MUSKOGEE, OK – A ring of six individuals is facing serious federal charges after an investigation uncovered a conspiracy to flood the system with counterfeit checks and steal identities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced the indictment of Nicole Marie Harring, 42, of Mead, Oklahoma; Ksenia Ura Gubareva, 38, of McLoud, Oklahoma; Nathan Paul Parker, 38, of Durant, Oklahoma; Alvin Arley Potts II, 38, of Durant, Oklahoma; Bobby Joecephus Medina, 38, of Durant, Oklahoma; and Damon Lee Damron, 29, of Durant, Oklahoma. The charges stem from a scheme allegedly operating between November 28, 2016, and June 9, 2017.
According to the indictment, the group conspired to manufacture and circulate counterfeit checks drawn on banks that participate in interstate commerce. This wasn’t a simple forgery operation; prosecutors allege a coordinated effort to deceive financial institutions and obtain money through false pretenses. The indictment specifically cites violations of 18 U.S.C. § 513(a), relating to counterfeit securities, and 18 U.S.C. § 1343, covering fraud and false representations. Each defendant faces a potential sentence of not less than 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00.
But the scheme didn’t stop at bad checks. The indictment also details allegations of identity theft. The group is accused of knowingly possessing the means of identification of an individual identified only as “D.M.” with the intent to facilitate unlawful activity, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1028(a)(7). This suggests the group wasn’t just after money – they were willing to steal someone’s very identity to further their criminal enterprise. A full copy of the indictment is available online at https://www.justice.gov/usao-edok/press-release/file/1025361/download.
The investigation was a multi-agency effort, bringing together the Durant Police Department, the District 19 District Attorney’s Office, the Chickasaw Nation Tribal Police, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the U.S. Secret Service. This demonstrates a rare level of cooperation between local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement. Assistant United States Attorney Melody Nelson is leading the prosecution.
U.S. Attorney Brian J. Kuester emphasized the collaborative nature of the investigation, stating, “This investigation is the result of dedicated law enforcement professionals…working together to serve and protect our communities.” Kuester also cautioned that the indictments are accusations, not proof of guilt, and that each defendant is entitled to a fair trial where the government must prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
While officials tout the success of this multi-agency takedown, the real victims – the banks and individuals defrauded by this scheme – are still counting the losses. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by sophisticated financial crimes and the importance of inter-agency collaboration to bring perpetrators to justice. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it moves through the legal system.
Related Federal Cases
- Daniel Wayne Mauldin, Oxycodone Conspiracy, Muskogee OK, 2014 · Arkansas
- Eduardo Ravelo Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy, El Paso TX… · North Carolina
- Christopher Thomas, Cocaine Distribution Conspiracy, East St. Louis… · Missouri
- Israa Jafar Ali, Conspiracy to Make a Terrorist Hoax, Oklahoma City… · Texas
- Jeffery A. Lopez, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Muskogee OK, 2023 · Oklahoma
Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News