Joe Clay Harris, a 40-year-old resident of Boswell, Oklahoma, has been sentenced to 56 months in prison. The sentence includes one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The sentences will be served concurrently.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives together with the Hugo Police Department.
Harris pleaded guilty to the charges on December 2, 2024. Investigators reported that law enforcement, executing a search warrant on April 6, 2024, found Harris in possession of methamphetamine, digital scales, and multiple small plastic baggies typically used for packaging illegal drugs. Additionally, a .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle and five rounds of .22 caliber ammunition were confiscated. Harris has a prior conviction for a crime that carries a sentence of over one year.
The hearing was overseen by Chief U.S. District Judge Ronald A. White at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. Harris remains in custody awaiting transfer to a United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve his sentence, which is not eligible for parole.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard J. Lorenz represented the United States in this case.
