted of possessing a Marlin Win Mag .22 rifle in October 2008,”
“The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the trial. The Court ordered the completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following its completion. The defendant will remain in the custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.”
“Assistant United States Christopher J. Wilson represented the United States at trial.”
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FOR RELEASE: March 18, 2009
SUBJECT: FEDERAL GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS: BLAIR, Johnny Wayne; CRANK, Emily Mae; GARZA, Richard Alberto; a/k/a GARZA, Ricardo Alberto; GLIDEWELL, Brandy Lee; IRVING, Ronald Keith; LITTLE, William Penn; MANTZKE, Ronny Wayne; MARTINEZ, Giovanni; POWELL, Wayne Laverne; SANCHEZ, Rodolfo Sanabria; and WASHINGTON, Deandre
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - United States Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling announced today the results of the March 2009 Federal Grand Jury.
“The following named individuals have been charged with a federal crime or crimes by the return of an indictment by the Grand Jury. A grand jury Indictment does not constitute evidence of guilt. A grand jury Indictment is a method of bringing formal charges against the defendant. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and may not be found guilty unless evidence establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Statutory maximum punishments are in parentheses. United States Sentencing Guidelines may be considered, upon conviction, by the sentencing court. Federal prison sentences are non-parolable”.
GIOVANNI MARTINEZ, age 29, of Durant, Oklahoma
Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime and Felon in Possession of a Firearm
The Indictment alleges that on March 12, 2009, during a traffic stop by the Durant Police Department, the defendant was in possession of cocaine, a loaded .357 caliber, semi-automatic pistol, a box of 357 caliber ammunition and another fully loaded magazine.
The charges are in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C),18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A) and 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine is punishable by not more than 30 years imprisonment, a $2,000,000 fine, and six (6) years supervised release; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime is punishable by not less than five (5) years nor more than life imprisonment, a $250,000.00 fine, and three (3) years supervised release; and Felon in Possession of a Firearm is punishable by not more than ten (10) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three (3) years supervised release.
Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson
JOHNNY WAYNE BLAIR, age 21, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Possession of Stolen Firearm
The indictment alleges on or between January 6, 2009, through January 26, 2009, in Cherokee County, Oklahoma, BLAIR, possessed a stolen 9mm semi automatic pistol which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce, knowing and having reasonable cause to believe the firearm was stolen.
The charges are in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(j) and are punishable by not more than ten (10) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three (3) years supervised release.
Assistant United States Attorney D. Edward Snow
EMILY MAE CRANK, age 32, of Muskogee, Oklahoma
Financial Aid Fraud and Unlawful Use of a Means of Identification
The Indictment alleges while attending Northeastern State University as a student in 2007, Crank compromised the University’s online computer system and obtained personal information belonging to students and faculty. Crank then used this information to assume the identities of these victims for her own financial gain.
The charges are in violation of 20 U.S.C. § 1097(a), 18 U.S.C. §§ 1028 (a)(7) and 1028(b)(1)(D). Financial Aid Fraud is punishable by not more than Five (5) years imprisonment, a fine of not more than $20,000 or both and Unlawful Use of a Means of Identification is punishable by not more than 15 years imprisonment and three (3) years supervised release.
Assistant United States Attorney D. Edward Snow
WILLIAM PENN LITTLE, age 25, of Ardmore, Oklahoma
Bank Fraud
The Indictment alleges from approximately November 26, 2007, until approximately March 2008, LITTLE, knowingly executed, and attempted to execute, a scheme and artifice to defraud and to obtain moneys, funds, credits, assets and other property owned by and under the custody or control of a financial institution, by means of false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises.
The charges are in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1344 and are punishable by not more than 30 years imprisonment, and/or a fine of not more than $1,000,000.
Assistant United States Attorney D. Edward Snow
RICHARD ALBERTO GARZA, aka/ RICARDO ALBERTO GARZA, age 60, of Thackerville, Oklahoma
BRANDY LEE GLIDEWELL, age 46, of Ratliff City, Oklahoma
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled Substances, Possessed with Intent to Distribute and Distributed Methamphetamine and Drug Forfeiture
The Indictment alleges beginning in about 2005 and continuing until about March, 2009, GARZA and GLIDEWELL conspired to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II Controlled Substance.
The charges are in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A)(viii) and are punishable by not less than ten (10) years nor more than life imprisonment, a $4,000,000 fine and not less than five (5) years supervised release.
Assistant United States Attorney D. Edward Snow
RONNY WAYNE MANTZKE, age 32, of Healdton, Oklahoma
Possession of Listed Chemical with Intent to Manufacture a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime and Felon in Possession of a Firearm
The Indictment alleges on or about February 19, 2009, in Bryan County, MANTZKE, knowingly and intentionally possessed a listed chemical, ephedrine, a List I chemical, with intent to manufacture a controlled substance. MANTZKE, a previously convicted felon, knowingly brandished and possessed a 9mm caliber, semi-auto pistol, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The charges are in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(c)(1), 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A), and 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). Possession of a Listed Chemical with Intent to Manufacture a Controlled Substance is punishable by not more than 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000.00 fine and not more than three (3) years supervised release; Possession and Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime is punishable by not less than seven (7) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and not more than three (3) years supervised release; and Felon in Possession of a Firearm is punishable by not more than ten (10) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and not more than three (3) years supervised release.
Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson
RONALD KEITH IRVING, age 36, of Muskogee, Oklahoma
DEANDRE WASHINGTON, age 23, of Tulsa, Oklahoma
Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, also known as Crack Cocaine and Tampering With A Witness
The Indictment alleges on or about August 25, 2008, in Muskogee County, IRVING knowingly possessed with intent to distribute in excess of 5 grams of crack cocaine, a Schedule II Controlled Substance. Beginning in 2006, and continuing through March 11, 2009, in Muskogee County, IRVING and WASHINGTON attempted to kill a witness by conspiring to shoot the witness with the intent to prevent the attendance or testimony of the witness in federal court proceedings against IRVING.
The charges are in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(`1) and 841(b)(1)(B)(iii) and 18 U.S.C. §§ 1512(a)(1)(A) and 2. Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine is punishable by not less than five (5) nor more than 40 years imprisonment, a fine up to $2,000,000 and four (4) years supervised release and Tampering with a Witness is punishable by not more than 30 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000 and five (5) years supervised release.
Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Roberts
WAYNE LAVERNE POWELL, age 39, of Bixby, Oklahoma
False Statements: Fictitious or Fraudulent Statements
The indictment alleges in or about July, 2007, within the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense, POWELL made a false, fraudulent, and fictitious material statement and representation; that while being employed as a law enforcement officer with the Muscogee Nation he falsified time sheets to indicate that he was on active military duty with the Oklahoma National Guard while he was in fact not present for military duty. On or about the 22nd day of August, 2006, within the jurisdiction of the Muscogee Nation, POWELL, made a false, fraudulent, and fictitious material statement and representation; that he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Excelsior College, and received an increase in annual salary due to the fictitious representation.
The charges are in violation of Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1001 and are punishable by up to five years imprisonment and/or up to $250,000.00 in fines for each count.
Assistant United States Attorney Ryan M. Roberts
RODOLFO SANABRIA SANCHEZ, age 44, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, a Schedule II Controlled Substance
The Indictment alleges on or about the 13th day of March, 2009, in Cherokee County, SANCHEZ knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of Methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The charges are in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) & (b)(1)(A) and are punishable by not more than ten (10) years imprisonment, a $4,000,000 fine and five (5) years supervised release.
Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Roberts
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FOR RELEASE: March 25, 2009
SUBJECT: LOUIE, Xavier Lacroix; a/k/a "X"
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that XAVIER LACROIX LOUIE, a/k/a "X", age 31, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, pled guilty to being a Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. Section 922(g)(1). The defendant was indicted by a grand jury in February, 2009.
“Charges arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the District 27 Drug Task Force. LOUIE, after previously being convicted of a felony, possessed a Hi-Point 9 mm semi-automatic pistol and a box of 9 mm Winchester ammunition, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling.
“On December 8, 2008, agents from the District 27 Drug Task Force executed a search warrant on a residence in Tahlequah. After entry into the residence, agents discovered a baggie of methamphetamine, marijuana and set of scales. They also discovered a Hi-Point 9 mm semi-automatic pistol in the bedroom closet,” U.S. Attorney Sperling continued.
“When interviewed by ATF agents, LOUIE admitted the gun was his and that he had purchased the ammunition at Wal-Mart. He denied all knowledge of the drugs and paraphernalia found at the residence.”
“The Honorable Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the defendant’s guilty plea and ordered the completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following its completion. The defendant is in the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending imposition of sentence.”
“The statutory range of punishment is up to ten years imprisonment and/or up to $250,000.00 in fines,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling. “A preliminary guideline calculation projects a 37-46 month prison sentence.”
“Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow represented the government.”
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FOR RELEASE: March 30, 2009
SUBJECT: SMITH, Johnny Edward, Jr.; a/k/a "Tick"; a/k/a "Little Johnny"
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - United States Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling announced today JOHNNY EDWARD SMITH, JR., a/k/a Tick, a/k/a Little Johnny, age 31, of Eufaula, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 292 months imprisonment and 60 months of supervised release for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled Substances, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C. Section 846.
“In addition, a money judgment in the amount of $4,000,000.00 was imposed by the court, Noted U.S. Attorney Spelling. “This judgment will allow the government to pursue assets possessed by Smith. Assets, which SMITH acquired with proceeds of his illegal drug activity, we subject to federal forfeiture.”
“SMITH is a co-defendant in the March 12, 2008 federal grand jury indictment of 14 defendants,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling. “SMITH was the leader of a large poly-drug organization based out of the Eufaula, Oklahoma area.”
“Charges arose from an investigation conducted by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN), The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Eufaula Police Department, the Checotah Police Department, and the Muskogee Police Department,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling. “Dedicated investigators joined state, local and federal hands in this remarkable collective effort, on behalf of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).”
“The Honorable Frank H. Seay, Senior Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over today’s hearing. SMITH will remain in the custody of the United States Marshal.”
“Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace capably represented the United States.”
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FOR RELEASE: March 31, 2009
SUBJECT: HICKS, James Earl
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that JAMES EARL HICKS, age 28, of Bennington, Oklahoma, pled guilty to Embezzlement and Theft From an Indian Tribal Organization in violation of Title 18, Section 1163.
“Charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling. “HICKS was indicted in February 2009.”
“From on about February, 2004, until in or about August, 2004, HICKS embezzled, stole, and knowingly converted to his own use moneys, funds, securities, premiums, credits, property, and other assets belonging to the Choctaw Nation, an Indian tribal organization,” noted U.S. Attorney Sperling.
“The Honorable Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the defendant’s guilty plea and ordered completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following its completion. The defendant remains in the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending sentencing.”
“The statutory range of punishment is up to 5 years imprisonment and/or up to $250,000.00 in fines,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling. “A preliminary calculation of the Sentencing Guidelines, projects an advisory sentencing range of 0-6 months imprisonment.”
“Assistant United States Attorney Linda Epperley represented the United States.”
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FOR RELEASE: March 31, 2009
SUBJECT: LEDFORD, Kris
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that KRIS LEDFORD, age 30, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 48 months in prison and 36 months of consecutive supervised release. The defendant was convicted of one felony count of Possession of Stolen Firearms and one misdemeanor count of Stolen Valor.
“Charges arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Muskogee Police Department, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling. “LEDFORD stole the firearms from the Muskogee Police Department property room while employed as a detective with the department.”
“The Information, filed on November 12, 2008, charged that on or about June 4, 2007, to on or about May 29, 2008, LEDFORD knowingly possessed, concealed, stored, bartered, sold and disposed of nine (9) stolen firearms.”
“Count Two alleged that on or about July 23, 2008, LEDFORD falsely represented himself, verbally and in writing, to have been awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star,” U.S. Attorney Sperling said. “LEDFORD pled guilty on November 18, 2008.”
“The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge, in the United States District Court in Muskogee, Oklahoma, presided over today’s hearing,” noted U.S. Attorney Sperling.
“First Assistant United States Attorney Doug Horn admirably represented the United States.”
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FOR RELEASE: March 31, 2009
SUBJECT: MARTIN, Teresa Lou; a/k/a "Coo"
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that TERESA LOU MARTIN, a/k/a, “Coo” age 21, of Eufaula, McIntosh County, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 210 months imprisonment, followed by five years supervised release, for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled Substances, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C., Section 846.
“In addition, a money judgment in the amount of $4,000,000.00 was imposed by the court,” noted U.S. Attorney Sperling. “This judgment will allow the government to pursue assets possessed by MARTIN. Assets, which MARTIN acquired with proceeds of his illegal drug activity, we subject to federal forfeiture.”
“MARTIN is a co-defendant in the March 12, 2008 federal grand jury indictment of 14 defendants,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling. “MARTIN participated in the distribution of methamphetamine and other controlled substances out of the Eufaula, Oklahoma area.”
“Charges arose from an investigation conducted by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATFE), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Eufaula Police Department, the Checotah Police Department, and the Muskogee Police Department,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling. “Dedicated investigators joined state, local and federal hands in this remarkable collective effort on behalf of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).”
“The Honorable Frank H. Seay, Senior Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over today’s hearing. MARTIN will remain in the custody of the United States Marshal.”
“Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace capably represented the United States.”
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FOR RELEASE: March 31, 2009
SUBJECT: SPEARS, Jerry Dewayne; a/k/a "Turkey"
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that JERRY DEWAYNE SPEARS, a/k/a “Turkey” SPEARS, age 60, of Gore, Oklahoma, pled guilty to being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1).
“Charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF),” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling. “SPEARS was indicted in July 2008.”
“On April 8, 2008, during a traffic stop by Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Clint Craft, SPEARS was found to be in possession of a .44 caliber pistol, a .17 caliber HMR rifle and a Marline, .22 magnum bolt action rifle. SPEARS, having previously been convicted of state and federal felonies, is prohibited from possessing firearms,” noted U.S. Attorney Sperling.
“The Honorable Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the defendant’s guilty plea and ordered completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following its completion. The defendant remains in the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending sentencing.”
“The statutory range of punishment is not more than 10 years and/or up to $250,000.00 in fines,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling. “A preliminary calculation of the Sentencing Guidelines, projects an advisory sentencing range of 46-57 months imprisonment.”
“Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson represented the United States.”
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