Three Individuals Indicted In January Grand Jury

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office announced today the results of the January 26, 2016 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.  United States Sentencing Guidelines may be considered, upon conviction, by the sentencing court.  Federal prison sentences are non-paroleable.”

KALVIN KYLE McCOWN, age 42, of Longview, Texas
a/k/a "RAINMAN"

BRIAN THOMAS GREEN, age 43, of Mount Pleasant, Texas
a/k/a "COUNTRY"

TRAVIS LEE HILL, age 26, of Ore City, Texas

Kidnapping In Aid Of Racketeering
Murder In Aid Of Racketeering
Kidnapping

The Indictment alleges that on or about July 13, 2011, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant and others, aiding and abetting each other, did unlawfully and willfully kidnap and murder Kenneth Earl Ayers, for the purpose of maintaining and increasing position in the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT), an enterprise engaged in racketeering activity. 

The charges are in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1959(a)(1) and 2, punishable by any term of years up to Life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00 or both; Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1959(a)(1) and 2, punishable by Death or Life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00 or both and Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1201(a)(1) and 2, punishable by any term of years up to Life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00 or both. 

The charges arose from a joint investigation by the Longview Texas Police Department, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

TRAVIS LEE HILL was arraigned in federal court today and entered a plea of not guilty on each charge.  The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing.  The defendant was remanded into the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending a jury trial scheduled for April 5, 2016.           

Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace represented the United States.