A Norman man has been sentenced to serve 240 months in federal prison for arson in Indian Country and possession of firearms after a previous felony conviction, U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester has announced.

Austin Garrett Reeves, 29, was officially sentenced last Thursdsay with an additional five years of suspervised release.

“Reeves deliberately and repeatedly targeted law enforcement that escalated to the point of intentionally setting fire to a deputy’s vehicles and home while the deputy and his family were inside, putting innocent lives in grave danger,” U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester said.

“Although the significant trauma and harm caused by Reeves’ criminal acts cannot be erased, the sentence ensures he is unable to cause further harm in our community and reflects our commitment to hold accountable anyone who targets law enforcement. I applaud the cohesive and exhaustive law enforcement efforts that brought about this just result.”

“Reeves’ actions demonstrate a disturbing disregard for the safety of others and for the law. After setting fire to an occupied home and a law enforcement vehicle, he was found in possession of firearms that he was prohibited from having. His decisions put innocent residents and law enforcement officers in harm’s way and could have resulted in tragic consequences,” said ATF Dallas Field Division Special Agent in Charge Brian W. Garner.

“This case is a clear example of the importance of ATF working alongside our state, tribal and local law enforcement partners to identify dangerous individuals and ensure they are held accountable.”

“The OSBI appreciates our local, state, tribal and federal partners who worked alongside us during this investigation,” said Greg Mashburn, Director of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI).

“All agencies involved worked swiftly and efficiently to apprehend the suspect shortly after the incident occurred that morning. Everyone’s dedication and commitment to this case, specifically following leads and gathering evidence, provided justice for the deputy and his family.”

According to public records, on August 22, of last year the McClain County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department responded to a reported burglary at the Washington home of MCSO deputy Bo Hamilton.

A handgun was stolen from a family vehicle. Reeves was located nearby and arrested in connection with the burglary. He was released from the Grady County jail later that day.

Hours after his release, during the early morning of August 23, Reeves returned to the deputy’s residence with a large gas can. Surveillance video captured Reeves pouring gasoline on the deputy’s personal vehicles and an MCSO patrol vehicle before setting the patrol vehicle on fire. The flames spread to the other vehicles and eventually to the residence. Although the deputy and his family members were inside the residence when it caught fire, they were all able to escape without injury. Reeves, however, was burned by the fire before fleeing the scene.

Later that day, law enforcement located Reeves at his home in Norman, where he was taken into custody following a standoff. Officers observed a significant burn on Reeves’ abdomen consistent with his involvement in the arson. Law enforcement also recovered two firearms from his bedroom.

Public records reflect Reeves has previous felony convictions in Cleveland County District Court that include actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence and driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Reeves was charged in February by superseding information with arson in Indian Country and being a felon in possession of firearms. Later that month  he pleaded guilty to the the charge.

As part of his plea, Reeves admitted he willfully and maliciously set fire to the vehicles and residence, placing the lives of those inside the home at risk. He also admitted that he knowingly possessed firearms despite his previous felony convictions.

The arson charge is in federal court because Reeves is a member of the Cherokee Nation and the crime occurred within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation.

At a sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick announced his decision.

Judge Wyrick described Reeves’s actions as deeply troubling and expressed the need to protect the public from future crimes by Reeves. Judge Wyrick further noted Reeves demonstrated a profound lack of respect for the law and law enforcement. He said Reeves’ actions could have killed innocent victims in our community.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, McClain County Sheriff’s Office, Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department, Newcastle Police Department and the Washington Police Department, with assistance from the District Attorney’s Office for Oklahoma’s 21st Judicial District. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela Ganote prosecuted the case.