Convicted: Justin Randall Gering, 30, of Fairland, and Tyler Levi Tavis, 23, of Miami, were handed down 60 months in prison for their roles in setting an inmate on fire in the Ottawa County Jail.
The heinous act occurred in December 2022, when Gering and Tavis, while inmates at the Ottawa County Jail, wrapped a sleeping inmate in toilet paper and set it ablaze. Miraculously, the inmate’s county-issued fire-retardant blanket prevented severe burns. Swift action by fellow inmates prevented the fire from spreading further within the jail.
A joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office uncovered the disturbing crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Jiang prosecuted the case, bringing the perpetrators to justice.
According to court records, the video surveillance footage captured the entire incident, providing irrefutable evidence of the duo’s culpability. The swift response by law enforcement and the prosecution’s dedication to justice ensured that Gering and Tavis would face the consequences of their actions.
The Ottawa County Jail incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that exist within our correctional facilities. The brazen act of arson highlights the need for continued vigilance and accountability within our institutions.
Both Gering and Tavis are currently in custody, awaiting transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons to begin serving their 60-month sentences, followed by one year of supervised release. The sentences handed down by U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell serve as a testament to the gravity of their crimes.
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Key Facts
- State: Oklahoma
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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