OKLAHOMA CITY – A former Oklahoma police chief is facing federal prison time after admitting he illegally obtained a handgun while already under indictment for burglary. WILLIAM SHAWN KAYS, 39, of Mustang, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty earlier this week to one felony count of illegal receipt of a firearm by a person under indictment, a charge that carries significant penalties.
The case stems back to August 15, 2021, when Kays allegedly took possession of a Glock .45 caliber pistol despite being indicted in Blaine County District Court on a First Degree Burglary charge (case number CF-2021-52). Federal law clearly prohibits anyone under felony indictment from legally receiving firearms or ammunition, a restriction Kays knowingly disregarded.
A federal grand jury returned a three-count Second Superseding Indictment against Kays on June 8, 2022. While the indictment initially included two additional charges of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, prosecutors agreed to dismiss those counts at sentencing as part of the plea deal. Kays admitted in court, before Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy DeGiusti, that he willfully received the firearm knowing he was already facing felony charges.
This isn’t just a paperwork violation; it’s a betrayal of public trust. Kays, as a former law enforcement officer, was sworn to uphold the law, not flaunt it. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Oklahoma City Field Office led the investigation, highlighting the agency’s commitment to tracking down those who illegally possess firearms.
Kays now faces up to 5 years in federal prison, a potential fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release following his incarceration. The sentencing hearing is scheduled to take place in approximately 90 days, giving the court time to consider the severity of Kays’ actions and the impact on the community. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mary E. Walters and Stephanie Powers are prosecuting the case.
The prosecution falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods and Project Guardian, Justice Department initiatives aimed at reducing gun violence and enforcing federal firearms laws. In the Western District of Oklahoma, these efforts are specifically focused through “Operation 922,” which prioritizes gun crimes linked to domestic violence. This case, however, demonstrates that even those entrusted with enforcing the law are not above facing consequences for their actions.
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