Broken Bow Man Found Guilty Of Firearm Possession

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that RICHARD DALE HENRY, age 62, of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, was found guilty, by a federal jury, of FELON IN POSSESSION OF FIREARM, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(2) and 924(e)(1). The jury trial began with testimony on Monday, November 14, 2016 and concluded on the same day with the guilty verdict. The statutory range of punishment is no more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00 or both; however, should the Court determine the defendant, who has prior convictions for Murder First Degree, Murder Second Degree and Sales of Controlled Dangerous Substances, is an Armed Career Criminal offender, the range of punishment is not less than 15 years imprisonment, up to life, a fine of up to $250,000.00 or both.

Evidence at trial proved that from on or about December 23, 2013, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, RICHARD DALE HENRY, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, an AK-47 style firearm, which had been shipped and transported in interstate or foreign commerce.  Henry sold the rifle, along with a nylon case and 5 high capacity magazines, to Jo’s Pawn in Broken Bow, Oklahoma.

The verdict obtained was the result of an investigation by the McCurtain County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The Honorable James H. Payne, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the trial and 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 Marshals Service pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.