United States Attorney Sheldon J. (Shelly) Sperling Eastern District of Oklahoma March 26, 2008 CONTACT: Bob Troester                 (918)684-5100

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that COKE DOUGLAS MAKERNEY, age 48, of Sawyer, Oklahoma, was sentenced for Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 242.

"MAKERNEY was sentenced to 96 months imprisonment, 36 months supervised release, and ordered to pay a Special Assessment of $100.00," stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling. "The defendant was also ordered to pay $958.47 restitution."

"Charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Choctaw County Sheriff's Office," stated U.S. Attorney Sperling. "MAKERNEY was indicted on November 7, 2007 and pled guilty on November 29, 2007."

"MAKERNEY was the Police Chief of Sawyer, Oklahoma. While acting under color of law, that is, as a law enforcement officer, he sexually assaulted a female motorist. The defendant deprived the victim of her rights and privileges which are protected and secured by the Constitution and laws of the United States. Traffic arrestees have the right not to be deprived of liberty without due process of law, which includes the right to bodily integrity. This assault involved aggravated sexual abuse - the federal equivalent of rape - and resulted in bodily injury," continued U.S. Attorney Sperling.

"The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over today's sentencing. Judge White ordered the defendant to remain in the custody of the United States Marshal Service to begin serving his sentence.

"Assistant United States Attorney Paul G. Hess represented the United States."