Man from Ottawa County sentenced for sexually abusing a minor

TULSA, Okla. – A man who contacted Ottawa County authorities to report that he sexually abused a minor was sentenced in federal court.

Jeremy Brandon Lawhorn, 39, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for the sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country.

On Aug. 19, 2020, Lawhorn contacted the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office to report that he needed to confess to a crime. After being informed of his Miranda rights, he told officers that on Aug. 14, 2020, he touched a 12-year-old minor in a sexual manner. He told officers that he touched the child under her shirt and sweatpants. He understood the contact was unwanted and said he felt sorry for what he’d done.

Lawhorn was originally charged in Ottawa County District Court, but in October 2021, the case was dismissed due to lack of jurisdiction.

Lawhorn is a Cherokee Nation citizen, and the crime occurred within the boundaries of the Quapaw Nation reservation. The case was indicted in federal court on Dec. 6, 2021.

The FBI and Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.