PRESS RELEASES - January 2006
January 5, 2006 - EDGE,
Lon Perry
January 11, 2006 - GRIST, Jerry Lee
January 11, 2006 - MOLINA, Francisco Santos
January 13, 2006 - U. S. ATTORNEY SPERLING SELECTS DISTRICT ATTORNEY WILSON
AS FEDERAL PROSECUTOR
January 13, 2006 - ORTEGA, Julio Cesar
January 13, 2006 - WILSON, Michael Gregory
January 18, 2006 - JANUARY 2006 FEDERAL GRAND JURY CRIMINAL INDICTMENTS ANNOUNCED
- ALEMAN, Dimas Enoc
- JOHNSON, Terry Michael
- LOPEZ-GARCIA, Victor Manuel
- SALLIS, Brandon Lamar; a/k/a "Triple X Gangsta"
- SALLIS, Randon Tamar; a/k/a "Mr. T"
- SEVENSTAR, Donald
- SIZEMORE, Billy Youl
- SIZEMORE, Terry Don
- TICAS, Roberto Antonio
January 18, 2006 - MCNAC, Herman, III
January 18, 2006 - SCOTT, Ricky, Jr.
January 18, 2006 - TRIANA, Yolanda; a/k/a RODRIGUEZ, Yolanda Jean
January 19, 2006 - RICHARDS, Samantha G.
January 19, 2006 - TAYLOR, Kendel D.; a/k/a TAYLOR, Kendall
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FOR RELEASE: January 5, 2006
SUBJECT: EDGE, Lon Perry
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - United States Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling announced that on January 4, 2006, after nearly two days of trial, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, at Muskogee, LON PERRY EDGE, age 39, of Soper, Oklahoma was found guilty on two counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and one count of possession of ammunition by a prohibited person.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATFE), involving Edge’s possession of a firearm and ammunition after being served with a protective order. There were two separate contacts with the defendant. The first contact occurred on July 5, 2005 after the Choctaw County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of felonious pointing of a firearm. While looking in the area for the vehicle, deputies were forced off the road by a vehicle driving left of center. The deputies stopped the vehicle driven by the defendant, and immediately observed a loaded Colt .45 caliber handgun and a shotgun on the front seat next to the defendant. In addition to the firearms, a box of .45 caliber ammunition was located in the truck. The defendant was observed to have an odor of alcohol and additional ammunition was located in the vehicle.
At the time of the traffic stop the deputies were aware of a protective order against the defendant. The protective order was issued with the defendant’s agreement after his ex-wife petitioned the court alleging that he had threatened to burn her house down and that her house had in fact burned down a short time later. The petition also indicated that the defendant threatened her life, was taking her property, and letting her cows and horses out. The defendant was convicted of violating the protective order in two separate cases in Choctaw County after the protective order was issued.
After receiving information relating to the traffic stop and protective order, the ATFE investigated the case and presented it in Federal Court in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, resulting in the issuance of a complaint and warrant for the defendant’s arrest.
The second contact with the defendant occurred when special agents with ATFE and the Choctaw County Sheriff’s Office executed the warrant for arrest. At the time of his arrest the defendant had an additional shotgun in his bedroom. “It is a violation of federal law to possess a firearm while a person is the subject of a protective order restraining a person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner, or engaging in conduct that would place that person in fear of bodily injury,” U.S. Attorney Sperling noted. “The law requires that the defendant be given notice of a hearing and an opportunity to be heard before the court prior to the order’s imposition. In addition, the order must find that the defendant poses a credible threat to the physical safety of such intimate partner or by its terms prohibit the use, attempted use, or threatened use against such intimate partner.”
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date after the completion of a presentence investigation. The defendant faces a maximum punishment of imprisonment of up to thirty-one (31) years and/or a minimum fine of $1,000,000.00. “The advisory sentencing guidelines may recommend an actual, non-parolable prison term of about three years,” U. S. Attorney Sperling observed.
“Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States at trial,” U. S. Attorney Sperling said. “The Choctaw County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives cooperated in the investigation.”
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FOR RELEASE: January 11, 2006
SUBJECT: GRIST, Jerry Lee
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - United States Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling announced that on January 9, 2006, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, at Muskogee, Oklahoma, JERRY LEE GRIST, age 46 of Atoka,Oklahoma was sentenced to 240 months for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
“The defendant was convicted by a federal jury in Muskogee after a trial in October 2005,” reported U.S. Attorney Sperling. “Officers seized $9,000 in cash, baggies, scales, and an ounce of methamphetamine from a pickup driven by Grist.”
“A search of Grist’s shop resulted in the seizure of 13 vacuum-sealed bags containing approximately 460 grams of methamphetamine. Advisory sentencing guidelines were based on 366.3 grams of actual or pure methamphetamine.”
“The defendant’s criminal history required the non-parolable sentence of 20 years which was imposed by the court.”
The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the Atoka Police Department, the Atoka County Sheriff’s Office and the District 19 Drug Task Force. On June 9, 2005, law enforcement officers served a search warrant on the residence of JERRY LEE GRIST located in Atoka County. During the service of the search warrant approximately 1 pound of methamphetamine was seized.
AUSA Paul G. Hess represented the United States.
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FOR RELEASE: January 11, 2006
SUBJECT: MOLINA, Francisco Santos
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - United States Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling announced that on January 9, 2006, FRANCISCO SANTOS MOLINA, age 23, of Tulsa, Oklahoma was sentenced in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma by United States District Judge Ronald A. White to 60 months for possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and 120 months for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
“Broken Arrow police detectives alertly negotiated a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from the defendant,” reported U. S. Attorney Sperling. “A pound of crank, worth upwards of $15,000, was seized after a BAPD drug dog alerted on the drug package.”
“The defendant possessed a loaded pistol, at the ready in his car. Under federal law, the gun conviction will require that the defendant spend five additional years in prison without the possibility of parole.”
The charges arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Broken Arrow Police Department. The defendant was stopped by the Catoosa Police on an active warrant, and a search of defendant’s vehicle revealed a six inch by six inch package wrapped in black electrical tape. A field test was conducted, testing positive for the presence of methamphetamine. A loaded Charter Arms, .38 caliber revolver was located beneath the steering column.
AUSA Paul G. Hess represented the United States.
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FOR RELEASE: January 13, 2006
SUBJECT: U. S. ATTORNEY SPERLING SELECTS DISTRICT ATTORNEY WILSON
AS FEDERAL PROSECUTOR
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - United States Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling announced today that Christopher J. Wilson has accepted an offer to become an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
Upon completion of a background investigation, Mr. Wilson will be joining the staff of United States Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling in Muskogee, Oklahoma.
“Today’s announcement is the culmination of a lengthy effort we began last summer,” U. S. Attorney Sperling reported. “The project involved an extensive national recruiting campaign, detailed interviewing, and exhaustive reference checking.
Chris Wilson is a remarkably talented, highly experienced and discerning law enforcement advocate. I am really excited about the prospect of his engagement on our team.”
“Chris Wilson is an icon of character, work ethic, and service. His integrity and honesty are beyond reproach. He has a profound respect for and commitment to the criminal justice system. We expect great things from him.”
“Chris Wilson will be a key player in our efforts to prosecute major criminal offenders in this district. He is a premier trial attorney. He understands the changing nature of methamphetamine criminality, in the wake of the anti-pseudo law. He will be a key prosecutor in our primary violent crime initiative known as Project Safe Neighborhoods,” U. S. Attorney Sperling continued. “Our aim is to get guns out of the hands of criminals and criminals out of our neighborhoods. This isn’t about gun control. Lawful ownership of firearms is not at risk. Our charge is to think outside the box, while working inside the Constitution.”
“Mr. Wilson has served as the elected District Attorney for Pittsburg and Haskell Counties since 2003. He has served with distinction as one of the premier district attorneys in the state of Oklahoma. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 1989, and was in the private practice of law for several years. He served as an Assistant District Attorney and First Assistant DA for a total of seven years and returned to private practice for four years before winning election in 2002.”
“I have been honored to be the District Attorney and I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished the past three years,” Wilson said. “I am excited about the future, but I must admit I have mixed emotions. I love my job as District Attorney and it will be difficult to leave such a great staff. I have been privileged to serve with an incredible team and I want to thank each of them for their hard work and dedication.”
During his term as District Attorney, Wilson has been an extremely effective prosecutor. He is credited with securing the first jury verdict in District 18 (Pittsburg and Haskell Counties) of a Life sentence for methamphetamine manufacturing and the first jury verdict of Life Without Parole for methamphetamine trafficking.
“I am extremely appreciative to Mr. Sperling for extending me this opportunity, “ says Wilson. “I look forward to this new challenge and the chance to use the skills and experience I have developed over the years to serve the people of the Eastern District of Oklahoma.”
Mr. Wilson and his wife, Beth, a former high school math teacher, have been married for ten years and have two children, Sara and Kinley, ages five and three.
“I expect to begin my duties as an Assistant U.S. Attorney before the primary election for District Attorney in July,” said Wilson. “So, in the best interests of the voters and for any who might be interested in running, I am officially announcing that I will not be seeking re-election as District Attorney.” Mr. Wilson is expected to officially resign and assume his duties in Muskogee as soon as the Department of Justice clears him for employment.
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FOR RELEASE: January 13, 2006
SUBJECT: ORTEGA, Julio Cesar
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - United States Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling announced that JULIO CESAR ORTEGA, age 29, of Mesa, Arizona was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma by United States District Judge James H. Payne to 151 months in prison followed by 60 months of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
ORTEGA and his co-defendant FERNANDO HERNANDEZ, age 25, of Michoacan, Mexico, were indicted by the Grand Jury sitting in and for the Eastern District of Oklahoma on June 16, 2005. HERNANEZ pled guilty to the indictment on July 27, 2005. ORTEGA was found guilty at jury trial on August 6, 2005.
The charges resulted from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration involving a May 5, 2005 traffic stop on I-40 in Sequoyah County. As a result of the traffic stop, approximately 2 pounds of methamphetamine was seized from inside the dash area of the vehicle. ORTEGA and HERNANDEZ, the passenger in the vehicle, rented the car in Phoenix, Arizona, concealed the drugs in the dashboard and were traveling to Springdale, Arkansas when they were apprehended.
AUSA Rob Wallace prosecuted the case for the United States.
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FOR RELEASE: January 13, 2006
SUBJECT: WILSON, Michael Gregory
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - United States Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling announced today that MICHAEL GREGORY WILSON, age 34, of Park Hill, Oklahoma, was sentenced to thirty-seven (37) months imprisonment, with twenty-four (24) months supervised release for Felon in Possession of Firearm.
According to Assistant United States Attorney Paul Hess, who represented the United States of America in the case, the charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, involving an arrest of WILSON by the McIntosh County Sheriff's Office. When questioned by McIntosh County deputies concerning an investigation of alleged stolen property, WILSON became agitated, resulting in defendant’s arrest and a pat down. WILSON, a convicted felon, was found in possession of a .22 caliber semi automatic pistol.
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FOR RELEASE: January 18, 2006
SUBJECT: JANUARY 2006 FEDERAL GRAND JURY CRIMINAL INDICTMENTS ANNOUNCED
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - United States Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling announced today the results of the January 2006 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. Advisory statutory maximum punishments are in parentheses. United States Sentencing Guidelines may be considered, upon conviction, by the sentencing court. Federal prison sentences are non-parolable.
TERRY MICHAEL JOHNSON, age 46, Enid, OK
Theft of Government Funds, Social Security Fraud, and Fraudulent Use of Social Security Number
The charges arise from an investigation by the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, and Office of Investigation, involving embezzlement in excess of $15,000 in Social Security Survivor Benefits.
(Up to five (5) years imprisonment and up to $250,000 fines)
BILLY YOUL SIZEMORE, age 67, and
TERRY DON SIZEMORE, age 40, Sequoyah County, OK
Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
The charges arise from an investigation by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs and the Sallisaw Police Department. The Defendants are accused of possessing with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of actual methamphetamine.
(Up to Life imprisonment and up to $4,000,000 fines)
DIMAS ENOC ALEMAN, age 29,
VICTOR MANUEL LOPEZ-GARCIA, age 57, and
ROBERTO ANTONIO TICAS, age 36, McIntosh County Jail
Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine
The charges arise from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The Defendants are accused of possessing in excess of 5 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, a Schedule II Controlled Substance.
(Up to Life imprisonment and up to $4,000,000 fines)
BRANDON LAMAR SALLIS, a/k/a “TRIPLE X GANGSTA”, and
RANDON TAMAR SALLIS, aka Mr. “T”, both age 24, of Muskogee, OK
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and Marijuana, Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, Possession of Xanax, (Alprazolam) with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Ecstasy with the Intent to Distribute, and three counts of Criminal Forfeiture
The charges arise from a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Muskogee Police Department.
(Up to Life imprisonment and up to $4,000,000 fines)
DONALD SEVENSTAR
Two counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country, and Burglary in Indian Country
Sevenstar is accused of stabbing one person, threatening to stab another person, and of forcibly breaking into a structure with the intent to commit felonious assault while armed with a dangerous weapon. The charges arise from an investigation by the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
(Not more than ten (10) years imprisonment and up to $250,000 fines)
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FOR RELEASE: January 18, 2006
SUBJECT: MCNAC, Herman, III; and SCOTT, Ricky, Jr.
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - United States Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling announced today that HERMAN McNAC, III, age 25, and RICKY SCOTT, JR.,age 24, both of Muskogee, Oklahoma, entered pleas of guilty in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, at Muskogee, to a one count felony Information.
“McNACand SCOTTpled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine,” reported United States Attorney Sperling. At a plea hearing, MCNAC and SCOTT admitted traveling to Norman, Oklahoma, obtaining one kilogram of cocaine, and distributing the cocaine to an undercover agent for the Drug Enforcement Agency.”
“United States Magistrate Judge Steven P. Shreder accepted the defendant’s guilty pleas and found them guilty,” U. S. Attorney Sperling noted.
McNACand SCOTTface a maximum sentence of forty (40) years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $2,000,000.00, a mandatory term of supervised release of four (4) years, and a special monetary assessment of $100.00.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Dennis Fries represented the government.
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FOR RELEASE: January 18, 2006
SUBJECT: TRIANA, Yolanda; a/k/a RODRIGUEZ, Yolanda Jean
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - United States Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling announced today that after two days of trial in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, at Muskogee, Oklahoma, YOLANDA TRIANA, aka YOLANDA JEAN RODRIGUEZ, age 44, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, was found guilty of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
TRIANA and her husband and co-defendant, RICARDO RENATO CALLIRGOS-NAVETTA, aka RECARDO HUMBERTO GUERRERO, aka RENE MIGUEL LOPEZ, age 43, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, were indicted by the federal grand jury sitting on September 15, 2005. “CALLIRGOS-NAVETTA pled guilty to the Indictment on December 30, 2005, and is in the custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing,” reported U. S. Attorney Sperling.
The charges resulted from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration. “On July 25, 2005, an alert trooper made proper inquiry during a traffic stop on I-40 in McIntosh County. Ultimately, a pound of methamphetamine and three firearms were found in a PT Cruiser driven by CALLIRGOS-NAVETTA and in which TRIANA was a passenger.” One pistol was in the passenger compartment. Two other guns were in a briefcase near thousands of dollars of crank.”
Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date after the completion of a presentence investigation. “TRIANA faces a sentence of not less than 10 years nor more than life in prison on the drug charges. The firearm count carries a mandatory consecutive five year prison term. The defendant will be ineligible for parole.”
“Assistant United States Attorney Gregory Dean Burris represented the government during the trial,” U. S. Attorney Sperling noted. “Senior United States District Judge Frank H. Seay presided over the trial.”
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FOR RELEASE: January 19, 2006
SUBJECT: TAYLOR, Kendel D.; a/k/a TAYLOR, Kendall; and RICHARDS, Samantha G.
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - United States Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling announced that on January 18, 2006, KENDEL D. TAYLOR, aka Kendall Taylor, age 33, of Wright City, Oklahoma, was sentenced in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, at Muskogee, by U.S. District Judge Ronald A. White, to a term of three (3) years probation, under the supervision of the United States Probation Office, and $125.00 special monetary assessment.
TAYLOR’S wife and co-defendant, SAMANTHA G. RICHARDS, age 23, also of Wright City, was sentenced in federal court today. Magistrate Judge Steven P. Shreder ordered that RICHARDS serve a term of three (3) years probation and ordered her to pay restitution.
“On October 4, 2005, TAYLOR had pled guilty to Theft of Government Property and Excavating, Removing, Damaging, Altering and Defacing an Archeological Resource,” reported U. S. Attorney Sperling. “RICHARDS pled guilty to Defacing an Archeological Resource on October 20, 2005. U. S. Forest Service Special Agents had determined that Pine Creek Mounds, a cultural resource site located in McCurtain County, had been vandalized.”
“USFS officers initiated electronic surveillance of the site which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Both defendants had been seen picking up archeological objects. TAYLOR was also observed to carry a .223 rifle at the crime scene.”
“The defendants stole a video surveillance camera, resulting in the conviction for theft of government property. The court ordered the defendants to pay restitution in the amount of $4,827.68.”
The charges resulted from an investigation by the United States Forest Service. Assistant United States Attorney Dennis Fries represented the government.