Man Sentenced for Distribution of Methamphetamine From Prison

TULSA, Okla.— United States District Court Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced Slint Kenneth Tate, 36, Tuesday, to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

Tate orchestrated a drug distribution ring from inside a prison using contraband cell phones. The drug ring was involved in the distribution of more than 500 grams of methamphetamine throughout northeastern Oklahoma. Tate utilized individuals from towns in northern Oklahoma to pick up and distribute the methamphetamine. He then stored the profits and associated purchases in Miami, Oklahoma.

“While doing life without parole in the state prison system, Slint Tate continued to pose a significant threat to the general public. His criminal organization - from within the prison walls - trafficked drugs and sponsored violence, facilitated by the use of contraband cell phones,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Operation Mama Tried resulted in the dismantling of the Slint Tate organization. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma stands ready to prosecute contraband cellphone facilitated crimes. Whether you use the contraband phones or provide them, we will hold you accountable.”

Operation Mama Tried is the result of a joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, State of Oklahoma District 13 Task Force, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, Miami Police Department, and Grove Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shannon Cozzoni and Catherine Depew prosecuted the case.