According to a press release by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. District Judge John F. Heil, III, sentenced Garrin Michael Thompson, 50, of Catoosa for the Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity; Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor Under 12 in Indian Country; and Coercion and Enticement of a Minor.
Thompson was found guilty of the crimes by a federal jury in September of 2022.
Judge Heil ordered Thompson to serve life in prison. If released, Thompson will be supervised for life and required to register as a sex offender.
“One of the five essential components to Project Safe Childhood is accountability,” said U.S. Attorney Clinton Johnson. “Thompson knew his victims and exploited their trust. Life imprisonment ensures that Thompson is held accountable for his actions.”
Four victims boldly testified at trial as to the molestation, abuse, coercion, or enticement they experienced as children in his care. Prosecutors showed during the trial that Thompson’s predatory acts went back to 2000 or 2001.
He placed a video camera in his home and another in a vacation rental to record the victims. Thompson also abused and attempted to assault or molest a victim. Investigators further found on Thompson’s computer indicators that he may have been viewing child pornography or incest.
One of the victims is a tribal member. Thompson will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The FBI and the Catoosa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cheryl L. Baberprosecuted the case.
