Robert J. "Bob" Troester U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma
Austin Garrett Reeves, a 28-year-old resident of Norman, Oklahoma, has pleaded guilty to arson in Indian Country and illegal possession of firearms after previously being convicted of felonies. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
Court documents show that on August 22, 2025, the McClain County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department (LHPD) responded to a burglary at a deputy's home in Washington, Oklahoma. The deputy reported that a handgun had been stolen from a family vehicle. Authorities found Reeves’ vehicle near the scene and arrested him nearby. He was released from Grady County Jail later that day.
In the early hours of August 23, law enforcement responded to a fire at the same residence. Surveillance footage captured Reeves using gasoline to set fire to two personal vehicles and an MCSO patrol car parked at the home. The fire spread from the patrol car to other vehicles and then to the house itself. Reeves sustained burns before fleeing; however, all residents escaped unharmed.
Reeves was arrested later that day at his Norman home following a standoff with police. Officers observed he had significant burns on his left abdomen and recovered two firearms as well as items related to burglary and arson from his bedroom and vehicle.
On February 3, 2026, prosecutors charged Reeves with arson in Indian Country and being a felon in possession of firearms through Superseding Information filings.
Public records indicate Reeves has prior felony convictions in Cleveland County District Court for actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence (case CF-20-937), as well as driving under the influence of alcohol (cases CF-20-752 and CF-21-1175).
On February 24, 2026, Reeves entered his guilty plea: "he willfully and maliciously set fire to two vehicles and a home, jeopardizing the lives of those inside," admitting also "he knowingly possessed a firearm despite his previous felony convictions."
Federal jurisdiction applies because Reeves is enrolled in the Cherokee Nation and committed these crimes within Chickasaw Nation territory.
If convicted at sentencing, Reeves could face up to life imprisonment along with fines reaching $500,000.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation; MCSO; LHPD; Newcastle Police Department; and Washington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon along with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela Ganote are prosecuting this case.
Further details can be found in public court filings.
