OKC Standard

Following a two-month initiative called "Operation Sonic Boom," 50 individuals have been charged with various firearms and drug offenses in Oklahoma City. The announcement was made by Robert J. Troester, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma, and Jeff Boshek, Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco, and Explosives (ATF).

Other partners involved include Vicki Behenna, Oklahoma County District Attorney; Ron Bacy, Chief of the Oklahoma City Police Department; Johnny Kuhlman, United States Marshal; Eduardo A. Chávez, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Dallas Field Division; Tim Tipton, Commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety; Donnie Anderson, Director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotic and Dangerous Drugs; and Keith Brown, Executive Director of Texoma High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.

During Operation Sonic Boom, law enforcement seized 193 firearms which included 81 pistols, four revolvers, ten rifles, six shotguns, nine machine guns and 83 machinegun conversion devices (MCDs). Additionally recovered were two 3-D printers used to print MCDs and more than 63 kilograms of drugs with an approximate street value nearing $750,000. The drugs seized comprised 53 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl, 5.2 kilograms of cocaine and 3.8 kilograms of marijuana.

Forty-two defendants have been charged in federal court with offenses including illegal firearms trafficking and conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine among others. Eight defendants face charges in Oklahoma County District Court for crimes such as aggravated trafficking of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

"Operation Sonic Boom has had a resounding impact to make Oklahoma City safer," said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. "This operation alone removes from our streets nearly 200 dangerous firearms and machineguns."

"ATF will remain vigilant and steadfast in our fight against violent crime in Oklahoma City," added ATF Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II.

Vicki Zemp Behenna emphasized that "the invaluable work they did to get these guns and drugs off the streets... will ultimately keep our city safer."

"This operation demonstrates the positive outcomes that can occur when law enforcement agencies work together," said Ron Bacy.

The operation was funded by Texoma HIDTA which supports cooperation strategies among law enforcement agencies targeting drug-related crimes using funding provided by the Office of National Drug Control Policy out of the Executive Office of the President.

The public is reminded that these charges are allegations until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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