PRESS RELEASES - MAY 2009
May 14, 2009 - DAN, Ocquinetta Alicia
May 14, 2009 - WOODARD, Jeremy Shane
May 15, 2009 - MOUNGER, Stephen
May 20, 2009 - CALDWELL, Olympia Denise
May 20, 2009 - LITTLE, Benny J.
May 21, 2009 - NEESE, Ashton Abraham
May 21, 2009 - STEEL, Willie Joe
May 22, 2009 - BROOKSHIRE, Mykol Travis
JONES, Terry Alan
May 27, 2009 - MASS, Michael Don
PHIPPS, Steven R.
May 29, 2009 - MARTINEZ, Giovanni
FOR RELEASE: May 14, 2009
SUBJECT: DAN, Ocquinetta Alicia
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that OCQUINETTA ALICIA DAN, age 30, of Muskogee, Oklahoma was sentenced to 41 months imprisonment, followed by 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.
“DAN is a co-defendant in the March 12, 2008, federal grand jury indictment of 14 defendants,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling. “DAN participated in the distribution of methamphetamine and other controlled substances out of the Eufaula, Oklahoma area.”
“Ten men and four women were charged in a Eufaula-area drug conspiracy which extended over the past five years. The charged conspiracy involves methamphetamine, cocaine, and crack. Intermediate drug sources were located in Ft. Smith and Oklahoma City. ‘Mules’ were engaged to transport the drugs.”
“The conspirators used violence and threats to collect drug proceeds, prevent theft of drugs and money, maintain secrecy and promote discipline. Conspiratorial activity also is asserted, to include, traveling to various casinos to convert illegal drug proceeds into cash and travel to resort locations to reward and promote co-conspirator loyalty,” recalled U.S. Attorney Sperling.
“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.”
“The Honorable Frank H. Seay, United States Senior District Court Judge, for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over today’s hearing. DAN remains 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: May 14, 2009
SUBJECT: WOODARD, Jeremy Shane
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that JEREMY SHANE WOODARD, age 36, of Eufaula, Oklahoma, was sentenced on May 13, 2008, to 120 months imprisonment, followed by 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.
“WOODARD is a co-defendant in the March 12, 2008, federal grand jury indictment of 14 defendants,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling. “WOODARD participated in the distribution of methamphetamine and other controlled substances out of the Eufaula, Oklahoma area.”
“Ten men and four women were charged in a Eufaula-area drug conspiracy which extended over the past five years. The charged conspiracy involves methamphetamine, cocaine, and crack. Intermediate drug sources were located in Ft. Smith and Oklahoma City. ‘Mules’ were engaged to transport the drugs.”
“The conspirators used violence and threats to collect drug proceeds, prevent theft of drugs and money, maintain secrecy and promote discipline. Conspiratorial activity also is asserted, to include, traveling to various casinos to convert illegal drug proceeds into cash and travel to resort locations to reward and promote co-conspirator loyalty,” recalled U.S. Attorney Sperling.
“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.”
“The Honorable Frank H. Seay, United States Senior District Court Judge, for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. WOODARD remains 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: May 15, 2009
SUBJECT: MOUNGER, Stephen
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that STEPHEN MOUNGER, age 46, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, pled guilty to Importation of Controlled Substances, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. Section 952(a).
“Charges arose from an investigation by the Muskogee Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Postal Inspection Service,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling.
“MOUNGER was indicted on September 18, 2008 along with DAVID ROBERTSON, age 61, of Muskogee, Oklahoma,” continued U.S. Attorney Sperling. “ROBERTSON pled guilty on November 24, 2008, to Manufacture of Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C. Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A).”
“The two defendants were part of a drug trafficking organization in which MOUNGER imported wholesale quantities of pseudoephedrine from overseas and ROBERTSON manufactured the methamphetamine from his residence, over a two year period.”
“A sentencing date for ROBERTSON is pending. The statutory range of punishment is not less than 10 years and up to $4,000,000.00 in fines. A preliminary calculation of the Sentencing Guidelines, projects that ROBERTSON could be sentenced to 135-168 months imprisonment,” 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 MOUNGER’S guilty plea and ordered the completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following its completion. Both defendants remain in the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending sentencing.”
“The statutory range of punishment is up to 20 years imprisonment and/or up to $250,000.00 in fines,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling. “A preliminary calculation of the Sentencing Guidelines, projects a sentence range of 169-210 months imprisonment for MOUNGER.”
“Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson represented the United States.”
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FOR RELEASE: May 20, 2009
SUBJECT: CALDWELL, Olympia Denise
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that OLYMPIA DENISE CALDWELL, age 28, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 87 months imprisonment, followed by 36 months of supervised release for Engaging in Monetary Transactions in Property Derived from Specified Unlawful Activity, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1957 and 2.
“CALDWELL is a co-defendant in the March 12, 2008 federal grand jury indictment of 14 defendants,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling. “CALDWELL was the primary handler of the money and travel arrangements for this drug trafficking organization.”
“Ten men and four women were charged in this Eufaula-area drug conspiracy. The charged criminality extended over the past five years. The charged conspiracy involved methamphetamine, cocaine, and crack. Intermediate drug sources were located in Ft. Smith and Oklahoma City. ‘Mules’ were engaged to transport the drugs.”
“The conspirators used violence and threats to collect drug proceeds, prevent theft of drugs and money, maintain secrecy and promote discipline. Conspiratorial activity also included, traveling to various casinos to convert illegal drug proceeds to cash and travel to resort locations to reward and promote co-conspirator loyalty,” recalled U.S. Attorney Sperling.
“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 District Court Judge, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over today’s hearing. CALDWELL remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service.”
“Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace represented the United States.”
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FOR RELEASE: May 20, 2009
SUBJECT: LITTLE, Benny J.
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - United States Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling announced today BENNY J. LITTLE, age 62, of Stuart, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 5 years probation, with 6 months of home detention and was ordered to pay restitution, in the amount of $140,147.31, for Federal Employees’ Compensation Fraud, a violation of Title 18, U.S.C. Section 1920.
“Charges arose from an investigation by the United States Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling.
“LITTLE was operating a custom hay-cutting business and working as a night security guard, while receiving Federal Worker’s Compensation benefits. From October 10, 2003 to August 8, 2008, LITTLE fraudulently failed to report his employment and earnings,” noted U.S. Attorney Sperling.
“The Honorable Ronald A. White, 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 Christopher J. Wilson represented the United States.”
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FOR RELEASE: May 21, 2009
SUBJECT: NEESE, Ashton Abraham
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that ASHTON ABRAHAM NEESE, age 19, of Antlers, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 47 months imprisonment, followed by 36 months of supervised release for Possession of Stolen Firearm, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(j). NEESE was also ordered to pay $9000.00 in restitution.
“Charges arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Pushmataha District Attorney’s Office and other local law enforcement officers,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling. “NEESE was indicted in November, 2008, and pled guilty to the charges on December 11, 2008.”
“In August 2008, NEESE committed a burglary on a residence in Pushmataha County. Fourteen (14) firearms were stolen. On August 18, 2008 a state search warrant was served on the residence of an associate of NEESE. A rifle was found hidden beneath a mattress in a bedroom. The rifle was identified as one that was previously stolen. The owner of the residence informed law enforcement that NEESE brought the rifle and others to his residence that day,” continued U.S. Attorney Sperling.
“The arrest and prosecution of NEESE and other accomplices ended a string of residential burglaries in south eastern Oklahoma.”
“The Honorable James H. Payne, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over today’s hearing. The defendant remains in the custody of the United States Marshal Service.”
“Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Roberts represented the United States.”
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FOR RELEASE: May 21, 2009
SUBJECT: STEEL, Willie Joe
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that WILLIE JOE STEEL, age 35, of Antlers, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 87 months imprisonment, followed by 36 months of supervised release for being a Felon in Possession of Firearm and Possession of Stolen Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1) and (j). STEEL was also ordered to pay $1745.00 in restitution.
“Charges arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Pushmataha District Attorney’s Office and other local law enforcement officers,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling. “STEEL was indicted in November 2008 and pled guilty on December 11, 2008.”
“In August 2008, STEEL, along with others, committed a burglary on a storage building in Pushmataha County, where approximately 25 firearms were stolen. On August 20, 2008, Steel was interviewed by an OSBI agent and a Pushmataha County Investigator about that burglary. STEEL admitted the he assisted in committing that burglary and gave a list of individuals to whom he sold or traded those firearms,” continued U.S. Attorney Sperling.
“The arrest and prosecution of STEEL and other accomplices ended a string of residential burglaries in south eastern Oklahoma.”
“The Honorable James H. Payne, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over today’s hearing. The defendant remains in the custody of the United States Marshal Service.”
“Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Roberts represented the United States.”
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FOR RELEASE: May 22, 2009
SUBJECT: BROOKSHIRE, Mykol Travis; and JONES, Terry Alan
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - United States Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling announced today the filing of an Information. “TERRY ALAN JONES, age 36, and MYKOL TRAVIS BROOKSHIRE, age 38, both of Eufaula are named as defendants in the charging document,” U.S. Attorney Sperling reported. “The charge alleges Deprivation of Civil Rights Under Color of Law. This misdemeanor is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of not more than $100,000.00 and a term of supervised release of not more than 1 year.”
“Defendant Jones is the sheriff of McIntosh County,” U.S. Attorney Sperling noted. “Defendant Brookshire is the under-sheriff of McIntosh County. Their status will be determined by McIntosh County Officials who are advised by District Attorney Tom Giulioli.”
“The Information alleges that, on Thursday, May 21, 2009, the defendants confiscated a sum of money from a motorist. The defendants are alleged to have embezzled or stolen a portion of the confiscated cash.”
“Investigative agencies which participated in this investigation include the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration-Dallas Field Division, the District 25 DA’s Office and the Department of Public Safety.”
“We anticipate initial court proceedings concerning this matter during the week of May 25, 2009.”
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FOR RELEASE: May 27, 2009
SUBJECT: MASS, Michael Don; and PHIPPS, Steven R.
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that STEVEN R. PHIPPS, age 52, of Kiowa, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day imprisonment, followed by 24 months of supervised release and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $279,259.00 and a fine of $50,000.00 for Conspiracy to Defraud the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.
“Former Oklahoma State Representative and Chair of the State House of Representatives Appropriations Committee MICHAEL DON MASS, age 57, of Wilburton, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, followed by 24 months of supervised release and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $279,258.00.”
“The offense for which defendants MASS and PHIPPS stand convicted and sentenced is mail fraud conspiracy to deprive the citizens of the State of Oklahoma of their right to honest public service,” said U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling.
“Charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division,” noted U.S. Attorney Sheldon Sperling. “MASS was charged by Information on June 13, 2007. He then pled guilty, was found guilty, and was subject to a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office. PHIPPS was charged by Information on June 22, 2007. He pled guilty, was found guilty, and was the subject of a presentence investigation prepared by the United States Probation Office.”
“From about August 2002 through about December 2005, defendant MICHAEL DON MASS conspired with defendant PHIPPS and others. The conspirators steered funds appropriated by the Oklahoma state legislature to an entity the conspirators created, organized and staffed, known as Rural Development Foundation (RDF). RDF officials then directed funds to National Pet Products (NPP) and Indian Nations Entertainment (INE), businesses largely owned and operated by PHIPPS,” continued U.S. Attorney Sperling. “NPP became and is a business which manufactures dog food in McAlester. INE is a Pittsburg County business which provides gambling machines to tribal casinos.”
“The evidence in this case established that defendant MASS and others directed nearly $2.8 million in state money to certain favored businesses – and that various conspirators received kickbacks. Defendant MASS received the bulk of the $279,258 in kickbacks paid for financial favoritism. The court ordered both MASS and PHIPPS to make restitution in that amount.”
“In our pleading concerning PHIPPS’ impending sentence, we urged that he had provided substantial assistance in the investigation and prosecution of other persons, as follows.”
“Evidence in this case revealed longstanding business ties between defendant PHIPPS and Gene Stipe. The court had heard witness testimony that Stipe engaged persons to employ economic and physical threats on others in the context of a bankruptcy and other legal proceedings and that Stipe asserted he owned half of PHIPPS’ various business interests. Stipe publicly disavowed PHIPPS’ business practices, in the form of a civil lawsuit brought after public disclosure of the purchase of land for the NPP plant with public money.”
“We also identified other of Stipe’s activities which were in violation of Stipe’s probation for his previous role in illegally financing a campaign for U.S. Representative in 1998. Probationer Stipe’s efforts to publicly fund political campaigns, in violation of federal election law, even after Stipe had been sentenced by the U.S. District Court in D.C. for similar campaign funding illegality, were the subject of inquiry and investigation and litigation. PHIPPS provided details concerning straw contributions through company bonuses and cash reimbursement transfers from a company to defendant PHIPPS to the straw donors at the direction of Stipe. Subsequent search warrants yielded important information of Stipe’s involvement with NPP and Stipe’s probation-violative association with Steve Covington.”
“Defendant PHIPPS also provided substantial assistance in the investigation and prosecution of the late Francis Stipe. That trial included evidence concerning the purchase of a mortgage on the home of MASS at a critical time related to the investigation about the source of funding for the purchase of Stipe property for the NPP plant. Then in and concerning the trial of former Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan and his wife, PHIPPS provided valuable evidence and testimony.”
“The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over today’s sentencing,” U.S. Attorney Sperling observed. “Within about 30 days after sentencing, the Bureau of Prisons typically designates the federal corrections facility at which the prison term is to be served. PHIPPS will remain under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office until he reports to the designated facility as directed on July 24, 2009. MASS will remain under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office until he reports to the designated facility as directed on June 26, 2009.”
“The sentences in this case are historically consistent with federal sentences typically rendered in the past,” U.S. Attorney Sperling recalled. During the county commissioner fraud prosecutions in the 1980s, most defendant commissioners who pled guilty received two-year prison sentences. Those who rendered significant assistance in ongoing investigations sometimes received further prosecutorial and sentencing consideration.”
“Assistant United States Attorney Gay Guthrie and Ryan Roberts represented the United States in these cases.”
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FOR RELEASE: May 29, 2009
SUBJECT: MARTINEZ, Giovanni
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that GIOVANNI MARTINEZ, age 29, of Springdale, Arkansas, pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1) and Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).
“Charges arose from a March 12, 2009, traffic stop by the Durant Police Department. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Durant Police Department,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling. “MARTINEZ was indicted in March 2009.”
“In March, 2009, MARTINEZ was stopped by a Durant Police Officer for traffic violations. During that traffic stop, the defendant was found to be in possession of cocaine, a .357 semi-automatic pistol, a box of .357 caliber ammunition and another fully loaded magazine”, continued 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 for Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute is up to 30 years imprisonment and/or up to $2,000,000.00 in fines followed by a term of 6 years supervised release. The charge of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, is punishable by up 10 years imprisonment and/or up to $250,000.00 in fines, followed by a term of 3 years supervised release,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling. “A preliminary calculation of the Sentencing Guidelines, projects an advisory sentencing range of 188 to 235 months imprisonment.”
“Assistant United States Attorney Shannon L. Henson represented the United States.”
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