A Muldrow, Oklahoma resident has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for aggravated sexual abuse of a minor. Justin Floyd Qualls, also known as Jay Qualls, age 40, received the sentence after being found guilty by a federal jury on August 7, 2025.
The conviction stems from an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Evidence presented at trial showed that in May 2024, Qualls knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a child under the age of 12. The incident took place in Adair County within the Cherokee Nation Reservation.
FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater stated, “This individual, who preyed on the innocence of a child for his own perverse gratification, will now face the consequences of his actions. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Qualls will spend three decades behind bars where he cannot harm another child.”
United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson added, “I commend the FBI and prosecutors for their exceptional work in bringing the defendant to justice. Both the verdict handed down by the jury and the sentence imposed by the court should send the strong message that preying on children will not be tolerated.”
The sentencing hearing was overseen by Judge Timothy M. Reif of the United States Court of International Trade, sitting by assignment in Oklahoma’s Eastern District federal court. Qualls is currently held by U.S. Marshals and will be transferred to a Bureau of Prisons facility to serve his non-paroleable sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessie K. Pippin and Emily Wittlinger prosecuted the case.
