Zachary Charles Fowler, 24, of Perry, Oklahoma, has been sentenced to serve 52 years in federal prison for kidnapping, carjacking, and using a firearm in furtherance of those crimes, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
Fowler was found guilty on all counts after a federal jury trial in May 2023. The evidence presented at trial showed that on March 29, 2022, Fowler broke into the home of his victim, a woman with whom he had previously been in a relationship. He kicked in her bedroom door, wrestled control of a firearm owned by the victim, and sexually assaulted her at gunpoint.
The jury also heard testimony that Fowler forced the victim to leave her home at gunpoint and drive him to Corpus Christi, Texas. Throughout the drive, Fowler sexually assaulted the victim again. After arriving in Corpus Christi, the victim was able to escape. Fowler was arrested later the same day by law enforcement in Texas.
"The vile conduct of this defendant, and the trauma he forced upon his victim, are evidence of a clear and present danger in our community that necessitated swift and decisive punishment," said U.S. Attorney Robert Troester. "While today’s steep penalty will not erase the damage done by Mr. Fowler, we hope it will serve as another step in the healing process for the victim and their family."
"Today’s sentence completes the judicial process for Mr. Fowler, who forced his victim into a frightening situation that tormented her both physically and emotionally," said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Edward J. Gray. "While the trauma cannot be undone, we hope the victim and this community takes comfort in knowing a violent offender has been taken off our streets."
U.S. District Judge Scott L. Palk sentenced Fowler to serve 52 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Palk noted the "horrific and terrifying" nature of the case and described Fowler’s behavior as "horrendous and dehumanizing". Judge Palk also noted Fowler’s lack of acceptance of responsibility for his actions.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, the Noble County Sheriff’s Office, the Corpus Christi Police Department, and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew P. Anderson and Jacquelyn M. Hutzell prosecuted the case.
The case is a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes. Fowler’s sentence serves as a warning to others who would commit similar crimes: the consequences will be severe and the community will not tolerate such behavior.
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Key Facts
- State: Oklahoma
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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