James Michael Stewart, Attempted Aggravated Sexual Abuse, Oklahoma 2021

Muskogee, Oklahoma - A federal jury has found James Michael Stewart, 42, of Muskogee, guilty of one count of Attempted Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country. The crime carries a punishment of imprisonment for any term of years or up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, or both.

The jury trial began on Monday, June 7, 2021, and concluded on Thursday, June 10, 2021, with the guilty verdict. Stewart was acquitted on two counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country.

The evidence presented at the trial proved that on May 25, 2018, Stewart attempted to sexually assault a female victim in a room at the Studio 6 hotel on North 32nd Street in Muskogee. The defendant undressed and pushed the victim onto a bed. The victim was able to free herself, ran to the bathroom, locked the door, and called 911. When the police arrived, they found Stewart still nude.

The victim was found to be very emotional and appeared to be afraid of Stewart, according to the police officer. The United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District prosecuted the case because Stewart is a member of a federally-recognized Indian tribe and the crime occurred in Muskogee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

The guilty verdict was the result of an investigation by the Muskogee Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge, presided over the trial and ordered the completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report. Stewart was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending the imposition of sentencing.

Special Assistant United States Attorney Nathaniel Walters and Department of Justice Trial Attorney Julie Finocchiaro represented the United States.

James Michael Stewart was found guilty on June 10, 2021. He was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. The crime occurred on May 25, 2018, in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Stewart is punishable by imprisonment for any term of years or up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, or both.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edok/pr/muskogee-resident-found-guilty-attempted-sexual-abuse-indian-country