OKLAHOMA CITY – Last week, a federal jury convicted LAWRENCE JUNIOR LOFTIS, 65, of Stephens County, of abusive sexual contact with a child under 12 years old, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On April 20, 2021, a federal grand jury returned a three-count Indictment against Loftis, charging him with aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact with a child under 12 years old.
On August 13, 2021, after a four-day trial, a federal jury found Loftis guilty of abusive sexual contact with a child under 12 years old. Evidence at trial showed that, between early 2018 and late 2019, Loftis knowingly engaged in and caused sexual contact with a child, who was then eight to ten years old. The jury heard testimony from witnesses who had helped bring the sexual abuse to light, from the child victim, and from the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office investigator who interviewed Loftis. Finally, the jury heard the testimony of another victim who had been sexually abused by Loftis for many years when that person was a child. The jury did not reach a verdict on the two counts charging Loftis with aggravated sexual abuse of a child.
At sentencing, Loftis faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison, restitution to the child victim, and a fine of up to $5,000. Loftis is in federal custody pending sentencing, which is expected in approximately 90 days.
Federal jurisdiction existed in this case because the crime was committed in Indian Country and Loftis was Native American.
This case is the result of investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Oklahoma City Field Division and the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bow Bottomly and Brandon Hale prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Reference is made to court filings for further information.