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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.

Honors handed out at Sheriff’s annual dinner, awards banquet
Main, news...
Honors handed out at Sheriff’s annual dinner, awards banquet
January 7, 2026
The Sequoyah County Sheriff ’s Office held its annual Christmas dinner and awards banquet on December 22, bringing together nearly 200 deputies, staff and guests to reflect on the past year and recogn...
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Vian leads county on State School Report Cards
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Vian leads county on State School Report Cards
By JEFF COTNER SPECIAL TO THE NEWS 
January 7, 2026
Vian’s school system showed strong performance at all three levels on the recent State School Report Card for the 2024-25 school year. Vian Middle School’s overall scores ranked first among all Sequoy...
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Main, news...
Gore Trustees approve police hires, pay raises
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
January 7, 2026
The Gore Board of Trustees met on Dec. 16, approving several personnel actions for the police department while tabling decisions on proposed water and sewer rate changes during the Gore Public Works A...
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Main, news...
Two teens injured in two-vehicle crash
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
January 7, 2026
Two teenagers were injured on Dec. 30 in a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Hwy. 64 and County Road S 85th Street East in Muskogee County, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Trooper...
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TPF issues statement for stay in Illinois River Watershed case
January 7, 2026
The Poultry Federation (TPF) released a statement on Dec. 30, by its President, Marvin Childers, regarding the poultry industry’s motion for stay in the Illinois River Watershed case: “TPF supports ef...
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Main, news...
Area schools have room for improvement
By LYNN ADAMS SPECIAL TO THE NEWS 
January 7, 2026
Several schools in Sequoyah County have areas in which they have plenty of room for improvement. The Oklahoma State Department of Education’s Office of Educational Quality and Accountability has relea...
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Man pleads guilty to unlawful reentry in eastern Oklahoma
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
January 7, 2026
A 60-year-old Mexican national unlawfully present in Sequoyah County has pleaded guilty in federal court to unlawfully reentering the United States after a prior removal, according to the U.S. Attorne...
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Sallisaw resident pleads guilty to illegally possessing firearm
January 7, 2026
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Marlina D. Hardbarger, 49, of Sallisaw, entered a guilty plea to one count of felon in possession of firearm, pu...
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Commissioners proclaim county awareness month
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Commissioners proclaim county awareness month
By LYNN ADAMS SpECIAL TO THE REGISTER 
January 7, 2026
Sequoyah County Commissioners have proclaimed January as both Stalking Awareness Month as well as Human Trafficking Month for the county. In advocating for the proclamation, Cindy Smith, an investigat...
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Poteau physician agrees to pay, resolving allegations of CS Act violations
January 7, 2026
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Dr. Jonathan S. Clark, D.O., of Poteau, has agreed to pay $105,000 to settle allegations that he violated the Co...
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Thanks to the Toons
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Thanks to the Toons
January 7, 2026
Marble City School would like to thank the Toons for another wonderful Christmas! Every year, Mr. and Mrs. Toon bless students with not only homemade stockings and bags filled with goodies and gifts, ...
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