Man sentenced to prison after robbing woman at gunpoint in her home

A man was sentenced in federal court for going to a female acquaintance’s home after she cashed a $2,900 check and robbing her at gunpoint, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

U.S. District Judge Daniel D. Crabtree sentenced William Rhea Wadlow Jr., 23, of Locust Grove, Oklahoma to 120 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. Wadlow was further ordered to pay $2,680 in restitution. He previously pleaded guilty to carrying, using, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

On April 14, 2021, he and two others saw a woman he was acquainted with cash the check at a Locust Grove convenience store. About 20 minutes later, the three went to the woman’s house. Wadlow asked to use her restroom, and they entered the home. At one point, Wadlow asked the victim if she wanted to purchase his .38 caliber revolver.

When she declined, Wadlow told the victim he was homeless and hungry. The victim offered him $200. Then as the group was about to exit the home, Wadlow turned with a gun and fired toward the victim. The bullet struck the floor. Wadlow then demanded the woman give him all her money. The victim handed him her wallet. He also grabbed her purse from her hand. As the three fled from the home, Wadlow warned her not to follow him or he would shoot her.

Law enforcement later located Wadlow at a gas station in Rose, Oklahoma. Wadlow barricaded himself in the restroom but after several hours, surrendered to law enforcement. He had $671.25 on him at the time of his arrest.

The FBI, Mayes County Sheriff’s Office, Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Jiang prosecuted the case.