Category Archives: Local

Pastor Pleads Guilty: Fraud, Tax Evasion

By David Arnett

Former Senior Pastor Keith Rydell Mayes, Sr., 63, of Tulsa, has pleaded guilty to Bank Fraud and Tax Evasion according to a release from United States Attorney, Northern District of Oklahoma, Christopher J. Nassar.

Mayes was hired as Senior Pastor of the historic Tulsa-based Vernon AME Church, in October 2021.  Mayes was responsible for various church functions, including overseeing church finances and managing church donations, collections, and disbursements of funds. Shortly after joining the church, Mayes opened a new account at the bank titled, “Administrative Expenses.”

Public photos of Former Pastor Keith Rydell Mayes from FaceBook
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Sept. Federal Grand Jury Indictments

By David Arnett

United States Attorney Christopher J. Nassar, Northern District of Oklahoma today announced the results of the September Federal Grand Jury 2026-A Indictments. The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury.

Dorryien Laron Adams. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Adams, 20, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of a felony. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Augustus Forster is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-325

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Indian Scammer Defrauded Veteran

By David Arnett

An Indian Citizen residing in the United States on a student visa was sentenced Thursday after a jury convicted him of conspiring to defraud a Northeastern Oklahoma Vietnam Veteran in April 2026, announced U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar after court proceedings.

U.S. District Judge John D. Russell sentenced Venkateswara Chagamreddy,37, living in San Antonio, Texas, to 30 months’ imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Chagamreddy was also ordered to pay $99,496 in restitution and is expected to face removal proceedings following his sentence.

“Elder fraud schemes are despicable, calculated attacks that prey on some of the most vulnerable and trusting members of our community. In this case, an Indian national in the United States on a student visa used fear to deceive and extort a Vietnam veteran who served our country,” said U.S. Attorney Nassar.

Veterans honored and celebrated in Tulsa Veterans Parade
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National Voter Registration Day

By Staff Report

The Rogers County Election Board Secretary Julie Dermody has announced the office will celebrate National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday, September 15, by keeping its doors open until midnight and inviting residents to stop by for a community-focused celebration of voting and civic participation.

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OU Explores Fall Risk for Elders

By David Arnett

A University of Oklahoma (OU) researcher at the OU Health Campus in Tulsa is undertaking a study of one of the most common health risks facing older adults: falls that occur in the home.

An estimated 14 million Americans, or one in every four age 65 and older, falls every year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While that risk of falls increases as we age, it is estimated to be two to three times higher for those 70,500 Oklahomans among 7.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease.

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