OKLAHOMA CITY – A string of federal sentencings and guilty pleas last week reveal a persistent effort to stem the flow of illegal firearms in Oklahoma, with seven defendants facing consequences for their actions. The cases, prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma, underscore the dangers posed by individuals illegally possessing weapons, often with ties to domestic disputes and gang activity.
The most severe sentence was handed down to WILLIAM REECE, 32, of Woodward, Oklahoma, who received 96 months in federal prison. Reece, identified as an affiliate of a local street gang, was found with a loaded magazine on his person and a firearm in his vehicle during a traffic stop. The court also considered a prior 2019 incident where Reece allegedly pointed a firearm at his girlfriend and her family, demonstrating a pattern of violent behavior.
A reckless act of gun violence led to a 14-month sentence for ROBERT LEE FISHER, 49, of Yukon, Oklahoma. Fisher, subject to a victim’s protection order and with a prior conviction for domestic assault and battery, discharged a shotgun while inside a bedroom with his girlfriend. The bullet pierced an adjoining wall, striking his girlfriend’s 11-year-old daughter in the arm – a chilling illustration of the collateral damage caused by illegal gun possession and domestic disputes. He pleaded guilty on October 26, 2021.
Members of violent local gangs are also feeling the heat. KOURDAE AMERSON, 21, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a drug user in possession of a firearm. Amerson was among three defendants depicted in a live Facebook video brandishing multiple firearms following a series of high-speed chases. Meanwhile, TRACI ASHFORD, 44, of Oklahoma City, received a 30-month sentence after a federal jury found him guilty of brandishing an AK-47 style rifle during an altercation with his girlfriend. Ashford had prior convictions for felony domestic assault and battery in Oklahoma and domestic battery in Arkansas.
Beyond the sentencings, three additional defendants entered guilty pleas. ASA MALEY, 36, of Chandler, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms after law enforcement responded to a domestic assault with a deadly weapon. Details of the assault were not fully released, but the charge itself carries significant penalties. The U.S. Attorney, Robert J. Troester, emphasized the importance of keeping guns out of the hands of those legally prohibited, stating that coordinated efforts between state, local, tribal, and federal agencies are crucial to reducing violent crime in Oklahoma.
These cases represent just a fraction of the ongoing battle against illegal firearms in the state. The U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to prioritize these investigations, working alongside law enforcement partners to hold offenders accountable and protect communities from gun violence. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chelsie Pratt, Mary E. Walters, Jacquelyn Hutzell, and Travis Leverett led the prosecutions in these cases, demonstrating a sustained commitment to enforcing federal firearms laws and pursuing justice for victims of gun-related crimes.
Related Federal Cases
Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
WeaponsWeaponsWeaponsWeapons