June 1, 2025

logo
google_play
app_store
Login Subscribe
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinions
  • Sports
  • E-edition
    • Special Sections
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinions
    • Sports
    • E-edition
      • Special Sections
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
Joint
A: Main, Main, News
April 6, 2025

Joint operation leads to arrest of pastor, sex offender, former officer and contractor

By Amie Cato-Remer Editor 

Numerous arrests have been made following a multi-agency operation to locate individuals suspected to be involved in sex trafficking, according to a press release issued on Wednesday by District 27 District Attorney Jack Thorp.

Thorp said the effort required the cooperation of many law enforcement agencies across eastern Oklahoma, including the Sallisaw Police Department. Other agencies included the District 27 Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Response Unit, Westville and Stilwell Police Departments, Northeastern State University Police Department, Le-Flore County Sheriff’s Office, Locust Grove Police Department, as well as officers from the Springdale Police Department.

“It is very encouraging to see all of these dedicated law enforcement officers come together in an effort to curtail these terrible crimes,” Thorp said.

Prior to beginning the operation, officers received additional training on multiple aspects of sex trafficking, including ways to assess and analyze social media posts for indicators of sex trafficking behavior and how to identify potential suspects or victims.

The joint operation was then conducted at a hotel in Tahlequah. In a single day, at least four people were arrested, including a convicted sex offender, pastor, former police officer, and an individual who worked as a contractor for the U.S. military.

In addition to those arrests, a trafficking victim was located and victim advocates were able to speak with her and offer assistance.

“While it is disturbing that sex trafficking is so prevalent throughout our communities, I am incredibly proud of how well each of the law enforcement agencies were able to work together with a common goal,” Thorp said. “As these officers conduct additional operations in the future, I am confident we can begin to curb this cycle of abuse, arrest many of those involved in trafficking, and get justice for their victims.”

this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"newsletter":"Newsletter", "sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Cybersecurity disagreement sparks question of commitment to county assessor’s success
A: Main, Main, News
Cybersecurity disagreement sparks question of commitment to county assessor’s success
By Lynn Adams Staff Writer 
May 29, 2025
For much of the past nine months, the Sequoyah County Commissioners have expressed their confidence in and expectations for success from County Assessor Brandy Dobbs. “We want you to have what you nee...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Pastor set to appear before judge
A: Main, Main, News
Pastor set to appear before judge
By Amie Cato-Remer Editor 
May 29, 2025
A Sallisaw pastor charged with lewd or indecent proposals to a child under the age of 16 in Sequoyah County District Court following allegations made against him in 2023, has now been scheduled for a ...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Homeless woman who exposed herself set for docket
A: Main, Main, News
Homeless woman who exposed herself set for docket
By Amie Cato-Remer Editor 
May 29, 2025
A homeless woman who reportedly exposed herself to others at Moffett School has now been scheduled for an August 6 felony disposition docket in Sequoyah County District Court. Destiny M. Seladones, 27...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Theresa Cunningham
A: Main, Just Folks, Main, ...
JUST FOLKS
Theresa Cunningham
Price
By JADE PHILLIPS TIMES INTERN 
May 29, 2025
Theresa Cunningham, 42, is a mother of five who has spent just over 20 years working and being a part of Sequoyah County. Originally from Arizona, she grew up a city girl but that changed after she ma...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Fishing Report for May 28, 2025
Sports
Fishing Report for May 28, 2025
May 29, 2025
EUFAULA: May 23. Elevation is 7.5 feet above normal and falling. The water temperature is 60 degrees and murky. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, jerk baits and...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Hamilton commends governor for signing SB 599 into law
News
Hamilton commends governor for signing SB 599 into law
May 29, 2025
Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, issued the following statement after Governor Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 599 into law over the weekend. Senate Bill 599 strengthens Oklahoma’s legal response to ...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}


ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
google_play
app_store

Editor Picks
Johnston wins
Sequoyah County history
THIS WEEK IN COUNTY HISTORY
Johnston wins
— Sequoyah County Democrat, May 29, 1925
May 29, 2025
25 Years Ago —The City of Vian is almost ready to begin construction of a new sewer plant, Scott Neel, project engineer with P. Doug Harvell & Associates in Sallisaw, said construction of the plant sh...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Golden Eagles fall in Summit League title game
Sports
ORU BASEBALL
Golden Eagles fall in Summit League title game
By ORU MEDIA RELATIONS 
May 29, 2025
OMAHA, Neb. — The Oral Roberts University Golden Eagles fought their way back to force the winner-takeall title game in the 2025 Summit League Tournament, but they ultimately came up short. After losi...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Lawsuit against Walters, Department of Education seeks transparency
News, School News
Lawsuit against Walters, Department of Education seeks transparency
By TED STREULI | OKLAHOMA WATCH 
May 29, 2025
Democracy dies in darkness. Keeping the public's business public. Sunshine is the best disinfectant. You've heard the transparency catchphrases. Here's how it plays out in real life. Oklahoma Watch an...
this is a test
In loving memory of Baylee
Letters To The Editor
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
In loving memory of Baylee
May 29, 2025
Dear Editor, Our hearts are broken, and our lives forever changed with the loss of our beloved Baylee in a tragic accident. While navigating this overwhelming loss, our family has been deeply moved by...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Mark your calendar
Calendar, News
Mark your calendar
May 29, 2025
Announcements of upcoming events for non-profit organizations and events in Sequoyah County may be delivered to Your TIMES in several different ways. They may be mailed to or hand delivered to Your TI...
this is a test{"epopulate_editorials":"Epopulate"}{"sequoyah-county-times":"Sequoyah County Times"}
Facebook

SEQUOYAH COUNTY TIMES
111 N. Oak
Sallisaw OK
74955

918.775.4433

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Sequoyah County Times

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy