OK man arrested on child porn and sexual abuse charges in federal predator operation
TULSA, Okla. — A Jay man is facing federal child sexual abuse and child pornography charges after being caught up in a federal operation aimed at rounding up child predators in Northeast Oklahoma.
Sequoyah Hinzo, 29, a United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians Tribe member, is accused of sexually abusing three minors.
Hinzo is charged with two counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor under 12 years of age in Indian Country, aggravated sexual abuse of a minor by force and threat in Indian Country, coercion and enticement of a minor, receipt and distribution of child possession of child pornography in Indian Country and possession of child pornography in Indian Country.
He was one of 11 defendants arrested and charged in the first round of Operation Clean Sweep II.
Hinzo remains in federal custody and faces up to a life sentence if convicted, according to his detention hearing.
Two of the juveniles were under 12 years old and another juvenile was under 16 years old, according to the nine-page indictment.
Statistics show that crimes against children are growing at a large rate across the country,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The Northern District of Oklahoma will remain steadfast in our battle against child predators and those who exploit children.”
Operation Clean Sweep II is partnered with the Tornado Alley Child Exploitation and Trafficking Task Force created by Homeland Security Investigations.
Hinzo’s jury trial is set for July 15.
