(From the U. S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma)A man who contacted Ottawa County authorities to report that he sexually abused a minor was sentenced Monday in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Jeremy Brandon Lawhorn, 39, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for the sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country.
On Aug. 19, 2020, Lawhorn contacted the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office to report that he needed to confess to a crime. After being informed of his Miranda rights, he told officers that on Aug. 14, 2020, he touched a 12-year-old minor in a sexual manner. He told officers that he touched the child under her shirt and sweatpants. He understood the contact was unwanted and said he felt sorry for what he’d done.
“Jeremy Lawhorn violated a child’s trust and innocence. Thankfully, the abuse was stopped and this victim was protected from further harm,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “I am grateful for our law enforcement partners and victim advocates who investigate these difficult cases and offer critical support to victims every day in communities across northeastern Oklahoma.”
Lawhorn was originally charged in Ottawa County District Court, but in October 2021, the case was dismissed due to lack of jurisdiction. Lawhorn is a Cherokee Nation citizen, and the crime occurred within the boundaries of the Quapaw Nation reservation. The case was indicted in federal court on Dec. 6, 2021.
The FBI and Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John E. Brasher prosecuted the case.
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