Three individuals have pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to drug conspiracy, according to an announcement from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
John Lamar Clayton, 46, and Brian Lee Steele, 45, both of Fort Coffee, Oklahoma, along with Brandon Leal Castro, 34, of Mexico, admitted to one count each of drug conspiracy. Clayton entered his plea on July 16, 2025. Steele and Castro entered their pleas on July 24, 2025.
The indictment alleged that between October and November 14, 2024, the defendants conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of methamphetamine. The offense carries a penalty ranging from ten years to life in prison and a possible $50 million fine.
The case was investigated by several agencies: the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, District 16 Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
“The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the pleas on each defendant and ordered the completion of presentence investigation reports. A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.”
The defendants are being held by the United States Marshals Service while they await sentencing.
“Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Howanitz represented the United States.”
