logo
Login Subscribe
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Public Notices
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Public Notices
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
Google Play App Store
Main, news
August 7, 2024
Bias handed 30-year sentence for child sexual abuse, exploitation
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor,

Gregory N. Bias, 41, of Tahlequah, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for a series of serious child sex abuse and exploitation crimes.

The sentencing, delivered by Chief U.S. District Judge Ronald A. White, includes 360-month terms for multiple counts of aggravated sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of two children, as well as additional sentences for related offenses.

Bias’s extensive criminal activities, which involved the abuse and exploitation of children, were uncovered following a January 2022 arrest. This followed an alert from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) about illicit files being shared by an internet user in the Tahlequah area. Subsequent investigations by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) revealed disturbing evidence of Bias’s crimes.

The evidence showed Bias not only abused children but also distributed and possessed illegal materials related to child sexual abuse. Alongside these charges, Bias was also convicted for possessing a firearm unlawfully, due to prior felony convictions.

On January 18, 2023, Bias pleaded guilty to 18 counts of the indictment.

His co-defendant, Leiloni B. Smith, 30, of Tahlequah and formerly of Vian, was found guilty by a federal jury on March 21, 2024, of eight counts of aggravated child sexual abuse among other charges. Smith is currently awaiting sentencing while in the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service.

U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson commended the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local agencies, highlighting the case as a significant step in safeguarding children and delivering justice. “This case underscores the relentless efforts of law enforcement to ensure that those who commit such heinous acts are held accountable,” Wilson stated.

The sentencing reflects the commitment of Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative aimed at combating child exploitation and abuse. As Bias begins his non-paroleable sentence, law enforcement continues to urge the public to report any information related to child exploitation to appropriate authorities.

Burnin’ Down Main Street winners announced
A: Main, news...
Burnin’ Down Main Street winners announced
November 19, 2025
Organizers of the 8th annual Burnin’ Down Main Street event, which was held Nov. 8 in downtown Vian, have announced the winners of this year’s burn out and car show entries. Each winner received a tro...
this is a test
A: Main, news...
Gore man pleads guilty to federal firearm charge
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
November 19, 2025
A Gore man has pleaded guilty in federal court to possessing a firearm after a previous domestic violence conviction, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced last wee...
this is a test
A: Main, news...
Board of Education candidate filing begins December 1
November 19, 2025
Candidate filing for Board of Education seats in Sequoyah County school districts begins Monday, Dec.1, and will continue through Dec. 3. Those who wish to file for a Board of Education office must su...
this is a test
Ellen English
Obituaries
Ellen English
November 19, 2025
June 1, 1950 – Nov. 10, 2025 Ellen English, 75, of Lake Tenkiller, died on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, in Roland. She was born on June 1, 1950, in Cheyenne, Wyo., to Lawrence B. Whitaker and Betty (Haug) W...
this is a test
Joe Stephenson
Obituaries
Joe Stephenson
November 19, 2025
Joe Stephenson, 59, of Gore, died on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, in Fort Smith, Ark. He was born on Jan. 21, 1966, in Palmdale, Calif., to Carl Stephenson and Christine (Haley) Carney. No formal service i...
this is a test
Gary Joe Christie
Obituaries
Gary Joe Christie
November 19, 2025
Feb. 8, 1970 – Nov. 5, 2025 Funeral services for Gary Joe Christie, 55, of Sallisaw, were held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, at the House of Praise in Marble City. Burial was at Marble City Ceme...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
James Richard ‘Dick’ Ater
Obituaries
James Richard ‘Dick’ Ater
November 19, 2025
Feb. 19, 1945 – Nov. 11, 2025 James Richard “Dick” Ater, 80, of Sallisaw, died on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, in Roland. He was born on Feb. 19, 1945, in Decatur, Ill., to Emma Mae (Clements) Ater and Lel...
this is a test
Sharon Kay Croffid Morris
Obituaries
Sharon Kay Croffid Morris
November 19, 2025
Nov. 23, 1943 – Nov. 9, 2025 Graveside services for Sharon Kay (Croffid) Morris, 81, of Sallisaw, were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, at Marble City Cemetery under the direction of Agent Ma...
this is a test
Clarence Youngblood
Obituaries
Clarence Youngblood
November 19, 2025
May 16, 1925 – Nov. 4, 2025 Funeral services for Clarence Youngblood, 100, of Muldrow, were at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, at Trinity Methodist Church in Muldrow. Burial followed at 1 p.m. at the U...
this is a test
Irene Jones Menie
Obituaries
Irene Jones Menie
November 19, 2025
May 3, 1928 – Nov. 8, 2025 Funeral services for Irene (Jones) Menie, 97, of Webbers Falls were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Epic New Life Church in Gore. Burial was at Vaught Cemetery in...
this is a test
Evelynn McCormack
Obituaries
Evelynn McCormack
November 19, 2025
April 1, 1934 – Nov. 12, 2025 McClain. She died on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. She married Millard W. McCormack on July 31, 1953. In 1979, they moved to Sallisaw and purchased the Sears Catalog Store, s...
this is a test
Facebook
Twitter
Tweets
Twitter
Tweets

VIAN TENKILLER NEWS
Address: 603 W. Schley Vian, Oklahoma
Phone:+1 918-773-8000

news@bigbasinllc.com

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Vian Tenkiller News

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy