U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester | U.S. Department of Justice
RONALD LADALE ATCHISON, JR., 37, from Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for illegal firearm possession following a prior felony conviction. This was announced by U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On March 5, 2024, Atchison was charged by a federal grand jury with being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to public records, on January 29, 2024, officers from the Oklahoma City Police Department responded to a shooting incident in the northeast Metro area. At the scene, they found a wrecked vehicle and two victims; one had been shot in the neck. The victims reported being chased by a dark-colored SUV whose driver fired multiple gunshots at them. The victim with the gunshot wound received hospital treatment. Later that evening, law enforcement located the suspect SUV and arrested its driver, Atchison. Inside the vehicle were a handgun and various drugs including marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl pills.
Atchison pleaded guilty on May 29, 2024, admitting to unlawfully possessing a firearm despite his criminal record.
During sentencing on November 13, 2024, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick imposed the maximum sentence of 180 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Wyrick cited Atchison’s disregard for the law and his extensive criminal history as reasons for the sentence. Records show Atchison's past convictions include domestic abuse by strangulation and drug-related offenses.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew E. Davis prosecuted this case.
This case is part of “Operation Shots Fired,” which targets individuals involved in criminal activities involving firearms discharge.
For further information about Project Safe Neighborhoods visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok.
Reference is made to public filings for additional details.
