MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma reported that Derek Michael James, 41, from Durant, Oklahoma, has pleaded guilty to a charge of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. This offense carries a potential penalty of up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to the indictment, James committed the assault on January 27, 2025. The incident took place in Bryan County within the Choctaw Nation Reservation's boundaries in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department. The plea was accepted by U.S. Magistrate Judge Jason A. Robertson at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. A presentence investigation report has been ordered.
A U.S. District Court Judge will decide on James's sentence after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Until sentencing, James will remain under the custody of the United States Marshals Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan E. Soverly and Patrick M. Flanigan are representing the United States in this case.
