A resident of Johnston County, Lance Alden Whelchel, 30, from Wapanucka, Oklahoma, has pled guilty to failing to register as a sex offender. The announcement came from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
Whelchel was previously convicted on May 24, 2023, for Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country within the Eastern District of Oklahoma. Following his conviction, he was required by law to register as a sex offender. However, from July 5 to September 12, 2024, Whelchel did not comply with this requirement while moving in and out or residing in Indian Country within the same district.
The case against Whelchel stemmed from investigations conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Harris County Texas Sheriff’s Office.
U.S. Magistrate Judge D. Edward Snow accepted Whelchel's guilty plea in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. A presentence investigation report has been ordered before sentencing is finalized. Until then, Whelchel will remain under the custody of the United States Marshals Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Wittlinger represented the prosecution in this case.