TULSA, OKLAHOMA – Scott Thomas Balch, 50, of Marietta, Oklahoma, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced today for a string of brazen robberies committed in late 2020. Balch terrorized convenience store clerks with what appeared to be a handgun, later revealed to be a BB airsoft pistol. The crimes occurred within Indian Country, bringing federal jurisdiction to the case.
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell handed down a 63-month imprisonment sentence, followed by three years of supervised release. Balch was convicted of Attempted Robbery in Indian Country and two counts of Robbery in Indian Country. The sentencing concludes a case that exposed a pattern of predatory behavior targeting vulnerable businesses.
The first incident occurred in October 2020 at a local convenience store. Balch, face masked, stormed into the establishment and brandished the airsoft pistol, threatening to shoot the clerk if demands weren’t met. The terrified employee complied, handing over cash from the register. Just weeks later, Balch returned to the same store, attempting a repeat robbery with the same weapon. This time, when the employee fled in fear, Balch bypassed the register entirely, going behind the counter and pilfering scratch-off lottery tickets – a pathetic haul for a dangerous act.
November 2020 saw Balch target a different convenience store, employing the same MO: brandishing the BB airsoft pistol and demanding money. Again, the clerk complied, handing over the contents of the register. While the weapon turned out to be non-lethal, Balch’s actions instilled genuine fear and put lives at risk. The investigation quickly revealed a concerning history.
Court records paint a picture of a repeat offender. Balch has previously been convicted in both tribal and state courts for a staggering tally of more than 11 felonies and three misdemeanors. The Cherokee Nation citizen’s lengthy criminal record clearly demonstrates a disregard for the law and the safety of others. He will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The case was a collaborative effort, investigated by the FBI, the Tulsa Police Department, and the Sand Springs Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Dunn skillfully prosecuted the case, securing the conviction and subsequent sentencing. This outcome sends a clear message: those who prey on businesses and threaten innocent people will face the full force of federal law, regardless of the weapon used.
RELATED: Pringles & Pistols: Khyri Brown Gets 10+ Years
RELATED: Sabolick Gets 25 Years for Exploiting Kids Locally & Abroad
Related Federal Cases
- Smith Gets 17 Years for Treasure Coast Bank Robberies · Oklahoma
- Jesse Bud Leaverton Gets Life for Tulsa Bank Robberies · Oklahoma
- Tahlequah Man Gets 63 Months for Manslaughter, Gun Crime · Oklahoma
- Ex-Corrections Officer Gets 21 Years for brutal Abuse · Alabama
- Waldon Gets 33 Months for Brutal Indian Country Assault · Oklahoma
Key Facts
- State: Oklahoma
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
