A resident of Johnston County, Lance Alden Whelchel, 30, from Wapanucka, Oklahoma, has pleaded guilty to failing to register as a sex offender. The announcement was made by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
According to the indictment, Whelchel was previously convicted of sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country within the Eastern District of Oklahoma on May 24, 2023. As a result of this conviction, he was required to register as a sex offender. However, from July 5, 2024, until September 12, 2024, he failed to comply with this requirement despite entering and residing in Indian Country within the same district.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Harris County Texas Sheriff’s Office. The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted Whelchel's plea and has ordered a presentence investigation report to be completed. Until sentencing is finalized, Whelchel will remain in custody under the supervision of the United States Marshals Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Wittlinger represented the United States in this case.
