Michael Morgan Ellis, Jr., 38, from Wilburton, Oklahoma, has pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to the sexual abuse of a minor. The announcement was made by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
Ellis admitted guilt to three counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country and two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country. Each count of sexual abuse carries a maximum penalty of fifteen years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Each count of abusive sexual contact is punishable by up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to the indictment, Ellis engaged in sex acts and sexual contact with a minor between July 2023 and June 26, 2024. The victim was at least twelve but under sixteen years old and was more than four years younger than Ellis. The offenses occurred in Pittsburg County on the Choctaw Nation Reservation.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, McAlester Police Department, and Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police.
U.S. Magistrate Judge D. Edward Snow accepted Ellis's plea and ordered that a presentence investigation report be prepared. Sentencing will be determined by a U.S. District Court Judge after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal considerations.
Ellis remains in custody with the United States Marshals Service while awaiting sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Wittlinger and Nicole Paladino are prosecuting the case.
