PRESS RELEASES - MAY 2007
May 03, 2007 - BROWN, Troy Andrew
May 04, 2007 - CARVER, April
UNGER, Greg
May 04, 2007 - WILEY, David Lee
May 09, 2007 - SHEARON, Bobby Dale
May 11, 2007 - HUNTER, Sean Randall
May 11, 2007 - MIDDLEBROOK, Rickey Glen
May 15, 2007 - MITCHELL, Bryce Lee
May 15, 2007 - PARTIDA, Jose Luis
May 16, 2007 - NELSON, David
May 16, 2007 - NELSON, Twila
May 17, 2007 - JOHNSON, Carey James
May 17, 2007 - PHILPOT, Paul
May 22, 2007 - BROWN, Shannon Ward
BROWN, Arthur Eudell
DENNINGTON, John R.
LOCKHART, James Russell
May 22, 2007 - EVANS, Grover Archie
May 22, 2007 - KNUTSON, Shawn Charles
May 23, 2007 - PRADO-BARBOSA, Regino
May 23, 2007 - ROGERS, Vincent Danyale
a/k/a ROGERS, Vincent D.
May 23, 2007 - ROMERO, Victoriano
May 24, 2007 - MIELNICKI, Robert David, Jr.
a/k/a MIELNICKI, Rob
May 29, 2007 - LANGSTON, Clinton Everett
May 31, 2007 - SELLS, Shelby Wayne
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FOR RELEASE: May 03, 2007
SUBJECT: BROWN, Troy Andrew
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that TROY ANDREW BROWN, age 41, of Carter County, Oklahoma, pled guilty to one count of Bank Robbery, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C. Section 2113(a).
“BROWN was indicted by a federal grand jury last month. Charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ardmore Police Department,” commented U.S. Attorney Sperling. “On April 4, 2007, BROWN robbed BancFirst, located at 1915 N. Commerce in Ardmore, Oklahoma of approximately $7,977.00.”
“The Honorable Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted BROWN’s guilty plea and ordered the completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled after its completion. The defendant remains in custody.”
“A preliminary advisory federal sentencing guideline review projects BROWN faces 57 to 78 months imprisonment.”
“The statutory range of punishment is up to 20 years imprisonment and/or up to $250,000.00 in fines,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling.
“Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wilson represented the government.”
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FOR RELEASE: May 04, 2007
SUBJECT: CARVER, April; and UNGER, Greg
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced APRIL CARVER, age 33, and GREG UNGER, age 27, both of Stillwell, Oklahoma, were charged by Criminal Complaint for Possession of an Unregistered Firearm, in violation of 26 U.S.C. Section 5845, and Making a Firearm, in violation of 26 U.S.C. Section 5845.
“Charges arose from an investigation by the Stilwell Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE).” BATFE agents received a telephone call regarding a potential destructive device located on the underside of a pickup belonging to Justin Ruben of Stilwell. The victim was parked at the Fiesta Mart in Stilwell. The device was disassembled by the victim and given to the police,” noted U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling.
“Later, that same day, the BATFE Special Agent received another telephone call regarding a second potential destructive device on the victim’s blue 1994 Chevy pickup. BATFE agents responded and found wires extending from the pickup starter to the inside of a rubber hose leading to the gas tank. A broken bulb with an active filament was clipped to the starter, grounded to the motor, and wired to the solenoid.”
“The victim had been pumping gas into his truck (on April 2), the day before, late in the evening. He noticed gas running onto the ground. He checked the leak source and found a wire which had backed out of the gas tank hose. He noticed a broken light bulb and called the Stilwell Police Department.”
“The next day, the victim showed a friend where the device had been located and found another similarly positioned device.”
“BATFE Special Agents investigated, obtained evidence and interviewed witnesses, and presented an affidavit to a federal magistrate judge on April 19th.”
“The defendants were charged by complaint with Possession of an Unregistered Firearm and Making a Firearm. The charges are punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 10 years, up to 3 years supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.00.”
“At a preliminary hearing and in the affidavit in support of the complaint, a BATFE Special Agent identified a history involving a child custody dispute between the victim and defendant CARVER.”
“CARVER allegedly served as a lookout as UNGER attached devices to the victim’s truck in an attempt to blow it up when started.”
“Several protective orders were reportedly served on CARVER by a friend of the victim.”
“CARVER reportedly paid another man approximately $1300.00 to kill the victim.”
“The defendants were arrested by BATFE agents on April 16, 2007. At a preliminary hearing, the defendants were bound over for further charging action. The magistrate judge also ordered the defendants detained in the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending further legal action.”
“The destructive devices were not registered with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as the law requires,” U.S. Attorney Sperling concluded.
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FOR RELEASE: May 04, 2007
SUBJECT: WILEY, David Lee
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that DAVID LEE WILEY, age 19, of Carter County, Oklahoma, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Credit Union Robbery. The charges are in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. Section 371 and 18 U.S.C. Section 2113(a).
“Charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ardmore Police Department. The defendant was part of a conspiracy to rob the MTC Federal Credit Union in Ardmore, Oklahoma of approximately $6,674.00 on March 2, 2007,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling. “WILEY waited outside the credit union in the get-away vehicle while co-defendant ROBERT DAVID MIELNICKI, age 24, of Ft. Worth, TX, allegedly went inside, presented a note to the teller demanding money, and returned to the vehicle with the money.”
“The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted WILEY’s guilty plea, and ordered the preparation of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled upon its completion.”
“Co-defendant MIELNICKI was charged by Grand Jury indictment on April 11, 2007, with Conspiracy to Commit Credit Union Robbery and Robbery. He has been held in the custody of the U.S. Marshal since his arrest in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area on March 26.”
“The statutory range of punishment is up to 20 years imprisonment and/or up to $250,000.00 in fines for each count,” commented U.S. Attorney Sperling. “WILEY is jailed in the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service pending sentencing.”
“Assistant United States Attorney Paul Hess represented the government.”
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FOR RELEASE: May 09, 2007
SUBJECT: SHEARON, Bobby Dale
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that BOBBY DALE SHEARON, age 57, of Seligman, Arizona, pled guilty to Embezzlement of Government Funds, in violation of 18 U.S.C. Section 641.
“Charges arose from an investigation by the Social Security Administration/Office of the Inspector General (SSA/OIG). SHEARON, formerly of Kingston, Oklahoma, received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for disabilities in the approximate amount of $22,929.00 to which he was not entitled,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling.
“While receiving the benefits from April 2002 through August 2004, SHEARON worked as a fishing guide on Lake Texoma. The defendant also purchased a boat for use in his business, which was advertised on a website. SHEARON concealed the ownership of the boat and other assets by registering them in the name of his daughter. He made false statements to the SSA when asked about his fishing business and ownership interest in substantial resources.”
“The Honorable Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the defendant’s guilty plea and ordered the completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following its completion.”
“A preliminary advisory federal sentencing guideline review projects SHEARON could face up to six months imprisonment or a discretionary term of supervised release of up to three years probation.”
“The statutory range of punishment is up to ten years imprisonment and/or up to $250,000.00 in fines,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling.
“Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wilson represented the government.”
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FOR RELEASE: May 11, 2007
SUBJECT: HUNTER, Sean Randall
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that SEAN RANDALL HUNTER, age 24, of Ada, Oklahoma, was sentenced on one count of Assimilative Crime – Using a Vehicle to Facilitate Use of a Firearm.
“HUNTER was sentenced to 46 months imprisonment, 36 months of supervised release, and a special assessment fee of $100.00. The defendant must undergo alcohol treatment and testing, mental health treatment (to include anger management courses), and pay restitution of $17,529.00 to the Chickasaw Nation.”
“Charges arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. HUNTER was indicted by a federal grand jury on the charges in January 2007, and pled guilty in February of 2007. On December 21, 2006, the defendant fired shots at and into the gas pumps at the Chickasaw Nation Travel Plaza, in Pontotoc County, within Indian Country,” recalled U.S. Attorney Sperling. “HUNTER was sitting in a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck with Texas plates during the incident. A Ruger .270 rifle was used by the defendant with conscious disregard for the safety of other persons.”
“The original guideline range was 24 – 27 months imprisonment. The Court departed upward 6 levels and adjusted the defendant’s Criminal History category due to the seriousness of this offense and the nature of the defendant’s criminal history. HUNTER was on bond in 4 other cases, including allegations of domestic violence, firearm possession and arson at the time of this offense.”
“The Court, finding that the defendant had endangered the lives of more than 20 people and had paused to reload and reposition during the shooting, sentenced the defendant to the maximum possible under the guidelines as amended.”
“The Honorable James H. Payne, District Judge, presided over today’s sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Linda A. Epperley represented the government.”
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FOR RELEASE: May 11, 2007
SUBJECT: MIDDLEBROOK, Rickey Glen
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that RICKEY GLEN MIDDLEBROOK, age 31, of McCurtain County, Oklahoma, was sentenced for Possession of a Firearm by a Drug Addict.
“MIDDLEBROOK was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, 36 months supervised release, and ordered to pay a special assessment fee of $100.00.”
“Charges arose from an investigation by the U.S. Forest Service and the Broken Bow Police Department,” noted U.S. Attorney Sperling. “MIDDLEBROOK was in possession of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine while in possession of a loaded firearm. The defendant was a user and addict of methamphetamine at the time.”
“The Honorable James H. Payne, District Judge, presided over today’s sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan M. Roberts represented the government.”
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FOR RELEASE: May 15, 2007
SUBJECT: MITCHELL, Bryce Lee
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that BRYCE LEE MITCHELL, age 24, of McAlester, Oklahoma, was sentenced for Possession of a List I Chemical with Intent to Manufacture a Controlled Substance
“The defendant was sentenced to 151 months imprisonment, 36 months supervised release, and ordered to pay a Special Assessment of $100.00,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling.
“The offenses took place from about March 23, 2006 to July 11, 2006 in Pittsburg County. Charges arose from an investigation by the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office, District 18 Narcotics Task Force, and the McAlester Police Department,” recalled United States Attorney Sperling. “MITCHELL pled guilty in November 2006.”
“After obtaining a search warrant, agents searched MITCHELL’s residence on Route 8 in Pittsburg County and found components of a methamphetamine lab. MITCHELL’s wife, Tanya Mitchell, was also arrested in connection with this incident. The investigation revealed that MITCHELL and others were purchasing pseudoephedrine from pharmacies in McAlester for use in manufacturing methamphetamine.”
“The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over today’s sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wilson represented the government.”
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FOR RELEASE: May 15, 2007
SUBJECT: PARTIDA, Jose Luis
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that JOSE LUIS PARTIDA, age 51, of Edinburg, TX was sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
“PARTIDA was sentenced to ten (10) years imprisonment, five (5) years supervised release, and ordered to pay a Special Assessment fee of $100.00,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling. “PARTIDA pled guilty to a federal Information, waiving indictment by a federal grand jury, in September 2006.”
“As part of the Valdivia drug distribution conspiracy, PARTIDA acted as a supervisor in making sure shipments of cocaine and drug proceeds reached their destination. These shipments of cocaine went to various locations including Tuscon, Arizona, Raleigh, North Carolina, Dayton, Ohio, Atlanta, Georgia and Pennsylvania. The defendant supervised the shipments of upwards of 200 kilos of cocaine,” continued U.S. Attorney Sperling.
“This drug operation was operating from at least December of 2002 through May 2006,” recalled U.S. Attorney Sperling. “Agencies involved in the investigative efforts were the Drug Enforcement Administration, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Internal Revenue Service, Tulsa Police Department, Sand Springs Police Department, Sapulpa Police Department, Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Norman Police Department, Midwest City Police Department, Edmond Police Department, United States Marshal Service (Eastern District of Oklahoma), Texas DPS, Conroe Texas Police Department, and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement.”
“The Honorable James H. Payne, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over today’s sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Dennis A. Fries represented the government.”
“Sentencings for the other ten (10) defendants are scheduled for May 14 through May 17, 2007,” concluded U.S. Attorney Sperling.
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FOR RELEASE: May 16, 2007
SUBJECT: NELSON, David
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that DAVID NELSON, age 45, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma was sentenced for Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering.
“NELSON was sentenced to five (5) years imprisonment, two (2) years supervised release, and ordered to pay a Special Assessment fee of $100.00,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling. “On September 13, 2006, NELSON pled guilty to a federal Information. He waived his right to a grand jury indictment.”
“In December 2004, while acting as a courier for the Valdivia drug trafficking organization, DAVID NELSON traveled from Oklahoma to various other states around the country to pick up money which was derived from the sale of illegal drugs. NELSON would then return to Oklahoma with these drug proceeds,” continued U.S. Attorney Sperling.
“This drug operation was operating from at least December of 2002 through May 2006,” recalled U.S. Attorney Sperling. “Agencies involved in the investigative efforts were the Drug Enforcement Administration, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Internal Revenue Service, Tulsa Police Department, Sand Springs Police Department, Sapulpa Police Department, Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Norman Police Department, Midwest City Police Department, Edmond Police Department, United States Marshal Service (Eastern District of Oklahoma), Texas DPS, Conroe Texas Police Department, and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement.”
“The Honorable James H. Payne, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over today’s sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Dennis A. Fries represented the government.”
“Sentencings for the other ten (10) defendants are scheduled for May 14 through May 17, 2007,” concluded U.S. Attorney Sperling.
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FOR RELEASE: May 16, 2007
SUBJECT: NELSON, Twila
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that TWILA NELSON, age 34, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma was sentenced for Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering.
“NELSON was sentenced to three (3) years imprisonment, two (2) years supervised release, and ordered to pay a Special Assessment fee of $100.00,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling. “On September 8, 2006, NELSON pled guilty to a federal Information. She waived her right to a grand jury indictment.”
“Between 2004 and 2005, while acting as a courier for the Valdivia drug trafficking organization, TWILA NELSON traveled from Oklahoma to Texas, Georgia, Florida, and New York to distribute drugs and pick up monies that were the proceeds of drug sales. NELSON would then return to Oklahoma with these drug proceeds,” continued U.S. Attorney Sperling.
“This drug operation was operating from at least December of 2002 through May 2006,” recalled U.S. Attorney Sperling. “Agencies involved in the investigative efforts were the Drug Enforcement Administration, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Internal Revenue Service, Tulsa Police Department, Sand Springs Police Department, Sapulpa Police Department, Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Norman Police Department, Midwest City Police Department, Edmond Police Department, United States Marshal Service (Eastern District of Oklahoma), Texas DPS, Conroe Texas Police Department, and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement.”
“The Honorable James H. Payne, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over today’s sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Dennis A. Fries represented the government.”
“Sentencings for the other ten (10) defendants are scheduled for May 14 through May 17, 2007,” concluded U.S. Attorney Sperling.
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FOR RELEASE: May 17, 2007
SUBJECT: JOHNSON, Carey James
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that CAREY JAMES JOHNSON, age 35, of Sequoyah County, Oklahoma, was sentenced for Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
“JOHNSON was sentenced to 46 months imprisonment, 24 months supervised release, and ordered to pay a Special Assessment fee of $100.00,” reported U.S. Attorney Sperlilng.
“JOHNSON pled guilty in January 2007. Charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives,” continued U.S. Attorney Sperling. “An OHP trooper stopped JOHNSON’s vehicle on I-40 in Sequoyah County in October 2005. Pursuant to a search of the vehicle, the trooper located a loaded 9mm pistol in the center console and a loaded .45 caliber pistol in the trunk.”
“The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over today’s sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wilson represented the government,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling.
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FOR RELEASE: May 17, 2007
SUBJECT: PHILPOT, Paul
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that PAUL PHILPOT, age 62, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma was sentenced for Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering.
“PHILPOT was sentenced to five (5) years imprisonment, two (2) years supervised release, and ordered to pay a Special Assessment fee of $100.00,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling. “On September 13, 2006, PHILOT pled guilty to a federal Information. He waived his right to a grand jury indictment.”
“PHILPOT served as a ‘mule,’ a courier for the Valdivia drug trafficking organization,” noted U.S. Attorney Sperling. “He hauled substantial amounts of money in conjunction with a prohibited activity - the distribution of controlled substances.”
“This drug operation was in operation from at least December of 2002 through May 2006,” recalled U.S. Attorney Sperling. “Agencies involved in the investigative efforts were the Drug Enforcement Administration, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Internal Revenue Service, Tulsa Police Department, Sand Springs Police Department, Sapulpa Police Department, Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Norman Police Department, Midwest City Police Department, Edmond Police Department, United States Marshal Service (Eastern District of Oklahoma), Texas DPS, Conroe Texas Police Department, and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement.”
“The Honorable James H. Payne, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over today’s sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Dennis A. Fries represented the government.”
“Sentencings for the other ten (10) defendants have been scheduled for May 14 through May 17, 2007,” concluded U.S. Attorney Sperling.
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FOR RELEASE: May 22, 2007
SUBJECT: BROWN, Shannon Ward; BROWN, Arthur Eudell; DENNINGTON, John R.; and LOCKHART, James Russell
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that on May 17, 2007, SHANNON WARD BROWN, age 38, of Poteau, Oklahoma; ARTHUR EUDELL BROWN, age 44, of Mena, Arkansas; JOHN R. DENNINGTON, age 72, of Hodgen, Oklahoma; and JAMES RUSSELL LOCKHART, age 34, of Mena, Arkansas, pled guilty to Interstate Transportation of a Bear (Misdemeanor), in violation of 16 U.S.C. ' 3372(a)(1) and 18 U.S.C. ' 2.
"Charges arose from an investigation by the United States Forest Service and Oklahoma Game Rangers,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling. “In September 2005, James Russell LOCKHART and Arthur Eudell BROWN began baiting bear in two bear baiting sites located on private property in Oklahoma belonging to another individual and one bear baiting site located in the Upper Kiamichi Wilderness Area, Ouachita National Forest in Oklahoma which is closed to motor vehicle traffic. On October 1, 2005, Shannon Ward BROWN killed a bear in the Wilderness Area baiting site and he, Arthur Eudell BROWN and John R. DENNINGTON located the bear carcass and removed it from the wilderness area and transported it to the State of Arkansas using an ATV. When preliminary interviews were conducted, Shannon Ward BROWN and James Russell LOCKHART made false statements to the Oklahoma Game Warden concerning the killing and recovery of the bear. There is no hunting season for bear in Oklahoma.”
“All the individuals waived their right to a grand jury indictment and pled guilty before the Honorable Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma,” commented U.S. Attorney Sperling. “The defendants waived preparation of a Presentence Report and pursuant to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure, Rule 11, each were assessed a $500 fine and $25 Special Monetary Assessment.”
“Assistant United States Attorney Dennis A. Fries represented the government.”
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FOR RELEASE: May 22, 2007
SUBJECT: EVANS, Grover Archie
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that GROVER ARCHIE EVANS, age 41, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced for Possession of Cocaine Base with the Intent to Distribute.
"EVANS was sentenced to one hundred seventy-five (175) months imprisonment, sixty (60) months supervised release, and ordered to pay a Special Assessment fee of $100.00,” commented U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling. “The defendant pled guilty to the charge in December 2006. He has been in the custody of the United States Marshal Service since November of last year as a result of an Order entered by a United States magistrate judge following a hearing. ”
“Charges arose from an investigation by the Muskogee Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration Drug Task Force, and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation into crack cocaine distribution,” continued U.S. Attorney Sperling. “EVANS admitted that he had possessed more than 50 grams of a mixture of crack cocaine with the intention to distribute the drug.”
"On September 14, 2006, an alert Muskogee police officer investigated an anonymous tip. He and his partner surveilled activity at a residence in Muskogee. At a subsequent traffic stop, EVANS bolted and fled, tossing a baggie with 55 grams of crack, as he ran. The officers caught him.”
“The officers obtained a search warrant and recovered 126 grams of cocaine at the house. Following other leads, MPD officers searched another residence. Co-defendant Phillip Lamont Jones was there in possession of 41 Ecstasy pills and a loaded 9mm pistol. Co-defendant Jones is also awaiting sentencing.”
“The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over today’s sentencing. EVANS remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service, awaiting designation of the federal prison where he will serve his non-parolable sentence. Paul G. Hess, Assistant United States Attorney, represented the government.”
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FOR RELEASE: May 22, 2007
SUBJECT: KNUTSON, Shawn Charles
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that SHAWN CHARLES KNUTSON, age 26, of Pittsburg County, Oklahoma, pled guilty to Mailing Threatening Communications, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 876.
“Charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. KNUTSON sent through the United States Postal Service three separate written communications to individuals threatening to injure them,” stated United States Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling.
“The threats were made to two federal district judges and a citizen in Muskogee, Oklahoma. KNUTSON was, at the time of the crimes, a convicted felon incarcerated in the Oklahoma Department of Corrections at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester.”
“The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted KNUTSON’s plea of guilt and ordered the preparation of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled upon its completion. The defendant remains in custody.”
“The statutory range of punishment is up to 25 years imprisonment and/or up to $750,000.00 in fines,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling.
“Assistant United States Attorney Paul G. Hess represented the United States.”
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FOR RELEASE: May 23, 2007
SUBJECT: PRADO-BARBOSA, Regino
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that REGINO PRADO-BARBOSA, age 40, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced for Illegal Reentry of a Previously Deported Alien after Conviction for an Aggravated Felony.
“PRADO-BARBOSA was sentenced to forty-one (41) months imprisonment, twenty-four (24) years supervised release, and ordered to pay a Special Assessment fee of $100.00,” stated United States Attorney Sperling.
“The defendant pled guilty in January 2007. Charges arose from an investigation by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Muskogee Creek Nation Tribal Police. On December 11, 2006, the defendant attempted to cash in his casino winnings using a false social security card at the Muskogee Casino. Tribal Police checks revealed that the PRADO-BARBOSA was an alien who had been previously deported from the United States. The defendant was convicted in Texas in 1999 for illegal transportation of an alien,” commented U.S. Attorney Sperling.
“The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over today’s sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson represented the government. The defendant remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service.”
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FOR RELEASE: May 23, 2007
SUBJECT: ROGERS, Vincent Danyale; a/k/a ROGERS, Vincent D.
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that VINCENT DANYALE ROGERS, a/k/a Vincent D. Rogers, age 36, of McCurtain County, Oklahoma, was sentenced for Distribution of Methamphetamine.
“ROGERS was sentenced to ten (10) years imprisonment, eight (8) years supervised release, and ordered to pay a Special Assessment fee of $100.00,” stated United States Attorney Sperling.
“The defendant was found guilty by a federal jury in March 2007. Charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics. ROGERS distributed more than five (5) grams of Methamphetamine to an undercover narcotics agent,” recalled U.S. Attorney Sperling. “In March, the jury deliberated less than 30 minutes in reaching the guilty verdict, and rejected the defense’s assertion ROGERS was entrapped by the government to sell methamphetamine on two separate dates in February, 2006.”
“The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over today’s sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson represented the government. The defendant remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service, pending transfer to the federal prison where he will serve his non-parolable sentence.”
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FOR RELEASE: May 23, 2007
SUBJECT: ROMERO, Victoriano
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that VICTORIANO ROMERO, age 42, of Sun Valley, California, was sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute 100 grams or more of Heroin, a Schedule I Controlled Substance.
“ROMERO was sentenced to seventy (70) months imprisonment, forty-eight (48) months supervised release, and a Special Assessment fee of $100.00,” stated U. S. Attorney Sperling.
“The defendant pled guilty to the charge in November 2006. Charges arose from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol,” commented U.S. Attorney Sperling.
“In September 2006, ROMERO was riding as a passenger in his own vehicle which was stopped on I-40 in Sequoyah County,” recalled U.S. Attorney Sperling. “OHP troopers observed the vehicle was speeding and crossing the lane line onto the shoulder. Upon being given consent to search the vehicle by ROMERO, troopers found 78 bundles of heroin in a fire extinguisher. The bundles contained approximately 925 grams of heroin.”
“The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over today’s sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wilson represented the government. The defendant remains in the custody of the United States Marshal Service.”
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FOR RELEASE: May 24, 2007
SUBJECT: MIELNICKI, Robert David, Jr.; a/k/a MIELNICKI, Rob
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that ROBERT DAVID MIELNICKI, JR., a/k/a ROB MIELNICKI, age 24, of Ft. Worth, TX, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Credit Union Robbery and Credit Union Robbery. The charges are in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. Section 371 and 18 U.S.C. Section 2113(a).
“Charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ardmore Police Department. The defendant was part of a conspiracy to rob the MTC Federal Credit Union in Ardmore, Oklahoma of approximately $6,674.00 on March 2, 2007,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling. “MIELNICKI presented a note to the teller demanding money. After receiving the money, he returned to the get-away vehicle, driven by his co-defendant DAVID LEE WILEY, age 19, of Carter County, Oklahoma,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling.
“The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted MIELNICKI’s guilty plea, and ordered the preparation of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled upon its completion.”
“Co-defendant WILEY pled guilty on May 4, 2007 and remains in the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending sentencing.”
“A preliminary advisory federal sentencing guidelines review projects MIELNICKI could face from 46 – 57 months imprisonment and 3 years supervised release for each count.”
“Federal prison sentences are not subject to parole,” noted U.S. Attorney Sperling. “Federal prisoners who work in prison industries and follow prison rules can only earn up to 54 days of good time a year.”
“The statutory range of punishment is up to 20 years imprisonment and/or up to $250,000.00 in fines for each count,” commented U.S. Attorney Sperling. “MIELNICK is jailed in the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service pending sentencing.”
“Assistant United States Attorney Paul Hess represented the government.”
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FOR RELEASE: May 29, 2007
SUBJECT: LANGSTON, Clinton Everett
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced CLINTON EVERETT LANGSTON, age 21, of Madill, Oklahoma, pled guilty to Receiving a Visual Depiction of a Minor Engaging in Sexually Explicit Conduct and Possession of Visual Depiction of a Minor Engaging in Sexually Explicit Conduct.
“LANGSTON was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2007. Charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling. “From August 2006 to October 2006, LANGSTON received and possessed still photographs and videos of which he downloaded from the internet of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. As part of the plea, LANGSTON also agreed to forfeit the computer equipment he used to receive and possess the pornographic images.”
“The Honorable Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted LANGSTON’s guilty plea, and ordered the preparation of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled upon its completion.”
“The charges are in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. Section 2252(a)(2), 18 U.S.C. Section 2252A(a)(5), 18 U.S.C. Section 1467(a)(3), and 18 U.S.C. Section 2253. The statutory range of punishment is up to 20 years imprisonment and/or up to $250,000.00 in fines.”
“A preliminary advisory federal sentencing guidelines review projects LANGSTON could face from 121 to 151 months imprisonment.”
“Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wilson represented the government.”
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FOR RELEASE: May 31, 2007
SUBJECT: SELLS, Shelby Wayne
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that SHELBY WAYNE SELLS, age 62, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, was resentenced for conspiracy, felon in possession of ammunition, and establishment of drug manufacturing operations.
“SELLS was sentenced in June 2004 to 300 months imprisonment,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling. “The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals remanded the case to the district court in March of this year to specifically identify the defendant’s involvement in the conspiracy. With the help of Sheriff Johnny Philpott, Sallisaw Police Chief, Shaloa Edwards and their crews, the Drug Enforcement Administration established the amount of drugs attributable to this defendant. Today, the Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, made sentencing findings, and upheld the original sentence of 360 months. Hundreds of grams of meth was attributable to the defendant and prompted the court’s sentence.”
“Under the federal sentencing guidelines, the meth quantity for which the defendant was responsible was the equivalent of 14,974 kilos – nearly 16½ standard tons – of marijuana.”
U.S. Attorney Sperling recalled events of the case. “On April 22, 2002, Anthony Sells, the then 38 year old son of the defendant, was charged in Sequoyah County District Court with Endeavoring to Manufacture Controlled Dangerous Substances, Possession of a Controlled Drug and Driving a Defective Vehicle. Approximately three months later on July 24, 2002, the defendant was charged in Sequoyah County District Court with eight particular counts ranging from Manufacturing of Controlled Dangerous Substances, Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony and Possession of a Firearm After Former Conviction of a Felony. The defendant entered a nolo contendre plea on September 30, 2002 in an amended charge of Possession with Intent to Distribute. At the time of the plea, the defendant was a two- time convicted felon. An application to revoke his probation was pending, and he was charged with three felony counts in one case, and eight felony counts in another in the District Court of Sequoyah County. Sells had received a five year suspended sentence on one amended count.”
“Less than three months later, the defendant was arrested and charged again in Sequoyah County District Court for Manufacturing Controlled Dangerous Substances, Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substances, Possession of Precursor Chemicals, and Assault on Police Officers. Then on July 18, 2003, the defendant was arrested a third time in twelve months for Manufacturing Methamphetamine.”
“On July 24, 2003 the government sought and was granted authorization for a federal prosecution. On August 12, 2003, Anthony Wayne Sells, and his father SHELBY WAYNE SELLS, both convicted felons, were indicted by a grand jury sitting in the Eastern District of Oklahoma on seven counts for multiple drug and firearms violations. On November 14, 2003, a superseding indictment was filed and a grand jury again sitting in the Eastern District of Oklahoma named the defendants in eight counts.“
“On January 26, 2004, after five days of jury trial, SHELBY WAYNE SELLS and Anthony Wayne Sells were convicted of all counts by a jury. Anthony Wayne Sells’ conviction and sentencing were upheld on appeal.”
“The investigation into the father and son manufacture of methamphetamine was a combined effort among the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office, the Sallisaw Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration,” concluded U.S. Attorney Sperling. “The sentence must be served without parole.”
"Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Roberts represented the government at trial and today’s hearing.”
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