A series of federal prosecutions announced by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma highlights a range of serious criminal cases involving Okmulgee County residents, from drug trafficking and violent assault to the sexual exploitation of a child. In recent weeks, four individuals from Henryetta and Okmulgee have entered guilty pleas in U.S. District Court, each now awaiting sentencing following federal investigations by multiple law enforcement agencies.

Among the most serious of the cases is that of Claylon Leon Austin, also known as Clayton Leon Austin, 38, of Henryetta, who pleaded guilty to one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Child/Use of a Child to Produce a Visual Depiction. The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a potential fine of up to $250,000.

According to the indictment, Austin enticed a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct between March 13 and 14, 2025, for the purpose of creating videos using a device that had been manufactured outside the state of Oklahoma. Federal prosecutors noted that the interstate nature of the device established federal jurisdiction in the case. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in cooperation with the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police. Austin entered his plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge D. Edward Snow, who ordered the preparation of a pre-sentence investigation report. Austin remains in the custody of the U.S.

Marshals Service while awaiting sentencing.

Drug-related offenses also feature prominently in the recent federal docket.

Michael Wayne Wasson, also known as “Pops,” 64, of Henryetta, entered a guilty plea to one count of Distribution of Methamphetamine, a felony offense punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. Prosecutors alleged that on or about October 19, 2023, Wasson knowingly and willfully distributed a mixture containing methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. The case stemmed from a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. Judge Snow accepted Wasson’s plea and ordered a pre-sentence investigation. Wasson has been remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.

Another Henryetta resident, Caleb Chainey Hensley, 26, also pleaded guilty to a federal methamphetamine distribution charge. According to the indictment, Hensley distributed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on May 13, 2024. Due to the quantity involved, the charge carries a significantly harsher penalty range of ten years to life in prison, along with a possible $10 million fine.

The investigation into Hensley’s activities was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics. His guilty plea was accepted by U.S. Magistrate Judge Gerald L. Jackson, who likewise ordered a pre-sentence investigation report. Hensley remains in federal custody while awaiting sentencing by a U.S. District Court judge.

Violent crime in Indian Country is also reflected in the recent federal cases.

Isaac James Looney, 22, of Okmulgee, pleaded guilty to one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to Do Bodily Harm in Indian Country, an offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Federal authorities allege that Looney assaulted a victim with a dangerous weapon on December 16, 2024, within Okmulgee County and inside the boundaries of the Muscogee Nation Reservation.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Okmulgee Police Department, and the Muscogee Nation Lighthorse Tribal Police Department. U.S. Magistrate Judge Jason A. Robertson accepted Looney’s guilty plea and ordered the completion of a pre-sentence investigation report. Looney will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service until sentencing is determined.

In each of the cases, federal judges will determine final sentences after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Eastern District of Oklahoma represented the United States in the proceedings.