Austin Garrett Reeves, 28, from Norman, Oklahoma, has pleaded guilty to charges of arson in Indian Country and possession of firearms after a previous felony conviction. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
Court documents state that on August 22, 2025, the McClain County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department (LHPD) responded to a burglary at a residence in Washington, Oklahoma. The victim was an MCSO deputy who reported that a handgun had been stolen from a family vehicle. Authorities found Reeves’ vehicle near the scene and arrested him nearby. He was released from Grady County Jail later that day.
In the early morning of August 23, law enforcement responded to a fire at the same residence. Surveillance footage showed Reeves using gasoline to set fire to two personal vehicles and an MCSO patrol vehicle parked at the home. The fire spread quickly to other vehicles and then to the house itself. Reeves sustained burns before fleeing the area. The residents were able to escape unharmed.
Later that day, police arrested Reeves at his Norman home following a standoff. Officers observed significant burns on his left abdomen and recovered two firearms along with items linked to burglary and arson.
On February 3, 2026, prosecutors charged Reeves by Superseding Information with arson in Indian Country as well as being a felon in possession of firearms.
Public records show that Reeves has prior felony convictions in Cleveland County District Court for actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence (case CF-20-937) and for driving under the influence of alcohol (cases CF-20-752 and CF-21-1175).
On February 24, 2026, Reeves admitted guilt in federal court: “he willfully and maliciously set fire to two vehicles and a home, jeopardizing the lives of those inside,” as well as “knowingly possessed a firearm despite his previous felony convictions.”
The case falls under federal jurisdiction because Reeves is a member of the Cherokee Nation and committed the offense within Chickasaw Nation territory.
Reeves could face up to life imprisonment in federal prison and fines totaling $500,000 when sentenced.
Multiple agencies participated in investigating this case: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation; MCSO; LHPD; Newcastle Police Department; and Washington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon along with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela Ganote are prosecuting.
Reference is made to public filings for further information.
