Tulsa Child Predator Locked Up for 20 Years

Tulsa, OK – In a rare display of justice, 43-year-old Lance Douglas Roark, a citizen of the Delaware Tribe of Indians, was sentenced to 235 months in prison for his heinous crimes against a child.

The jury returned a guilty verdict in January after a three-day trial, during which Roark, who represented himself, cross-examined the brave young victim. The charges included Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor Under 12 Years of Age in Indian Country and Assault with Intent to Commit Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor Under 12 Years of Age in Indian Country.

U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell handed down the maximum sentence, which will be followed by lifetime supervised release. Additionally, Roark will be required to register as a sex offender and pay $5,000 in restitution.

The FBI and Craig County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation into Roark’s crimes, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia N. Hockenbury prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The program brings together federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims.

Roark’s conviction is a testament to the bravery of the victim and the hard work of law enforcement and prosecutors. It serves as a warning to potential predators that they will be held accountable for their crimes.

The U.S. Bureau of Prisons will take custody of Roark, pending transfer.

As part of Project Safe Childhood, the Department of Justice provides resources and information on internet safety education and prevention. For more information, please visit the DOJ’s PSC page.