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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.

CN awarded nearly $773,000 for Illinois River Watershed conservation planning
Main, news...
CN awarded nearly $773,000 for Illinois River Watershed conservation planning
February 4, 2026
The Cherokee Nation will receive $772,914 from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to develop a comprehensive conservation and restoration plan for the Illinois River Watershed. The funding awar...
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Main, news...
Arrest warrant issued in Peeping Tom offense
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
February 4, 2026
A Vian man has been accused of taking non-consensual photographs of a juvenile and is facing a Peeping Tom charge following an investigation by law enforcement. An arrest warrant has been issued for K...
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Town of Gore opens winter warming stations
Main, news...
Town of Gore opens winter warming stations
February 4, 2026
As winter weather settles into the area, the Town of Gore has opened warming shelters and is urging residents to use caution on area roadways while looking out for vulnerable neighbors. Town officials...
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Eagle tours at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge
February 4, 2026
Eagle Tours at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Vian are scheduled for February 7, 14, 21 and 28, and March 7. For more info, call the Refuge at 918-773-5251.
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Main, news...
Webb faces charge after $97,000 seized in I-40 traffic stop
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
February 4, 2026
An Oklahoma City man is scheduled to appear Wednesday on a felony disposition docket in Sequoyah County District Court following a traffic stop that resulted in the seizure of nearly $98,000 in cash. ...
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Vian’s Drew earns All-State Choir honors, solo performance
Main, news...
Vian’s Drew earns All-State Choir honors, solo performance
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
February 4, 2026
Vian High School freshman Isaiah Drew has achieved a major musical milestone, earning a coveted spot in the Oklahoma Choral Directors Association (OCDA) All State Choir and being selected as a feature...
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Early voting begins February 5
February 4, 2026
Early voting begins Thursday, February 5, for voters in Sequoyah County. Voters who will not be able to make it to the polls on Election Day, have the option of voting early at their County Election B...
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Foundation announces $20,000 STEM scholarship for college students
February 4, 2026
The Ragland Family Education Foundation is excited to announce that the application process for its $20,000 scholarship program is now open. The scholarship is aimed at supporting students pursuing hi...
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2026 Sequoyah County 4-H events
February 4, 2026
Feb. 7 - Horse and Dog Communications Contest. Feb. 27 - March 1 - Innovate Leadership Summit. March 7 - Rising Leaders Conference. March 28-29 - Shooting Sports instructor training. April 22 - Oklaho...
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Bill seeks to reduce guardrails on alligator ownership, breeding
By BARBARA HOBEROCK OKLAHOMA VOICE 
February 4, 2026
OKLAHOMA CITY – Alligators could be raised as pets and for food under an Oklahoma bill pending before lawmakers. Senate Bill 2087, by Sen. Jonathan Wingard, R-Ada, would allow the raising of alligator...
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Sequoyah County Jr. Livestock Show schedule announced
February 4, 2026
The 61st annual Sequoyah County Junior Livestock Show will be held Feb. 4 and 5, with the Premium Sale taking place on Feb. 6 at the Sequoyah County Fairgrounds. The annual event is a standing traditi...
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