A brutal assault and robbery in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has landed a 43-year-old man in prison for over seven years. Merle Jason Lancaster Sr., 43, was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for his role in the violent crime.
On February 3, 2021, Lancaster and an accomplice violently assaulted a victim with a baseball bat during a robbery. The victim was forced to withdraw hundreds of dollars from an ATM at a convenience store, which was caught on video surveillance. Lancaster and his accomplice then forced the victim out of his own vehicle and drove away.
The Tulsa Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin G. Bish prosecuting the case. U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell presided over the sentencing hearing.
U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson praised the efforts of law enforcement and expressed his commitment to fighting violent crime across the Northern District of Oklahoma. "Merle Lancaster Sr. violently assaulted the victim with a baseball bat during a robbery and has been sentenced to more than seven years in prison," Johnson said. "The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to deliver justice on behalf of victims."
Lancaster pleaded guilty in November 2021 to robbery in Indian Country. He admitted to threatening to kill the victim and his family if he did not hand over money or drugs. The victim was then forced to comply with Lancaster’s demands, resulting in the violent assault and robbery.
The case is a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement. The public is urged to report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately. By working together, we can keep our communities safe and bring perpetrators to justice.
Defendant: Merle Jason Lancaster Sr.
Criminal Charges: Robbery in Indian Country
City and State: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Crime Date: February 3, 2021
Sentence: 90 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release
Dollar Amount: Hundreds of dollars
Key Facts
- State: Oklahoma
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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