Latest news with #OklahomaComputerCrimesAct
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Yahoo
Tecumseh man arrested on child pornography charges
TECUMSEH, Okla. (KFOR) – According to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, a Tecumseh man has been arrested on multiple child pornography charges. Officials say on April 8, 2025, the Bixby Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children Unit received a tip regarding images of child sexual abuse material. LOCAL NEWS: Update: Temporary stay granted to Oklahoma death row inmate John Hanson The investigation led authorities to 34-year-old Zachary Lippoldt. On May 21, 2025, the Tecumseh Police Department and Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office served a search warrant at his home in Tecumseh. Lippoldt later admitted to downloading child sexual abuse material. Based on the evidence gathered during the investigation, he was arrested and booked into the Pottawatomie County Jail on a $200,000 bond. Lippoldt is facing 15 counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material and one count of Violation of the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act. The investigation is still ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Yahoo
Hugo man arrested in child abuse material investigation
HUGO, Okla. (KFOR) – The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations (OSBI) special agents confirm one person is in custody for possessing child sexual abuse material in Hugo, Oklahoma. According to OSBI, the investigation identified online user 41-year-old Adam Joseph Johns. Authorities say Johns was employed at the elephant sanctuary in Hugo, Oklahoma, at the time. On June 5, 2025, authorities, alongside the McCurtain County Sheriff's Office, executed a search warrant to obtain Johns' electronic devices. Strong storms once again bring flooding, lightning and high winds to central Oklahoma Police say Johns admitted to downloading and uploading child sexual abuse material. Johns is currently booked into the Choctaw County Jail on charges of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material and Violation of the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Yahoo
Oklahoma woman — posing as a man — scammed 4 seniors out of a stunning $1,500,000, officials say
In December 2024, a man named Jason Morris persuaded his online girlfriend — a senior woman living in Oklahoma — to send him $120,000 to bring an oil vessel he supposedly owned back to shore. Once the tanker returned, Morris promised, the couple would move in together. When the woman's bank held the funds, likely over fraud concerns, Morris allegedly instructed her to lie — to tell the bank she was buying property, not funding a massive maritime rescue. But Oklahoma officials say there was no oil rig, and there was no Jason Morris. I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how According to authorities, the man behind the screen was actually 53-year-old Christine Joan Echohawk. The fake romance was part of a months-long scam that dispossessed four women between the ages of 64 and 79 of $1.5 million. According to a news release from Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, Echohawk created multiple online personas — Jason Morris, Edward Lotts and Glenn Goadard among them — to manipulate her victims into believing they were in committed relationships. Each alias came with an elaborate backstory and an urgent financial need. One woman sold her paid-off home to send more than $600,000 to 'Edward Lotts,' who promised to unlock a $2 million payout and move in with her once the funds were released. Another woman sent $250,000 to 'Glenn Goadard,' who claimed he needed help managing a financial portfolio from Syria. All of the money, officials say, ended up in bank accounts controlled by Echohawk. Authorities allege she laundered the funds through multiple accounts, converting some into cryptocurrency and sending it to unidentified recipients. She also received checks, wire transfers and tens of thousands of dollars in Apple gift cards. The scam fell apart in January 2025 when MidFirst Bank flagged a suspicious $120,000 transaction. The Consumer Protection Unit within Drummond's office launched an investigation and linked the payment — and several others — to Echohawk. Echohawk first claimed she was also a victim, reports NBC News. However, when investigators searched her purse, they found multiple bank cards tied to accounts related to the scams, gift cards, and deposit slips for $110,000. Echohawk now faces four counts of unlawful use of criminal proceeds and one count of violating the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act. If convicted, she could spend up to 62 years in prison and face $260,000 in fines. 'I applaud the work of my Consumer Protection Unit to fight for these victims and to hold accountable their alleged perpetrator," Drummond said in the press release. Read more: The US stock market's 'fear gauge' has exploded — but this 1 'shockproof' asset is up 14% and helping American retirees stay calm. Here's how to own it ASAP According to the FBI, romance scams — also called confidence scams — often target individuals who believe they're in a relationship with someone they've met online. Scammers use emotion, trust and manipulation to convince their victims to send money, gift cards or personal information. Here are a few ways to protect yourself or loved ones from romance scams: Never send money to someone you haven't met in person. No matter how close the relationship feels, treat financial requests from online-only connections with extreme skepticism. Research online friends or partners. Use online searches to verify their image, name or other details, and see if they've been used in other scams Be wary of dramatic backstories. Stories involving oil rigs, military deployments or large inheritances are common red flags that you're being scammed. Don't share personal financial information. Scammers may ask for bank details or offer to send you money — don't fall for it. Watch for inconsistencies. Romance scammers often use stolen photos and recycled scripts. If their story seems too good to be true, it probably is. Listen to warnings. If your bank or another trusted financial advisor warns you of a scam, take a step back. These scams are often very elaborate — designed to trick you. Talk to someone you trust if you're suspicious. If you're unsure about a relationship, confide in a trusted friend or family member. Outside perspectives can help spot red flags you might miss. With awareness and the right amount of skepticism, you can help ensure you and your loved ones don't fall victim to a romance scam. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Yahoo
Midwest City man arrested on multiple charges of alleged child pornography
MIDWEST CITY, Okla. (KFOR) — On Thursday, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) arrested a man on multiple alleged child pornography charges. OSBI's Internet Crimes Against Children Unit (ICAC) received an online cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) back in August of 2024. During the investigation, special agents with OSBI were able to identify the alleged suspect as 18-year-old Andrew Thibeault. According to OSBI, on April 10, 2025, a search warrant was served at Thibeault's home in Midwest City by the OSBI ICAC Unit, the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office, the Oklahoma County District Attorney's Office, and the Oklahoma City Community College Police Department. The evidence gathered during the search warrant process led to Thibeault's arrest, he was booked into the Oklahoma County Jail on charges of Child Exploitation and Violation of the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act. OSBI says this is an ongoing investigation. Anyone who suspects a child is being sexually exploited is asked to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-LOST or by submitting an online tip here. You can also contact OSBI's Internet Crimes Against Children Unit at (800) 522-8017 or by emailing tips@ Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Yahoo
Former Tillman County Jail administrator accused of embezzlement
TILLMAN COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL) — Agents with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations arrested the former chief of security at the Tillman County Jail after a multi-agency investigation into allegations of embezzlement. According to officials with OSBI, Frederick Houck, 42, was arrested and booked into the Tillman County Jail on complaints of embezzlement and violating the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act. OSBI officials said formal charges are pending from the Tillman County District Attorney's Office. According to OSBI officials, the Tillman County Sheriff's Office asked the OSBI to investigate allegations of embezzlement at the jail. LOCAL CRIME: Manslaughter charges filed in fatal Vernon crash OSBI officials said special agents were notified that one of the jail accounts had insufficient funds, and as investigators reviewed information and evidence, they identified Houck, the former Chief of Security at the Tillman County Jail, as a suspect. According to OSBI, Houck was interviewed on April 7, 2025, and based on the evidence and information special agents obtained from their investigation, they arrested him. No further details have been released by OSBI at this time. OSBI said the Tillman County Sheriff's Office, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, the Mangum Police Department, and the Altus Police Department all assisted in the 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
