Guilty Plea Entered For Theft, Bribery, And Conspiracy Charges Related To Business Dealings With An Oklahoma Indian Tribal Town

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that AARON DEWAYNE TERRY, age 63, of Wichita Falls, Texas, entered a guilty plea via Superseding Indictment in connection with the theft and embezzlement of funds from business entities wholly owned by the Alabama-Quassarte Tribal Town (AQTT) of Wetumka, Oklahoma.

The AQTT is a federally recognized Indian tribe located in Oklahoma with an enrollment of around 280 members. The AQTT-owned business entities focus primarily on federal contract procurement in Huntsville, AL. Mr. Terry held various executive management and control positions within the AQTT-owned business entities during this period.

Mr. Terry pled guilty to one count of Theft By An Agent Of An Indian Tribal Government Receiving Federal Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 666(a)(1)(A); one count of Bribery Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 666(a)(1)(B); and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Bribery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. Mr. Terry also pled guilty via Information to two counts of personal Tax Fraud, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(1). 

The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Office of Inspector General – General Services Administration, Office of Inspector General – Small Business Administration, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and Army Criminal Investigation Command.

The Honorable Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Mr. Terry remains free on bond, pending sentencing. 

Assistant United States Attorney Douglas Horn, Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Heatherman, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Jordan represented the United States at the plea hearing.