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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.

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Pastor now set for January felony disposition docket
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
December 10, 2025
A Vian pastor charged last month with a felony count of lewd molestation in Sequoyah County District Court has now been set for a 2026 felony disposition docket, according to court records. Michael Ma...
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CASC, Vista donate meals during Thanksgiving season
news
CASC, Vista donate meals during Thanksgiving season
By LYNN ADAMS STAFF WRITER 
December 10, 2025
More than 100 Sequoyah County families with unmet needs observed Thanksgiving with a full turkey meal thanks to Carl Albert State College-Sallisaw Campus, in partnership with its Vista Grant Initiativ...
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Northeastern State University announces Rouse as Miss NSU 2026
December 10, 2025
Northeastern State University in Tahlequah has announced Addison Rouse of Fort Gibson, a proud Cherokee Nation citizen, as Miss NSU 2026 following an evening that highlighted student talent, leadershi...
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Webbers Falls students enjoy field trip to hall of fame
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Webbers Falls students enjoy field trip to hall of fame
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Webbers Falls Public School fourth, fifth and sixth grade Gifted & Talented students had a great time on their recent field trip to The Oklahoma Hall of Fame on Nov. 21. The students said there were l...
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William Lee ‘Bill’ Farkas
Obituaries
William Lee ‘Bill’ Farkas
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Oct. 27, 1942 – Nov. 25, 2025 Funeral services for William Lee “Bill” Farkas, 83, of Muldrow, were held at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, at Agent Mallory-Martin Chapel in Muldrow. Burial was at Mitche...
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Harold Willis Lasiter
Obituaries
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Aug. 24, 1954 – Nov. 29, 2025 Memorial services for Retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant Harold Willis Lasiter, 71, of Muldrow, were held at 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, at Agent Mallory Martin Chapel in...
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