Lequevin Kelley, Unlawful User of Controlled Substance in Possession of Firearm, Oklahoma 2022

OKLAHOMA CITY – Lequevin Kelley, 23, is headed to federal prison for twelve years after a chaotic chase across Oklahoma City highways culminated in his arrest and the recovery of a loaded revolver. Kelley was sentenced last week to 144 months behind bars for being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm, a charge stemming from an August 2022 incident.

The trouble began August 25th, when U.S. Marshals spotted Kelley, already wanted on multiple warrants in Oklahoma County, leaving an Oklahoma City motel. Rather than cooperate, Kelley allegedly took off on his motorcycle, leading officers on a dangerous high-speed pursuit onto Interstate 35. The chase didn’t end with the bike; Kelley crashed, ditched the motorcycle, and continued fleeing on foot, even running across the busy lanes of I-44, forcing officers to pursue him across active traffic.

It was during this desperate attempt to evade capture that Kelley tossed a silver revolver to the ground, according to court documents. The firearm was quickly recovered by Oklahoma City Police. Kelley ultimately surrendered and, during questioning, admitted to recent PCP use. The affidavit details a brazen disregard for public safety, highlighting Kelley’s willingness to risk lives during the pursuit.

Kelley pleaded guilty in February to the single charge, admitting he knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his drug use. U.S. District Judge Stephen P. Friot didn’t mince words at the sentencing hearing November 20th, explicitly citing Kelley’s “long history of violent criminal behavior,” including prior armed robberies and repeated attempts to flee law enforcement, as key factors in the stiff 12-year sentence. He’ll also serve three years of supervised release after his prison term.

The investigation was a joint effort by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chelsie A. Pratt and David McCrary handled the prosecution. Federal authorities are framing the case as a win for Project Safe Neighborhoods, a Department of Justice initiative focused on reducing violent crime by targeting repeat offenders.

This case underscores the ATF’s continued focus on preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals already engaged in criminal activity, particularly those with a history of violence and substance abuse. The reckless behavior displayed by Kelley – endangering both officers and the public – will keep him off the streets for over a decade, but questions remain about the systemic failures that allowed a repeat offender to remain free and armed in the first place.

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