Two Okfuskee County residents will serve lengthy federal prison sentences following their convictions for multiple charges involving the abuse and neglect of children under their care.
Two Okfuskee County residents will serve lengthy federal prison sentences following their convictions for multiple charges involving the abuse and neglect of children under their care.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced the sentencing of Daniel Levi Magness, 36, and Joanna Lee Higgins, 33, both of Okemah, in connection with a disturbing child abuse case that occurred within the boundaries of the Muscogee Nation Reservation.
Magness received a 220-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to two counts of Child Abuse in Indian Country, one count of Child Neglect in Indian Country, one count of Maiming in Indian Country and one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Although he was sentenced to 63 months on the latter two charges, the court ordered all terms to be served concurrently.
Higgins was sentenced to 140 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of Child Neglect in Indian Country.
According to investigators, the case began on January 31, 2024, when Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation responded to a call requesting a welfare check at a residence in Okemah. Upon arrival, officers found two minor children living in filthy, unsanitary conditions, both covered in bruises. One of the children had a disfiguring injury to the ear, which led to an additional charge of maiming against Magness.
The investigation revealed that the children had been subjected to a year or more of abuse and neglect at the hands of Magness and Higgins. A search of the residence also uncovered a semi-automatic pistol, a revolver, a bolt-action rifle and a shotgun - despite Magness being legally prohibited from possessing firearms due to a previous felony conviction.
The case was prosecuted in federal court due to the crimes occurring within the Muscogee Nation Reservation, which falls under federal jurisdiction for certain criminal offenses involving Native American lands and residents.
Chief U.S. District Judge Ronald A. White presided over the sentencing proceedings in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. Both defendants are currently in custody of the U.S. Marshals Service and will be transported to federal prison to begin serving their non-paroleable sentences.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Paladino led the prosecution on behalf of the federal government.
