Richard Dale Henry, Gun Possession, OK 2023

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – Richard Dale Henry, 63, of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, will spend the next eight years in federal prison after being sentenced for illegally possessing a firearm. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge James H. Payne, stems from a case highlighting the continued flow of illegal weapons into Oklahoma and the consequences for repeat offenders.

HENRY was sentenced to 96 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. He was convicted of FELON IN POSSESSION OF FIREARM, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(2) and 924(e)(1). The charge specifically addresses the possession of a firearm by an individual previously convicted of a crime carrying a sentence exceeding one year.

Court documents reveal the crime occurred around December 23, 2013, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma. Evidence presented at trial demonstrated HENRY knowingly possessed a firearm that had traveled across state lines – a key element in establishing federal jurisdiction. Investigators proved the weapon had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce, linking the case to broader concerns about the illegal gun trade.

The investigation was a joint effort between the McCurtain County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The collaborative approach underscores the growing need for interagency cooperation in tackling gun-related offenses and keeping dangerous weapons out of the hands of convicted felons. Details regarding the initial discovery of the firearm were not immediately released.

Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris successfully prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. Judge Payne ordered HENRY to remain in custody immediately following the sentencing, pending transfer to a designated federal facility where he will serve his nonparoleable sentence. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on further developments.

This sentencing serves as a stark reminder that federal authorities are actively pursuing and prosecuting individuals who violate gun laws, particularly those with prior criminal records. The length of the sentence reflects the seriousness with which the courts view these offenses and the potential danger posed to public safety. The case highlights the ongoing struggle to curb illegal firearm possession in Oklahoma and across the nation.

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