Robert J. "Bob" Troester U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma
LARRY DAVID WELCH, 30, and JACOB LEE MADISON, 24, both residents of Oklahoma City, have been sentenced to a combined total of more than 12 years in federal prison for illegal possession of firearms following prior felony convictions. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
Court records indicate that on April 7, 2025, officers from the Oklahoma City Police Department responded to reports of a shooting at an apartment complex. Investigators determined that Welch and Madison had fired weapons during a dispute with neighbors before fleeing the scene. The two were later found hiding in a residential backyard shed without permission to be there. Police recovered the firearms used in the incident shortly after locating the suspects.
On May 6, 2025, both men were charged by a federal Grand Jury with being felons in possession of a firearm.
Welch has multiple previous felony convictions, including injuring or burning a public building; possession of a firearm after former felony conviction; endangering others while eluding police; unauthorized use of a vehicle; second degree burglary; knowingly receiving or concealing stolen property; unlawful possession of a controlled drug with intent to distribute; and committing a felony with a firearm with defaced identification numbers.
Madison also has prior felony convictions.
Both Welch and Madison pleaded guilty on July 16, 2025, admitting they possessed firearms despite their criminal records.
During sentencing hearings held today, U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones II ordered Welch to serve 96 months and Madison to serve 58 months in federal prison. Both will also be subject to three years of supervised release following their sentences. Judge Jones stated: "the seriousness of the offenses and the need for deterrence."
The case was investigated by the Oklahoma City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Laney Ellis prosecuted the case as part of her role funded through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime through coordinated efforts among law enforcement agencies and community organizations.
This prosecution falls under “Operation Shots Fired,” which is part of PSN’s initiative in the Western District of Oklahoma focused on reducing gun violence by targeting individuals who discharge firearms during criminal activities such as shootings related to disputes or robberies.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
