MUSKOGEE –Federal prosecutors have charged an Oklahoma State Penitentiary inmate and more than a dozen other people in a drug conspiracy involving the widespread distribution of meth in Oklahoma.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Muskogee announced federal indictments Thursday naming 17 people, including 35-year-old Cody McClendon of Tahlequah, an alleged Indian Brotherhood gang member currently housed at the state prison in McAlester.
Prosecutors allege McClendon used a contraband cellphone from inside the prison to coordinate the meth distribution ring. Those indicted are accused of promoting a `climate of fear through threats of violence’ to protect and expand the drug operation.
McClendon’s attorney didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Those arrested and being charged in Muskogee County are:
- Cody McClendon, age 35, of Tahlequah
- Michael Lincoln, age 39, of Tulsa,
- Amber Chaphan, age 33, of Stilwell
- Donald Trammel, age 40, of Tahlequah
- Samantha Smith, age 21, of Muskogee
- Teresa Chagolla, age 54, of Tahlequah
- Jacob Horton Masters Jr., age 54, of Tulsa
- Nathan Rowden Green, age 27, of Hulbert
- Dusty Allen Drywater, age 33, of Tahlequah
- Ashley Noel Steele, age 29, of Tahlequah
- Jimmy W. Sequichie Jr., age 24, of Tahlequah
- Regina Ann Ballard, age 37, of Stilwell
- Matilda Kay Birdtail, age 20, of Tahlequah
- Frederic Petersen Beck Jr., age 53, of Tahlequah
- Gary Wayne Wilder, age 35, of Tahlequah
- Brenda Aileen Airington, age 54, of Kellyville
- Bryan Steven Lafavor, age 34, of Checotah