Statement from Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma on Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeal’s Ruling in Bosse v. Oklahoma

"Today, the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals reversed the judgment and sentence of Shaun Michael Bosse and remanded the case to the state district court with instructions to dismiss.  The court ruled that the State of Oklahoma did not have jurisdiction to prosecute the defendant because the historical boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation were never disestablished and the victims were Indian.  This decision generally expands federal jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute crimes involving Indian offenders or Indian victims arising within the Chickasaw Nation Reservation.  Since last year’s Supreme Court decision in McGirt, we have been working closely with our tribal, federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to prepare for today’s decision and to protect those living within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation.  Our office will continue the ethical, vigorous, fair, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States for the benefit of our communities." - Robert J. Troester, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma