Billy Lee Murphy, Possession of Firearm with Obliterated Serial Number, Oklahoma 2023

MUSKOGEE, OK – Billy Lee Murphy, 76, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, has pleaded guilty to federal charges stemming from the possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, the Department of Justice confirmed Tuesday. The case, investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, adds to a growing number of ‘ghost gun’ related offenses hitting rural Oklahoma.

According to court documents, Murphy knowingly possessed a revolver that had traveled across state lines, but whose identifying serial number had been deliberately removed, altered, and destroyed. The indictment alleges this occurred on January 19, 2023. Removing a serial number is a serious offense, effectively stripping the weapon of its traceable history and opening the door for its use in further crimes. Investigators haven’t released details on *how* the serial number was removed, or if any other modifications were made to the weapon.

The practice of obliterating serial numbers is a favorite tactic of criminals hoping to hide the origins of a weapon, making it nearly impossible to trace its ownership or link it to previous crimes. Federal authorities are increasingly focused on these cases, viewing them as a direct threat to public safety. The ATF’s investigation into Murphy is part of a larger effort to curb illegal gun trafficking across state lines.

The plea was accepted by Magistrate Judge D. Edward Snow in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. A presentence investigation report has been ordered to gather more information about Murphy’s background and potential sentencing factors. He remains free on bond while awaiting his sentencing date, which has not yet been scheduled.

Assistant United States Attorney Edith A. Singer is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. While the charges against Murphy are relatively straightforward, the circumstances surrounding how he obtained the weapon – and why its serial number was removed – remain unclear. The ATF is likely to continue investigating to determine if Murphy was involved in a larger operation.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it moves toward sentencing. The Eastern District of Oklahoma has seen a spike in firearms offenses in recent years, prompting increased federal resources to tackle the problem. The full extent of Murphy’s involvement, and the origins of the altered revolver, are expected to be revealed during the sentencing phase of the proceedings. The case serves as a stark reminder that even seemingly simple gun crimes can have far-reaching consequences.

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