Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Choctaw Man Sentenced to Serve 8 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Firearm Possession
OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, a federal judge sentenced MATTHEW RAY HUTCHERSON, 32, of Choctaw, to serve 96 months in federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. Federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms or ammunition.
On May 18, 2021, a federal grand jury returned an Indictment against Hutcherson, charging him with one count of being a felon in possession of firearms. Public records reflect that the charge arose after Hutcherson’s ex-girlfriend reported that he pointed a firearm to her head, which led authorities to search his residence for firearms, which they found. On September 8, 2021, Hutcherson pleaded guilty to the Indictment.
At today’s sentencing, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell sentenced Hutcherson to serve 96 months in federal prison. Judge Russell cited, among other things, Hutcherson's criminal history and danger he posed to the community. Public records reflect Hutcherson had convictions for child endangerment and possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute at Oklahoma County case CF-2016-313; child abuse by injury at Cleveland County case CF-2015-2076; and driving under the influence at Cleveland County case CF-2018-1323. Hutcherson also has a long history of domestic abuse, and has previously been subject to six different protective orders filed in Oklahoma County, including by his grandmother, mother, and ex-girlfriends. Judge Russell also sentenced Hutcherson to serve three years of supervised release upon his release from federal prison.
This case is the result of an investigation by the United States Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorneys Stan West and Chelsie Pratt prosecuted the case.
This case is part of "Operation 922," the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of Project Safe Neighborhood, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. "Operation 922" prioritizes prosecution of federal crimes connected to domestic violence. For more information about "Operation 922", visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdok/project-safe-neighborhood-psn.
Reference is made to public filings for more information.