OKLAHOMA CITY — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Oklahoma, Western), published as received.

OKLAHOMA CITY – WILLIAM SHAWN KAYS, 39, of Mustang, has been charged with one count of illegally receiving a firearm while under indictment, announced Robert J. Troester, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.

On February 1, 2022, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging that, on or about August 15, 2021, Kays received a firearm while under indictment.  The indictment alleges Kays was under indictment for the felony offense of Burglary in the First Degree, charged in Blaine County District Court case number CF-2021-52, when he willfully received a Glock .45 caliber pistol.  Kays surrendered to law enforcement yesterday and the indictment was unsealed later that day.  Federal law prohibits an individual who is under indictment from receiving firearms or ammunition under 18 U.S.C. § 922(n). 

If convicted, Kays faces up to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.

The charge is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, with assistance from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary E. Walters is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses on the most violent offenders and partners with local prevention and re-entry programs for lasting reductions in crime.  To enhance local effectiveness, the Western District of Oklahoma has emphasized prosecution of federal gun crimes connected to domestic violence.

The public is reminded that this charge is merely allegations and that Kays is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.  Attached is the indictment the federal grand jury returned in this matter.  Reference is made to public filings for further information.