Native American Spiritual Counselor, Child Sex Abuse, Texas 2023

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Table of Contents

Oklahoma Man Sentenced to Life for Sexually Abusing Minor

A federal judge has sentenced Carl Gene Ortner, a man who portrayed himself as a Native American spiritual counselor, to life in federal prison for sexually abusing a Native American minor and for illegally possessing parts of protected eagles.

U.S. District Judge John F. Heil III handed down the life sentence and ordered Ortner to pay a $100,000 fine.

Carl Gene Ortner, 57, of Quapaw, was found guilty of transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, sexual abuse of a child in Indian Country, abusive sexual contact in Indian Country, possession of parts of a bald eagle, and possession of parts of a golden eagle in May 2021.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shannon Cozzoni and Ryan Roberts argued that Ortner fraudulently claimed to be a Native American spiritual counselor, despite having no tribal affiliation. Cozzoni pointed out that Ortner told several people he was a member of several Tribes, but no Tribe claimed him.

Further evidence presented during the trial showed that Ortner used his position of influence to groom the victim and force her into sexual relations with him, using her cultural beliefs and vulnerability against her. The victim also had been struggling with losing a loved one, and Ortner used the loss to further groom the victim.

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department, FBI, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Roberts and Shannon Cozzoni prosecuted the case.

The sentencing sends a strong message that the sexual abuse of children will not be tolerated, said Acting U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The victim in this case and two others bravely came forward and shined a light on Ortner’s criminal behavior,” he added.