Grand Jury Indicts Muldrow Man

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Muskogee announced Wednesday the results of the December 2017 Federal Grand Jury.

One of those inducted by the grand jury is a man from Muldrow.

Michael Aaron Campbell, 21, was indicted on two counts of enticement of a minor using interstate commerce.

The Indictment alleges that from about June 6 until July 26, the defendant used the Internet to persuade, induce, and entice an individual, Child No. 1, whom he believed to be under 16 years of age, to engage in sexual activity for which a person can be criminally charged under Oklahoma State law for second-degree rape.

The crime is punishable by not less than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000 or both.

The Indictment further alleges that from about June, the exact date being unknown to the grand jury, until on or about July 26, Campbell used cellular communication to persuade, induce, and entice an individual, Child No. 2, whom he believed to be under 14 years of age, to engage in sexual activity for which a person can be criminally charged under Oklahoma State law with first-degree rape.

The crime is punishable by not less than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000 or both.

The charges arose from an investigation by the Muldrow Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations.

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.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Vian Veteran Among Those Honored by Cherokee Nation

From the left, Cherokee Nation Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden, and Tribal Council member E.O. Smith of Vian honor U.S. Air Force veteran Tommy Terrapin, also of Vian. Principal Chief Bill John Baker and Tribal Council member Bryan Warner of Sallisaw also honored Terrapin.

The Cherokee Nation honored four military veterans with the Medal of Patriotism at the Tribal Council meeting Monday.

Tommy Terrapin, 73, of Vian, Russell Feeling, 73, of Locust Grove, Charles Lane, 82, of Claremore, and Steven Case, 60, of Jacksonville, Fla., were recognized by Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker and Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden, acknowledging their service and sacrifice to their country.

Master Sgt. Terrapin was born in September of 1944 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1966. Terrapin completed basic training and technical school at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. After basic training, he was assigned to Ramstein Air Base in Germany, where he spent three years. Next, Terrapin was assigned to Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas to work in computer programming and later spent time in Saudi Arabia. Terrapin received an honorable discharge in 1989.

“I appreciate the Cherokee Nation for giving these awards. I am going to honor this one until the end of my days,” Terrapin said.

Sgt. Feeling was born in February of 1944 and enlisted in the Air Force in 1965. Feeling completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas and Kessler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Miss. After additional training for radar navigation, Feeling was transferred to Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, where he worked on fighter aircraft navigation systems. Feeling received an honorable discharge in 1969 and remained in the reserves until 1971.

Master Sgt. Lane was born in March of 1935 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserves in 1953. Lane was released from the U.S. Navy Reserves in 1958 and enlisted in the Air Force in that same year. During his service, Lane was stationed at various stateside air bases, serving as a technician in communication and power production. He also served an overseas tour in Frankfurt, Germany. Lane received an honorable discharge in 1981.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Deputy Confiscates Methamphetamines, Makes Arrest

About 25 pounds of a substance that tested positive as methamphetamine

 was confiscated by Deputy Steven Jenkins Monday.

Sequoyah County Sheriff Larry Lane reported that one man is in jail and about 25 pounds of a substance that tested positive as methamphetamine was confiscated from the suspect on Monday.

Lane said Deputy Steven Jenkins stopped a vehicle on Interstate 40 at about the 299 mile marker, eastbound, on Monday.

“During the traffic stop, Deputy Jenkins found reasonable suspicion to ask the driver for consent to search the vehicle. After being given consent to search, Deputy Jenkins located numerous bundles of white crystalline substance, hidden in various places throughout the vehicle. The substance later field tested positive for the presence of methamphetamine,” Lane stated.

The driver, Marco Lopez, was booked into the Sequoyah County Jail in Sallisaw on charges of aggravated trafficking CDS (meth) and is being held without bond at this time. 

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Motorcycle-Deer Crash Sends Man to Hospital

A 59-year-old man from Wilburton was listed in stable condition Monday following a motorcycle crash five miles west of Bokoshe in LeFlore County Monday.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) reported George McDaniel was driving a 2014 Harley-Davidson motorcycle west on State Highway 31 when the motorcycle struck a deer.

The OHP reported McDaniel was transported by Life-flight to St. Francis Medical Center in Tulsa, and was listed in stable condition with head, arm and leg injuries.

A passenger, Maureen McDaniel, 60, of Wilburton, refused treatment at the scene.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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Give Creatures Some Comfort at Christmas

Even four-legged friends could use some comfort at Christmas. Sallisaw Veterinary Clinic is accepting donations for the care of abandoned and feral animals found in Sallisaw. Crystal Wilson, left, and Tiffany Murray count the funds for the homeless animals on their Christmas donation tree. Murray said Dr. Gary Cox and the clinic take care of the animals free of charge, and the donations help pay for medications. The animals are nursed back to health if sick or injured then spayed or neutered as required. To make a donation drop by the clinic at 3400 W. Cherokee in Sallisaw, or call 918-775-6182. 

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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City Manager Resigns, with Pay Package

After a lengthy executive session, Sallisaw City Commissioners offered City Manager Clayton Lucas a deal on his contract, and he submitted his resignation effective 8 a.m. Tuesday.

The city commissioners went into executive session shortly after the meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. and did not return to the open meeting until about 8 p.m. Several individuals were called into the executive session to discuss Lucas' employment including Assistant City Manager Keith Skelton who is also the financial officer, Dianna Davis, and Lucas himself.

The four city commissioners voted unanimously to offer Lucas the contract buy out which he accepted in exchange for his resignation. The contract provides that he be paid on Friday, which will include his salary through Dec. 26 and accrued vacation pay. On or before Jan. 10 he will be paid a lump sum for his salary from Dec. 27 through May 15, along with the cost of his family insurance through May.

City officials said city commissioners will hold a special meeting at 6 p.m. Monday to name an acting city manager.

Calls to Lucas and his attorney, Frank Sullivan III, were not returned.

Other Business

The commissioners approved a resolution that assigned a sales tax to pay off a $4 million refinancing loan for Sequoyah Memorial Hospital. Julie Ward, hospital CEO, told the commissioners that Blue Cross Blue Shield was continuing to pay the hospital insurance payments. The insurance company and hospital had disagreed on sufficient payments in the past.

But Ward said the hospital has continuing financial problems.

She said the hospital is “hanging on by a toenail,” but the loan and a contract with Cherokee Health Partners will help the hospital survive.

The commissioners also approved a settlement, for a civil suit filed by Mike Carpenter, for a total of $85,000, which included $44,988.48 to Armstrong & Vaught PLC of Tulsa and $40,011.52 to Carpenter.

They approved the $95,569 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. The grant will be used to pay the salary of a police officer for three years. The city will pay the fourth year’s salary, as required by the grant.

They also approved a contract with the FOP for police officers, and the meeting dates for the coming year, except for Jan. 8. Ward 4 Commissioner Daryl Legg said OU will be playing for the national football championship on Jan. 8 and he made the motion to hold January’s meeting on Jan. 9. The motion was approved.

Lucas told the commissioners that the city is cleaning out the fence row on the south side of Interstate 40. He said that the Oklahoma Department of Transportation is responsible for I40, except for that portion which is in city limits. That portion of I40 is in city limits, he said.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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CASC Enrollment Now Open

Students are reminded that enrollment for the Carl Albert State College (CASC) spring semester is open.

The full semester will begin Jan. 16. An eight-week term offered at CASC will also begin Jan. 16, and the interim week of classes is scheduled for Jan. 8-12. 

As students enroll, both current and new students are encouraged to take care of financial aid as soon as possible in order to be ready for the semester.

First time students need to contact the Enrollment Office at 918-647-1248 in Poteau or call 918-775-6977 in Sallisaw.

The spring class schedule is available at carlalbert.edu/admissions/course-schedule.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com