A Sallisaw resident, Marlina Dawn Hardbarger, 49, has pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. The announcement was made by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
According to court documents, Hardbarger admitted to possessing a .223-5.56mm caliber semi-automatic rifle on September 10, 2025. She had previously been convicted of a crime that carries a sentence of more than one year in prison and was aware of her prior conviction at the time she possessed the firearm.
The investigation into Hardbarger’s actions was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office.
The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted Hardbarger’s plea and ordered a presentence investigation report.
A U.S. District Court Judge will determine her sentence after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant factors. Hardbarger faces up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Hardbarger will remain in custody with the United States Marshals Service until sentencing.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia Staubus represented the government in this case.
