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commentary
June 28, 2023
U.S. Attorney to continue prosecution of McGirt

MUSKOGEE – Last week the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals issued an opinion reversing the November 2020 federal jury conviction of Jimcy McGirt on two counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in Indian Country and one count of Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country.

The appellate court determined an improper instruction of law was given to the jury which could have impacted the verdicts and remanded the case to the district court.

“The role of the prosecution is to seek justice under the law,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “We are disappointed by the ruling, but we respect the opinion of the court. If a critical error occurred during the trial, then our goal was not achieved. The United States Attorney’s Office will, however, continue pursuing justice for the victim.”

In 1997, Jimcy Mc-Girt was tried and con-victed of First Degree Rape by Instrumentation, Lewd Molestation, and Forcible Sodomy in the District Court of Wagoner County.

While serving two 500 year sentences and a sentence of life without parole in the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, McGirt, an Indian, challenged his conviction, arguing the crimes occurred in the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation and Congress had never disestablished the reservation, therefore, the State of Oklahoma did not have jurisdiction to prosecute him.

On July 9, 2020, the United States Supreme Court agreed with Mc-Girt and vacated his state convictions.

The Supreme Court ruling meant that crimes involving Native American defendants which happened on reservations are to be tried by the federal government or tribal prosecutors. Several people were released from state custody following the decision and given federal trials.

McGirt was subsequently charged in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

In 2021 he was convicted by a federal jury after evidence was presented proving the defendant sexually assaulted a four-year-old child and given a life sentence.

That conviction was overturned a week ago, on June 20, by a federal appeals court, ruling that a trial judge had unfairly limited how the jury could consider inconsistent witness testimony in comparison of the 2020 and the 1997 original trial. The jury should have been allowed to consider the validity of old statements, though they were instructed against that in 2020.

A: Main, B: Sports...
Extend their record to 21-9
Eufaula Lady Ironheads win Regionals!
By Shauna 
September 21, 2023
The Eufaulal Lady Ironheads sweep two teams on Wednesday and defeat Chandler 2-1 to extend their record to 21-9. Congratulations Lady Ironheads!
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Lady Knights edge out Eufaula 7-5
sports
Lady Knights edge out Eufaula 7-5
By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR 
September 20, 2023
The Henryetta Lady Knights edged out Eufaula on Thursday with a 7-5 victory.It was a pitching battle throughout the game. Eufaula scored first in the second inning when Jadence Efurd hit a fielder’s c...
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Eufaula Giant Draven Gragg receives multiple offers
sports
Eufaula Giant Draven Gragg receives multiple offers
By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR 
September 20, 2023
Eufaula senior football standout Draven Gragg has a big decision to make. The 6’4”, 270-pound giant has been outstanding at the linebacker and the lineman positions. Gragg has received offers from Uni...
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Gloria Jean Pendley
Obituaries
Gloria Jean Pendley
September 20, 2023
Gloria Jean Pendley, 82, of Beggs, passed away on Monday, Sept. 4, 2023 at her home. Gloria was born on Nov. 11, 1940 in Bakersfield, California to Ernest Jesse and Lizabeth Pauline (Morrison) Best. S...
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108th Meeting of Eufaula vs. Checotah
sports
108th Meeting of Eufaula vs. Checotah
September 20, 2023
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news
Court Report
September 20, 2023
McIntosh County District Court ReportFelony CasesJeffrey Wayne Brinsfield: two counts of first degree rape by force or fear Amber Lee Metzker: trafficking in illegal drugs; bringing contraband (weapon...
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Editor Picks
Sooners calm Tulsa Hurricane
sports
Sooners calm Tulsa Hurricane
By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR 
September 20, 2023
The Oklahoma Sooners quickly separated themselves from the Tulsa Golden Hurricane in a 66-17 Saturday at Chapman Stadium in Tulsa. OU quarterback Dillon Gabriel had a huge day, averaging over 15 yards...
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Jerome Tiger Exhibition will be on display until Sept. 30
sports
Jerome Tiger Exhibition will be on display until Sept. 30
September 20, 2023
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sports
Fast start lifts Emporia State past RiverHawks
September 20, 2023
No. 12/11-ranked Emporia State (Kan.) scored on its first four possessions, all in the first quarter, and the Hornets cruised the rest of the way to a 38-0 win over Northeastern State on Saturday nigh...
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sports
South Alabama dominates OSU Cowboys
By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR 
September 20, 2023
The Oklahoma State Cowboys were dominated at home by a Sun Belt school that didn’t have a football program until 2009, and has only been in the FBS since 2012.South Alabama cruised to a 33-7 stomping ...
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Wildcats give praise to the Lord
sports
Wildcats give praise to the Lord
September 20, 2023
The Eufaula versus Checotah football game is always known to be emotional and physical. Friday night Checotah cruised to a 54-27 victory to win the 108th meeting and now leads the series 54-53-1. As I...
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