An Osage County judge sentenced a man with ties to organized crime to life in prison for ordering the 2021 murder of a fellow Irish mob member. The Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office and several partner agencies handled the case against Zachary Millard, who had been convicted earlier this month for the slaying of Mitchell Roberts in Tulsa.
A collaborative investigation between the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC), Tulsa Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) discovered that Millard, an inmate at Dick Conner Correctional Center in Hominy, had used a contraband cell phone to orchestrate Roberts’ murder.
Attorney General Gentner Drummond underscored the importance of this case.
"This incident highlights how critical it is to keep contraband from entering correctional facilities,” he said. “When inmates gain access to prohibited items like cell phones, it undermines the safety of both prison staff and the public. We must remain vigilant and continue strengthening our efforts to intercept contraband and hold accountable those who attempt to circumvent prison security measures."
Drummond praised the work of prosecutor Heather Anderson and agents Tom Helm and Marlin Warren. The Attorney General’s Office also partnered with the Osage County District Attorney’s Office to prosecute Millard.
“This conviction sends a strong message that prison gang members will be held accountable for their activities to perpetrate violence inside or outside the prison walls,” said Brett Mize, first assistant district attorney, District 10. “I am grateful for the coordinated efforts in the investigation between the Tulsa Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security along with the meticulous prosecution prepared by Heather Anderson and the Attorney General’s Office. I am proud to have played a role in helping achieve justice for the victim and his family.”
“For years, this violent gang member’s crimes brought fear and devastation to our community, and today justice has finally been served,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard, who oversees that agency’s operations in North Texas and Oklahoma. “HSI is grateful for the tireless work of our partners in law enforcement and the prosecution team from the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office, whose dedication ensured this outcome. We hope this sentencing brings a measure of closure to the victim’s family and loved ones.”
“Investigations such as this highlight why interagency collaboration is essential to protecting public safety. By partnering with our law enforcement counterparts, we enhance our ability to address complex threats, like organized crime, with a unified approach,” stated ODOC Executive Director Steven Harpe. “These partnerships not only strengthen our capacity to safeguard our communities but also push us to innovate and adapt, ensuring we continue to serve Oklahomans and transform the lives of those in our care.”
Millard was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole for the murder charge, 30 years for burglary, one year for conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor, and five years for gang-related offenses. Each count is consecutive, meaning each sentence follows one another and adds to the duration of the sentence.
Six co-defendants, also associated with the Irish mob, have already pleaded guilty to various charges related to this crime: Ryan Scott Luna, Jacob Kyle Shelton, Donald Tippy, Jr., Kacy Ray Delaney, Levi Dalton and Christopher Polhamus. The alleged shooter, Christopher Taylor, passed away before charges could be filed.
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