Mark Galen Putnam, a 41-year-old resident of Tulsa, Oklahoma, has pleaded guilty to federal drug charges. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma confirmed that Putnam admitted guilt to one count each of Distribution of Fentanyl, Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
According to the indictment, on September 6, 2023, Putnam "knowingly and intentionally distributed fentanyl," classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. Further allegations state that on September 14, 2023, he possessed more than 40 grams of fentanyl with the intent to distribute it. On the same day, he also allegedly had over 5 grams of methamphetamine intended for distribution.
The investigation was conducted by multiple agencies including the District 27 Drug Task Force, Adair County Sheriff’s Office, Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Gerald L. Jackson accepted Putnam's plea in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. A presentence investigation report is ordered before sentencing. Meanwhile, Putnam remains in custody under the United States Marshals Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Howanitz represented the prosecution in this case.