A Broken Arrow man, Christopher Michael Helton, 48, has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge William P. Johnson imposed the sentence of 168 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.
According to information from September 2024, Tulsa Police officers attempted to stop Helton’s vehicle. Instead of complying, Helton led police on a pursuit through local neighborhoods and discarded a black backpack from his car during the chase. Officers used “stop sticks” to slow him down. Helton then drove through a brick wall, several yards, and fences before fleeing on foot.
Helton was found nearby and detained by officers. A search of his vehicle revealed a loaded handgun, several magazines, and 480 rounds of ammunition. The backpack that he had tossed contained five pounds of methamphetamine.
Court records indicate that Helton has an extensive criminal history including convictions for domestic assault and battery, kidnapping, possessing a stolen vehicle, resisting arrest, and possession of a firearm while committing a felony.
Helton will remain in custody until he is transferred to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Tulsa Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Dowdell prosecuted the case.
The prosecution falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative designed to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. In May 2021, the Department launched an updated strategy for PSN focused on building trust within communities, supporting organizations aimed at preventing violence before it occurs, establishing targeted enforcement priorities, and tracking outcomes. More information about Project Safe Neighborhoods can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psn.
