Leeroy Soap Jr, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country, …

A brutal assault has landed a Cherry Tree man in federal prison. Leeroy Soap Jr, age 40, of Cherry Tree, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 51 months imprisonment, and 3 years supervised release for Assault With A Dangerous Weapon In Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 113(a)(3), 1151 and 1153.

The charge arose from an investigation by the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, the Adair County Sherriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. According to the indictment, on or about July 13, 2017, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, within Indian country, on an Indian allotment the Indian title to which had not been extinguished, and within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, the defendant, an Indian, did knowingly assault J.E. with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm.

United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to working with state, local, tribal and federal agencies to combat violent crime. The investigation and prosecution of Mr. Soap involved four different agencies working cooperatively to achieve justice for the victim and to hold the defendant accountable for his actions.”

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 Edward Snow 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.

The sentence is a significant one, and it reflects the seriousness with which federal authorities take violent crime. The fact that multiple agencies worked together to investigate and prosecute the case is a testament to the commitment of law enforcement to keeping communities safe.

The case also highlights the importance of cooperation between federal, state, and tribal authorities in combating crime in Indian Country. The Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, the Adair County Sherriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation all played a role in bringing Leeroy Soap Jr to justice, and their efforts demonstrate the value of collaboration in law enforcement.