MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)), published as received.
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that James Paul Brown, age 47, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 188 months imprisonment and 5 years supervised release for Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and Felon In Possession Of Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(2), and 924(e)(1). The sentences on each count were ordered to run concurrently. The charges arose from an investigation by the District 27 Drug Task Force, the Stilwell Police Department, the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Indictment alleged that on or about May 18, 2017, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. Additionally the indictment alleged that the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, an FMK Firearms, Model 9C1G2, 9x19 caliber pistol, serial number BP3233, and a Yugoslavia, Model 59/66, 7.62x39 caliber rifle, serial number M-477781, firearms which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.
“It is not unusual to find weapons in the possession of people in the business of dealing methamphetamine. Firearms are a tool of the trade because drug distribution is inherently violent. The defendant in this case possessed methamphetamine and guns. Federal defendants, such as Brown, who possess firearms after having three convictions for a violent felony or a serious drug offense are sentenced as “armed career criminals” and face a mandatory minimum of 15 years imprisonment,” United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said. “This investigation and resulting prosecution demonstrates how agencies tasked with public safety can maximize their efforts by working together. I commend the District 27 District Attorney’s Office and its Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, the Stilwell Police Department, the Cherokee Marshal Service, the ATF, and members of this office for working together to make our communities safer.”
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Wilson represented the United States. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served.
