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September 14, 2006

Federal grand jury criminal indictments announced

A federal grand jury handed down a number of indictments Thursday, including indictments involving at least three area residents, said U.S. Attorney Sheldon J. Sperling.

Steven Blaine Rooks, 36, of Muskogee was indicted on a charge of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm affecting interstate commerce.

Charges arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Rooks was found to be in possession of a Revelation 20-gauge shotgun. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison and/or up to $250,000 in fines.

John Charles Poole, 44, of Cherokee County, was indicted on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country, assimilated assault and battery domestic violence in the presence of a minor, false statement, assault with intent to commit murder, and two counts of attempting to influence testimony of a witness. Charges arose from an investigation by the FBI and the Cherokee Nation Marshals Service. Poole is accused of allegedly striking, beating, kicking and choking his pregnant victim, resulting in serious bodily injury in the presence of a minor child. He also is also alleged to have made a false, fictitious and fraudulent statement and representation to law enforcement agents.

Following the original indictment in June, Poole tried to influence the testimony of two separate witnesses in the case.

Winfred James Grigsby, 70, of Stilwell was indicted on a charge of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country. Charges arose from an investigation by the Cherokee Nation Marshals Service and the FBI. Grigsby allegedly engaged in a sexual act with a person under the age of 12. If convicted, Grigsby faces up to life in prison and/or up to $250,000 in fines.

Federal prison sentences are non-parolable.

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