Chad Anthony Cox, Felony Firearm Possession, TX 2016

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA — Chad Anthony Cox, a 27-year-old man from Dallas, Texas, has pleaded guilty to felony firearm possession and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The charges stem from an incident that occurred on October 6, 2016, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced Cox’s plea, which violates Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). If convicted, Cox faces up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. Additionally, he is charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime under Section 924(c)(1)(A), which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 60 months imprisonment consecutive to any other sentence imposed.

According to the indictment, Cox, who had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year, knowingly possessed a firearm that had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce. He also admitted to possessing a firearm specifically to aid in drug trafficking.

The charges against Cox were the result of an investigation led by the Chickasaw Nation Tribal Police, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States in court.

Magistrate Judge Steven P. Shreder accepted Cox’s plea in Muskogee and ordered a presentence investigation report to be completed. Cox will remain in custody until his sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Cox’s case underscores the ongoing efforts by federal authorities to combat drug trafficking and firearms violations across tribal and federal jurisdictions.