The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma reported that Leslie Ray Upchurch, a 36-year-old resident of McAlester, Oklahoma, received a 77-month prison sentence. The sentence was for one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The investigation was conducted by the McAlester Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Upchurch entered a guilty plea on October 29, 2024. Investigators discovered that on April 28, 2023, Upchurch had knowingly possessed a Ruger 9mm Luger caliber semi-automatic pistol, along with several rounds of 9mm Luger caliber ammunition. This was after he had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by more than a year in prison.
This case is connected to Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. The program emphasizes collaboration between law enforcement and community members to enhance safety. Since May 26, 2021, the department has implemented a strategy to strengthen PSN. This strategy focuses on fostering trust in communities, supporting violence prevention initiatives, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
Chief U.S. District Judge Ronald A. White presided over the proceedings at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. Upchurch is currently held by the U.S. Marshals Service and will be transported to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence.
The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob R. Parker.