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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.

Trent Trotter receives Teacher Character Award
Main, news...
Trent Trotter receives Teacher Character Award
April 29, 2026
The Professional Oklahoma Educators Foundation celebrated a 25-year milestone on April 10, honoring more than 65 educators, support professionals, and administrators at its Annual Excellence in Educat...
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Rock with a prize
Main, news...
Rock with a prize
April 29, 2026
The Vian Police Department wishes to congratulate the Autumn Owens crew (shown above) for finding the department’s hidden rock during the April 11 rock hunt, sponsored by the Children’s Savehaven Advo...
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Bassmasters tournaments come to Sequoyah County
Main, news...
Bassmasters tournaments come to Sequoyah County
By LYNN ADAMS SPECIAL TO THE NEWS 
April 29, 2026
If a circus needed a ringmaster or a town needed a publicist or if an event needed someone to work a crowd into a frenzy, Gena Crain would be that person. As executive director for the Oklahoma Ozarks...
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Main, news...
Gore Trustees accept vice mayor’s resignation
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
April 29, 2026
The Town of Gore Board of Trustees moved through a full agenda during its April 21 regular meeting, highlighted by the acceptance of Vice Mayor Larry Pack’s resignation and several key personnel and p...
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Stormy Sullivan performs the National Anthem at Drillers game
Main, news...
Stormy Sullivan performs the National Anthem at Drillers game
April 29, 2026
Vian fourth grade student Stormy Sullivan (left), 10, was selected to perform the National Anthem at the Tulsa Drillers game on April 19. Stormy earned this opportunity after an audition process held ...
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A winning design
lifestyle
A winning design
April 29, 2026
Mrs. Smith’s seventh graders at Gore Public Schools completed an engineering design project, building oil derricks out of straws, tape and paper clips. The winning design was completed by Kennedy Duke...
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Editor Picks
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Become a master gardener
April 29, 2026
Are you interested in becoming a master gardener? Join OSU Sequoyah County Extension for a planning meeting at 5:30 p.m. on May 5, at the Sequoyah County Fairgrounds to learn more about the program, e...
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100 AR points earned
lifestyle
100 AR points earned
April 29, 2026
Gore Public Schools wishes to congratulate Tripp Smith (left) and Kaylee Summerlin (right), who earned 100 AR points for the third nine weeks. As a result, each received a $20 gift card to Sonic.
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news
Local author Kasey Marlatt releases The Hour of Atonement
April 29, 2026
A story written years ago has now been brought to life. Kasey Marlatt is proud to share the release of his book, The Hour of Atonement. This milestone marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, a...
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news
OSU Ext. Sallisaw to host open house
April 29, 2026
In celebration of OSU Extension’s 112th anniversary, the OSU Extension office in Sallisaw would like to invite everyone to a come and go event from 1 to 3 p.m., May 5, at the Sequoyah County Courthous...
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Help send Cru and Ty to the World Baseball Classic
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Help send Cru and Ty to the World Baseball Classic
April 29, 2026
An Indian taco dinner will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, May 1, at the Sallisaw Masonic Lodge to help cover travel, tournament fees, gear and other expenses for Cru and Ty Rutherford, represe...
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