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PRESS RELEASES - JULY 2007


July 05, 2007 - HIDER, Clint Lee
July 05, 2007 - KRAMER, William Scott
July 18, 2007 - CARVER, April
                         UNGER, Greg
July 19, 2007 - FEDERAL GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS - JULY 2007
                         ARIA, Meirelys
                         COVEY, Carolyn
                         a/k/a SUMPTER, Carolyn
                         SANDS, Stephanie Jane
                         TUMMONS, William Dean
July 20, 2007 - BLAIR, John Kevin
July 20, 2007 - MARTIATO, Arnaldo
July 20, 2007 - SCHAEFER, Harold Todd
July 25, 2007 - BARRETT, Kenneth Eugene
July 26, 2007 - HAND, Lisa Marlene
July 26, 2007 - LUNA-KENNEDY, Juan
July 26, 2007 - PAYNE, John August
July 27, 2007 - BLACK, Nola M.
July 27, 2007 - JOHNSON-HEATH, Cathy Rynea
July 27, 2007 - SIMS, Brian Harrison
July 31, 2007 - BROWN, Dymond Charles




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FOR RELEASE:   July 05, 2007
SUBJECT:           HIDER, Clint Lee

 

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that CLINT LEE HIDER, age 39, of Bluejacket, Oklahoma, pled guilty to Unlawful Conversion of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, § 641.

“An investigation conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General revealed that from June 2004 to December 2005, HIDER knowingly converted to his own use and benefit VA benefits payments made to HIDER’s father, a veteran, which should have terminated at the time of his father’s death in June 2004," commented U.S. Attorney Sperling.  “HIDER, who was a joint checking account holder with his father, removed and spent $8,236.00 in benefit payments which had been automatically deposited into the account by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the benefit of HIDER’s father.”

“The Honorable Kimberly E. West, United States Magistrate Judge in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted HIDER’s guilty plea, and ordered the completion of a presentence report.  Sentencing will be scheduled after the completion of the report.  Federal sentencing guidelines allow probation or up to seven (7) months imprisonment plus payment of a fine and restitution.  Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson represented the government at today’s hearing.”


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FOR RELEASE:   July 05, 2007
SUBJECT:           KRAMER, William Scott

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that WILLIAM SCOTT KRAMER, age 37, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, pled guilty to Giving False Information or Hoax, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, § 1038(a)(1).

"The charges arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Bomb Squad, the Northeastern State University (NSU) Police Department, and the city of Tahlequah police and fire departments,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling.

“The affidavit underlying the federal complaint, asserts the following,” U.S. Attorney Sperling reported.  “On April 25, 2007, a note and a hoax device were found in the University Center cafeteria area.  The defendant, an employee of Sodexo (food service for NSU), was identified from surveillance video as having been in the area around the time of the incident.  KRAMER was questioned by NSU Police Department personnel the following day and allegedly admitted to writing and placing the note and the hoax device at the University Center cafeteria near the trash cans.”

“KRAMER made his initial appearance before Magistrate Judge Kimberly E. West in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma in Muskogee on April 27, 2007.  He waived his right to a preliminary hearing and was released on bail, pursuant to a recommendation by the U.S. Probation Office and a series of restrictive conditions set by the court.”

“The law permits detention if a defendant is likely to flee or pose a danger to the community.  Under the unique facts relevant to this defendant, the court could not so find.  The alleged hoax was taken very seriously by law enforcement and university officials.  The final chapter is yet to be written in this case,” recalled U.S. Attorney Sperling.

“The Honorable Kimberly E. West, United States Magistrate Judge in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted KRAMER’s guilty plea, and ordered the completion of a presentence report.  Sentencing will be scheduled after the completion of the report.  Federal sentencing guidelines allow for up to five (5) years imprisonment and/or up to $250,000.00 in fines.  Assistant United States Attorney Paul Hess represented the government at today’s hearing.”


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FOR RELEASE:   July 18, 2007
SUBJECT:           CARVER, April; and UNGER, Greg

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that APRIL CARVER, age 33, and GREG UNGER, age 27, both of Stillwell, Oklahoma, pled guilty to two counts of Possession of an Unregistered Firearm, in violation of 26 U.S.C. Section 5845, and two counts of 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),” U.S. Attorney Sperling reported.  “BATFE agents received a telephone call regarding a potential destructive device located on the underside of a pickup belonging to Justin Ruben of Stilwell.  Ruben was parked at the Fiesta-Mart in Stilwell.”

“The victim was pumping gas into his truck and 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 attached to the wire and called the Stilwell Police Department.”

“The device was disassembled by the victim and given to the Stilwell police,” noted U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling.  “The next day, the victim was at his residence in Stilwell and, while trying to show a friend where the device had been located, found another similarly positioned device.”

“A BATFE Special Agent also received a call regarding the 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.”

“BATFE Special Agents later obtained a search warrant for the Stilwell residence where CARVER and UNGER were living.  During the search, agents located wire and electrical tape consistent with the devices located on the vehicle.”

“The investigation revealed that both CARVER and UNGER made statements admitting making and planting the devices on Ruben’s vehicle.  The investigation also revealed that Ruben and CARVER were involved in a custody dispute and that CARVER had made statements to other persons expressing her desire to have Ruben killed.”

"The defendants were arrested by BATFE agents on April 16, 2007 and were indicted by a federal grand jury on June 14, 2007.”

“The destructive devices are considered “firearms” by legal definition.  The defendants had no legal authority to make construct the destructive devices, nor were the devices registered with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as the law requires,” U.S. Attorney Sperling concluded.

“The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the defendants’ guilty pleas and ordered the completion of presentence reports.  Sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the reports.  The defendants will remain in the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending sentencing.”

“A preliminary advisory federal sentencing guideline review projects CARVER could face up to 46 months imprisonment and UNGER could face up to 57 months imprisonment.”

“The statutory range of punishment is up to ten (10) years imprisonment and/or up to $10,000.00 in fines on each of the four counts,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling.

“Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson represented the government.”


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FOR RELEASE:   July 19, 2007
SUBJECT:           FEDERAL GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS (JULY 2007): ARIA, Meirelys; COVEY, Carolyn J., a/k/a SUMPTER, Carolyn; SANDS, Stephanie Jane; TUMMONS, William Dean

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - United States Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling announced today the results of the July 2007 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.  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.

MEIRELYS ARIA, age 28, of Arlington, Texas, Bank Fraud.  Charges arose from an investigation by the United States Secret Service.  Beginning in or around August 2005 and continuing to in or around December 2005, ARIAS, allegedly executed a scheme to obtain money, funds, credit or assets in the amount of $27,540.68 from Bank of America, by making false or fraudulent pretenses or representations.  The charges are in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1344.
(Up to 30 years imprisonment and/or up to $1,000,000 fine)
Assistant United States Attorney Ryan M. Roberts

CAROLYN J. COVEY aka CAROLYN SUMPTER, age 38,of Shady Point, Oklahoma, Embezzlement of Government Funds.  Charges arose from an investigation by the United States Postal Service.  Beginning on or about March 19, 2005 and continuing to on or about January 7, 2007, COVEY, a contract route driver for the U.S. Postal Serivce, allegedly embezzled or converted to her own use, money belonging to the United States Postal Service, in the amount of $13,172.93.  The charges are in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.
(Up to ten years imprisonment and/or up to $250,000 fine)
Assistant United States Attorney Ryan M. Roberts

STEPHANIE JANE SANDS, age 50, of Prague, Oklahoma, Bank Fraud.  Charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Beginning in or around January 2006 and continuing to in or around December 2006, SANDS, a Citizens State Bank teller, allegedly executed a scheme to obtain money, funds, credit or assets in the amount of $27,500.00, from Citizens State Bank, by making false or fraudulent pretenses or representations.  The charges are in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1344.
(Up to 30 years imprisonment and/or up to $1,000,000 fine)
Assistant United States Attorney Ryan M. Roberts

WILLIAM DEAN TUMMONS, age 29, of Seminole, Oklahoma, Distribution of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaging in Sexually Explicit Conduct, Receiving Visual Depictions of Minors Engaging in Sexually Explicit Conduct, Possession Visual Depictions of Minors Engaging in Sexually Explicit Conduct and Criminal Forfeiture.  Charges arose from an investigation by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency.  Beginning in or around October 2006 and continuing through November 2006, TUMMONS allegedly possessed, received, and distributed visual depictions involving the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct by means of a computer.  The charges are in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 2252(a)(2), 18 United States Code, Section 2252(a)(2), 18 United States Code, Section 2252(a)(4)(B), 18 United States Code, Section 1467(a)(3), and 18 United States Code, Section 2253.
(Up to 20 years imprisonment and/or up to $250,000.00 fines)
Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson


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FOR RELEASE:   July 20, 2007
SUBJECT:           BLAIR, John Kevin

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that JOHN KEVIN BLAIR, age 34, of Haskell, Oklahoma, pled guilty to Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2.

“Charges arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office and the Haskell Police Department.  On the 8th day of January, 2007, BLAIR, having been previously convicted of a felony, knowingly possessed numerous firearms,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling.

“On January 8, 2007, Haskell Police performed a traffic stop on a vehicle belonging to BLAIR.  Pursuant to policy, the truck was inventoried and impounded.  During the inventory, two handguns were found in the cab of the truck,” recalled Sperling.

Magistrate Judge Kimberly E. West of 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.  The defendant is in the custody of the United States Marshal Service.

“A preliminary advisory federal sentencing guideline review projects BLAIR could face up to 46 months imprisonment.”

“The statutory range of punishment is up to ten (10) years imprisonment and/or up to $250,000 in fines,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling.

“Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace represented the government.”


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FOR RELEASE:   July 20, 2007
SUBJECT:           MARTIATO, Arnaldo

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that ARNALDO MARTIATO, age 60, of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, pled guilty to Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B)(ii)(II) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2.

“The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.   The defendant allegedly possessed in excess of 500 grams of cocaine with the intent to distribute.  The offenses took place in March 2007 in Sequoyah County,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling.

On March 8, 2007, while conducting traffic enforcement on I-40 in the area of Sequoyah County, Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troopers stopped an eastbound pickup truck for speeding. The driver, MARTIATO, gave permission to search the vehicle for drugs and/or contraband.  A cardboard box in the rear seat of the truck was discovered which contained 2 kilograms (approximately 4.4 pounds of cocaine) and several compressed bundles of marijuana weighing approximately 130 pounds.

“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.  The defendant is in the custody of the United States Marshal Service.” 

"A preliminary advisory federal sentencing guideline review projects MARTIATO could face up to (78) months or years imprisonment.”

“The statutory range of punishment is up to 40 years imprisonment and/or up to $2,000,000 in fines,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling.

“Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson represented the government.”


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FOR RELEASE:   July 20, 2007
SUBJECT:           SCHAEFER, Harold Todd

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that HAROLD TODD SCHAEFER, age 41, of Coweta, Oklahoma, pled guilty to Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g). 

“Charges arose from an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in cooperation with the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Department   On March 21, 2006, SCHAEFER obtained and possessed a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol after having previously been convicted of a felony offense,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling.

“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.  The defendant is in the custody of the United States Marshal Service.”

“The statutory range of punishment is normally up to10 years imprisonment and/or up to $250,000 in fines,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling.  “However in this case, the Government has charged SCHAEFER with being in possession of a firearm after three prior violent felony convictions and, as a result, he is facing a mandatory minimum punishment of 15 years imprisonment .”

“Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson represented the government.”


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FOR RELEASE:   July 25, 2007
SUBJECT:           BARRETT, Kenneth Eugene

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that the United States Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit, has unanimously affirmed the conviction and death sentence of KENNETH EUGENE BARRETT, age 47, Sallisaw, Oklahoma.

“BARRETT was sentenced on November 18, 2005, to death for intentionally killing a state law enforcement officer engaged in the performance of his duty.   The defendant was also sentenced to life imprisonment without possibility of release for both using or carrying a firearm during and in relationship to a drug trafficking crime with death resulting and using or carrying a firearm during and in relationship to a federal crime of violence, with death resulting.”

“Out of a dark murderous tragedy, we see today a bright ray of judicial light!  The appellate road is long and challenging,” commented U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling.  “We will continue the battle to uphold courageous jury and judicial decisions in this epic case.”

“I am so thankful for a discerning judge, jury, and appellate panel,” continued U.S. Sperling.  “It’s clearly affirmed.  There is no open season on law enforcement in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.”

“I am particularly grateful to Mike Littlefield for his work on this prosecution.  Sheriff Johnny Philpot was instrumental to identify key witnesses to prove the defendant acted with premeditation.  The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, The Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office, and other agents and investigators worked together to investigate this case and see justice done so far,” concluded U.S. Attorney Sperling.


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FOR RELEASE:   July 26, 2007
SUBJECT:           HAND, Lisa Marlene

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today LISA MARLENE HAND, age 41 of Seminole, Oklahoma., pled guilty to False Entry in the Books of an FDIC Insured Bank and/or Aiding and Abetting same and Forfeiture - False Entry in Bank Books or Bank Fraud, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Sections 1005 and 2, Title 18 United States Code, Sections 1005 or 1344, and Title 18 United States Code, Section 982(a)(2). 

“Charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  HAND, an employee of BancFirst, made false entries in the books of BancFirst with the intent to defraud,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling.

“HAND was a Vault Teller and Teller Supervisor of the BancFirst branch in Seminole, Oklahoma from June 1999 to on or about June 3, 2005. In her capacity, HAND controlled the flow of money in and out of the branch’s vault, teller drawers, and automated teller machines. The defendant was responsible for preparing the daily vault cash reconciliation reports and providing them to the officers of BancFirst, as well as reconciling several general ledger accounts at the branch office. HAND admitted to creating false internal bank documents showing the movement of cash in and out of the branch vault, and then separately created false internal bank documents using the general ledger accounts to cure the account imbalances due to the initial false entries. The amount of proceeds obtained by HAND as a result of the offenses is equal to $3,263,696.23,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling.

“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.  The defendant remains free on unsecured bond pending sentencing.”

“A preliminary advisory federal sentencing guideline review projects HAND could faces 63 – 78 months imprisonment.”

“The statutory range of punishment is up to 30 years imprisonment and/or up to $1,000,000 in fines,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling.

“Assistant United States Attorney Robert A. Wallace represented the government.”


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FOR RELEASE:   July 26, 2007
SUBJECT:           LUNA-KENNEDY, Juan

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that JUAN LUNA-KENNEDY, age 28, of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, pled guilty to Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B)(ii)(II) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2.

“The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration.   The defendant allegedly possessed in excess of 500 grams of cocaine with the intent to distribute.  The offenses took place in March 2007 in Sequoyah County,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling.

“On March 8, 2007, while conducting traffic enforcement on I-40 in the area of Sequoyah County, Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troopers stopped an eastbound pickup truck for speeding.  Permission was given to search the vehicle for drugs and/or contraband.  A cardboard box in the rear seat of the truck was discovered which contained 2 kilograms (approximately 4.4 pounds of cocaine) and several compressed bundles of marijuana weighing approximately 130 pounds.”

“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.  The defendant is in the custody of the United States Marshal Service.” 

“A preliminary advisory federal sentencing guideline review projects LUNA-KENNEDY could face up to 97 months imprisonment.”

“The statutory range of punishment is up to 40 years imprisonment and/or up to $2,000,000 in fines,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling.

“Assistant United States Attorney Ryan M. Roberts represented the government.”


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FOR RELEASE:   July 26, 2007
SUBJECT:           PAYNE, John August

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that JOHN AUGUST PAYNE, age 35, of Haskell, Oklahoma, pled guilty to Possession of Stolen Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(j).

“Charges arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office and the Haskell Police Department.  On the 8th day of January, 2007, PAYNE possessed numerous firearms, knowing that the firearms were stolen,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling.

“On January 8, 2007, Haskell Police performed a traffic stop on a vehicle belonging to co-defendant JOHN KEVIN BLAIR, and being driven by PAYNE.  Pursuant to policy, the truck was inventoried and impounded.  During the inventory, handguns were found in the cab of the truck,” recalled Sperling.

“Magistrate Judge Kimberly E. West of 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.  The defendant is in the custody of the United States Marshal Service.  Co-defendant BLAIR pled guilty on July 20th and remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service awaiting sentencing.”

“A preliminary advisory federal sentencing guideline review projects PAYNE could face up to 115 months imprisonment.”

“The statutory range of punishment is up to ten (10) years imprisonment and/or up to $250,000 in fines,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling.

“Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace represented the government.”


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FOR RELEASE:   July 27, 2007
SUBJECT:           BLACK, Nola M.

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that NOLA M. BLACK, age 38, of Jay, Oklahoma, was sentenced for Embezzlement of Government Funds.

“BLACK was sentenced to 2 months home confinement to begin immediately, 5 years probation, and ordered to pay a Special Assessment of $100.00.  The defendant was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $6,072.00,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling.

“The offenses took place from about December, 2003 to November, 2004, in Adair County, Oklahoma.  Charges arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs,” recalled United States Attorney Sperling.  “BLACK pled guilty in April, 2007.”

“Beginning on or about December 31, 2003, and continuing to on or about November 18, 2004, BLACK continued to access for her own use VA Death Pension benefits obtained from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, in the amount of $6,072.00, to which she was not entitled.  On December 3, 2003, BLACK’S mother, recipient of the benefits, died.  BLACK failed to notify the Veterans Administration of her mother’s death and continued to use the funds by accessing her mother’s account via ATM card.”

"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 Ryan M. Roberts represented the government at sentencing.”


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FOR RELEASE:   July 27, 2007
SUBJECT:           JOHNSON-HEATH, Cathy Rynea

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that CATHY RYNEA JOHNSON-HEATH, age 29, of Coppers Cove, Texas, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Fraud in Connection with Access Devices.

“JOHNSON-HEATH was sentenced to 48 months imprisonment, 36 months supervised release and ordered to pay a Special Assessment fee of $100.00,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling.  “The defendant remains in the custody of the United States Marshal Service.”

“The offenses took place beginning on or about January 15, 2007, and continuing through on or about February 9, 2007, the exact dates are not known.  Charges arose from an investigation by the U.S. Secret Service and the Durant Police Department,” recalled U.S. Attorney Sperling.  “The defendant pled guilty in March, 2007.”

“The defendant obtained valid credit card account numbers, and with the use of necessary equipment, manufactured counterfeit driver’s licenses, military identifications, and credit cards,” observed United States Attorney Sperling.  “JOHNSON-HEATH used counterfeit credit cards to make purchases in Calera, Oklahoma and Durant, Oklahoma in February 2007.  The defendant was also in possession of access devices, device-making equipment, and a scanning receiver, which are activities affecting interstate commerce.”

“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 Ryan M. Roberts represented the government at sentencing.”


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FOR RELEASE:   July 27, 2007
SUBJECT:           SIMS, Brian Harrison

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that BRIAN HARRISON SIMS, age 33, of Dallas, Texas, was sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Fraud in Connection with Access Devices.

“SIMS was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment, 60 months supervised release and ordered to pay a Special Assessment fee of $100.00,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling.  “SIMS remains in the custody of the United States Marshal Service.”

"The offenses took place beginning on or about January 15, 2007, and continuing through on or about February 9, 2007, the exact dates are not known.  Charges arose from an investigation by the U.S. Secret Service and the Durant Police Department,” recalled U.S. Attorney Sperling.  “The defendant pled guilty in March, 2007.”

“The defendant obtained valid credit card account numbers, and with the use of necessary equipment, manufactured counterfeit driver’s licenses, military identifications, and credit cards,” observed United States Attorney Sperling.  “SIMS used counterfeit credit cards to make purchases in Calera, Oklahoma and Durant, Oklahoma in February 2007.  The defendant was also in possession of access devices, device-making equipment, and a scanning receiver, which are activities affecting interstate commerce.”

“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 Ryan M. Roberts represented the government at sentencing.”


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FOR RELEASE:   July 31, 2007
SUBJECT:           BROWN, Dymond Charles

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced that DYMOND CHARLES BROWN, age 27, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced for Possession of Cocaine Base with the Intent To Distribute.

“BROWN was sentenced to 262 months imprisonment, 48 months supervised release, and ordered to pay a Special Assessment of $100.00,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling.

"The offenses took place on October 6, 2006, in Muskogee County.  Charges arose from an investigation by the Muskogee Police Department,” recalled United States Attorney Sperling.

“BROWN was found guilty by a federal jury on February 12, 2007.”

“On October 6, 2006, the Muskogee Police Department was dispatched on a report of a reckless driver.  Upon arrival Muskogee Police Officers observed a vehicle that had been involved in a single vehicle collision.  BROWN, identified as the driver, was still in the vehicle.  When BROWN was removed from the vehicle two baggies containing a substance that field tested positive for cocaine fell out of his pants.  Further analysis by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Laboratory revealed the substance to be 20.76 grams of crack cocaine,” stated 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. Judge White ordered the defendant remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal.  Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace represented the government.”


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