Tulsa Couple Found Guilty on Child Abuse Charges

A federal jury found a Tulsa couple guilty Wednesday for enabling and committing acts of child abuse against an Indian minor, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

The jury convicted Craig Allan Morrison, 37, of two counts of child abuse in Indian Country and Amanda Lyn Walker, 42, with two counts of enabling child abuse in Indian Country.  During the trial the jury received evidence describing two separate instances of child abuse involving a then three-year-old child. 

The first incident took place on or about December 20, 2019, when other family members observed and photographed a hand-shaped bruise on the child’s face.    The second incident took place on or about February 18, 2020, when the child victim was taken to the Saint Francis Hospital Pediatric Emergency Room with injuries to the child’s head, back, shoulder, abdomen, buttocks, and leg.   Laboratory testing showed elevated liver enzymes and elevated amylase.   A pediatrician who treated the victim testified these laboratory tests indicated liver and pancreatic injuries and that the child’s injuries were caused by child abuse. These crimes took place within the Muskogee Nation Reservation.  Tulsa Police Department later interviewed the couple and charged them with child abuse.

“Because of the team of committed investigators and prosecutors, Craig Morrison and Amanda Walker have been brought to justice,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “It is heartbreaking when children suffer abuse at the hands of individuals who they should be able to trust for their care.  My office and our law enforcement partners remain committed to prosecuting perpetrators of child abuse in Indian Country.”

Judge Heil presided over the trial. Walker and Morrison will be sentenced on January 24 2022.

The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melody Noble Nelson and Chantelle Dial prosecuted the case.