United States Attorney
Eastern District of Oklahoma

March 31, 2009

BENNINGTON RESIDENT PLEADS GUILTY TO EMBEZZLEMENT AND THEFT FROM INDIAN TRIBAL ORGANIZATION

SUBJECT: HICKS, James Earl

MUSKOGEE, OK—Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, announced today that JAMES EARL HICKS, age 28, of Bennington, Oklahoma, pled guilty to Embezzlement and Theft From an Indian Tribal Organization in violation of Title 18, Section 1163.

“Charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation,” stated U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling.  “HICKS was indicted in February 2009.”
“From on about February, 2004, until in or about August, 2004, HICKS embezzled, stole, and knowingly converted to his own use moneys, funds, securities, premiums, credits, property, and other assets belonging to the Choctaw Nation, an Indian tribal organization,” noted U.S. Attorney Sperling.

“The Honorable Kimberly E. West, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the defendant’s guilty plea and ordered completion of a presentence report.  Sentencing will be scheduled following its completion.  The defendant remains in the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending sentencing.”

“The statutory range of punishment is up to 5 years imprisonment and/or up to $250,000.00 in fines,” stated U.S. Attorney Sperling.  “A preliminary calculation of the Sentencing Guidelines, projects an advisory sentencing range of 0-6 months imprisonment.”

“Assistant United States Attorney Linda Epperley represented the United States.”