Isael Antonio Ortiz, 27, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced on July 27 to 120 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction and witness tampering, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester on July 31.
According to public records, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department responded on October 14, 2024, to a report of an assault with a dangerous weapon outside a local business. The victim reported that Ortiz struck the victim’s vehicle and broke the driver’s-side window before revealing a long-barrel firearm from his pants. After noticing a surveillance camera, Ortiz fled but was later located at his residence by officers who executed a search warrant and recovered the firearm.
While in custody following his arrest, Ortiz attempted multiple times to influence a witness by making phone calls, sending text messages, and communicating through third parties. Specifically, he sought to have the witness falsely claim ownership of the firearm and state that Ortiz did not know it was present in the residence.
A federal grand jury charged Ortiz on January 6 with being a felon in possession of a firearm and witness tampering. He was found guilty on both counts by a federal jury on February 10. At sentencing before U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick, factors such as protecting the public and providing deterrence were cited for imposing the sentence. The court also noted that Ortiz brandished a firearm during the incident and has prior felony convictions including eluding police officers; use of vehicle in discharge of weapon; drive-by shooting; illegal possession of firearms; rioting; attempted arson; and malicious injury or destruction to property.
This case resulted from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Oklahoma City Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Laney Ellis—an attorney assigned from the City of Oklahoma City—and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary E. Walters prosecuted this case as part of ongoing efforts between agencies to address violent crime within Oklahoma City.
The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma is part of the United States Department of Justice covering 40 counties across western and central parts of Oklahoma while advancing public safety through enforcement initiatives such as Project Safe Neighborhoods and Project Safe Childhood, according to its official website.