64-Year-Old Springer Man Convicted of Felon in Possession of Firearms

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – David Colbert Johnston, a 64-year-old resident of Springer, Oklahoma, was found guilty by a federal jury of one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, including aiding and abetting another felon in illegally possessing a firearm.

The jury trial began with testimony on Monday, May 6, 2024, and concluded on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, with the guilty verdict.

During the trial, the United States presented evidence that on May 11, 2023, while serving arrest warrants on Cord Sikes Hutchins at Johnston’s Springer residence, law enforcement officers discovered two semi-automatic firearms, one bolt action rifle, one handgun, and assorted ammunition in the home. After obtaining a federal search warrant, law enforcement seized the weapons and ammunition as evidence. At the time of the discovery, Johnston and Hutchins were both prohibited from possessing the firearms due to prior felony convictions. On April 24, 2024, Hutchins pleaded guilty to one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition.

The guilty verdict was the result of investigations by the United States Marshal Service, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Madill Police Department, the Love County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The Honorable Kenneth J. Gonzales, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court of New Mexico, sitting by assignment, presided over the trial in Muskogee and ordered the completion of a presentence report. The sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report. The defendant will remain in the custody of the United States Marshal until sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorneys Edith Singer and T. Cameron McEwen represented the United States.

Johnston’s conviction underscores the need for stricter gun control laws and holds accountable those who put the public at risk by possessing firearms. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma will continue to work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.

The case was investigated by the United States Marshal Service, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Madill Police Department, the Love County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Assistant United States Attorneys Edith Singer and T. Cameron McEwen will continue to prosecute this case.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks the various law enforcement agencies for their dedication and hard work in bringing this case to justice.

Any questions or concerns can be directed to the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (918) 687-6860.