Runningbear Pettit, a 23-year-old resident of Bunch, Oklahoma, has pleaded guilty to two felony charges in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The United States Attorney’s Office announced that Pettit admitted to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm in Indian Country. This charge carries a potential sentence of up to ten years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Additionally, Pettit pleaded guilty to using, carrying, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. This second charge also comes with a possible penalty of up to ten years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
According to the indictment, on January 30, 2025, Pettit assaulted an individual with the intention of causing bodily harm while armed with a dangerous weapon. It was further alleged that on the same day, he used and discharged a firearm in connection with this violent crime. These incidents took place within Adair County on the Cherokee Nation Reservation.
The case against Pettit resulted from investigations conducted by several law enforcement agencies: the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service; and the Stilwell Police Department.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Jason A. Robertson accepted Pettit’s plea in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The judge ordered that a presentence investigation report be completed before sentencing.
A U.S. District Court Judge will determine Pettit’s sentence after reviewing applicable guidelines and statutory factors. Until then, he remains in custody under the supervision of the United States Marshals Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Gross and Michael E. Robinson are representing the government in this case.
