Colbert Man Admits to Illegal Firearm Possession

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – Sammy Lynn Key, 45, of Colbert, Oklahoma, is facing serious time after admitting to illegally possessing a firearm, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today. Key entered a guilty plea to one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm, a charge that carries a hefty penalty of up to 15 years behind bars and a $250,000.00 fine.

According to court documents, Key knowingly had a .38 Special caliber revolver in his possession on September 23, 2022, despite a prior conviction for a crime punishable by more than a year in prison – a clear violation of federal law. The details of that prior conviction haven’t been released, but it’s enough to keep him from legally owning a weapon.

The case wasn’t some random find. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Atoka County Sheriff’s Office teamed up to investigate, bringing Key’s illegal possession to light. These agencies aren’t messing around with individuals who put weapons in the wrong hands.

U.S. Magistrate Judge D. Edward Snow accepted Key’s plea and ordered a presentence investigation report to be compiled. This report will delve into Key’s background, criminal history, and other factors to help a U.S. District Court Judge determine an appropriate sentence. Don’t expect leniency; the feds are seeking a significant punishment.

Key isn’t going home anytime soon. He’s currently in the custody of the United States Marshals Service, awaiting sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan E. Soverly and Lewis M. Reagan successfully prosecuted the case, ensuring Key will answer for his actions. This case serves as a stark reminder that illegally possessing a firearm carries severe consequences.

The sentencing hearing date has not yet been set. The judge will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, along with other statutory factors, before handing down the final sentence. This is another example of federal authorities cracking down on illegal gun possession in Oklahoma, sending a message that such activity will not be tolerated.

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