Muldrow man pleads guilty to federal gun charges

A 35-year-old Muldrow man faces up to 30 years in federal prison after pleading guilty this week to firearms-related charges in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

Joseph C. Riddle entered a guilty plea to two counts, felon in possession of ammunition and felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

According to court documents, Riddle was found in possession of multiple firearms and various types of ammunition, despite a prior felony conviction that legally prohibited him from owning or possessing any guns or ammunition.

Prosecutors said that on Jan. 6, 2025, Riddle was in possession of one round of .45ACP caliber ammunition, 18 rounds of .380ACP ammunition, and a single .22 caliber round. Further investigation revealed that between January 17 and August 2024, Riddle also possessed a .22 caliber pump-action rifle, a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, a 6.5 Creedmoor bolt-action rifle, and 15 rounds of 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition.

The charges stemmed from a joint investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Gerald L. Jackson accepted Riddle’s plea and ordered a pre-sentence investigation. Riddle has been remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service as he awaits sentencing, which will be determined by a U.S. District Court Judge based on federal sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lewis M. Reagan is prosecuting the case.