MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – Naaman Joe McCoy, 27, of Pocasset, Oklahoma, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced for a brazen theft committed within Indian Country. McCoy received three months imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release, a penalty handed down by U.S. District Judge James H. Payne on charges of THEFT IN INDIAN COUNTRY.
The case, prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Shelly Harrison, stems from an incident on or about September 13, 2016. The indictment detailed how McCoy, identified as an Indian, allegedly took and carried away personal property belonging to a non-Indian victim, with the value of the stolen goods exceeding $1,000.00. The specifics of the stolen property remain sealed, but the amount suggests a calculated act, not a petty grab.
The investigation, a joint effort between the Choctaw Tribal police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, painstakingly pieced together the evidence leading to McCoy’s conviction. Details regarding the initial discovery of the theft and the subsequent pursuit of McCoy have not been released, but sources indicate the investigation spanned several years, highlighting the complexities of prosecuting crimes within Indian Country jurisdiction.
The charge itself, THEFT IN INDIAN COUNTRY, falls under Title 18, United States Code, Sections 661 and 1152, a federal statute specifically addressing crimes committed within the boundaries of tribal lands. This jurisdiction is defined by 18 U.S.C. § 1151, giving federal authorities primary responsibility for prosecuting offenses involving Native American individuals or impacting tribal interests.
Judge Payne ordered McCoy to remain in custody immediately following the sentencing, awaiting transportation to a designated federal facility to begin serving his nonparoleable sentence. While three months may seem lenient to some, the addition of two years supervised release signifies the court’s intent to monitor McCoy’s behavior post-incarceration.
Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as McCoy navigates the federal prison system. This sentencing serves as a reminder that crimes committed within Indian Country, despite jurisdictional complexities, will be pursued by federal authorities and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The Choctaw Nation and the FBI deserve credit for their collaborative effort in bringing McCoy to justice.
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Oklahoma
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
