TULSA, Okla. – Jessy Pearson, 26, of Claremore, pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court to assault of an intimate/dating partner by strangling and suffocating in Indian Country.
“Jessy Pearson violently attacked his girlfriend and has now been held accountable thanks to federal prosecutor Steven Briden and the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the FBI and Rogers County Sheriff’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to uphold our federal trust responsibility within Indian Country and work closely with federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement to ensure perpetrators of domestic violence are brought to justice.”
On May 4, 2021, after a verbal altercation, Pearson grabbed his dating partner by the throat and started strangling her. He then took her phone when she tried to text a friend for help. As she attempted to leave, Pearson again grabbed her by the neck and pushed her against the wall. The victim was eventually able to retrieve her phone and call her friend. She reported the crime to authorities and requested an emergency protective order.
The FBI and Rogers County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
“The FBI is committed to bringing individuals to justice who demonstrate flagrant apathy for the well-being of others,” said Special Agent in Charge Ed Gray, FBI Oklahoma City Division. “Our strong partnerships with law enforcement agencies like the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office help us investigate these types of cases and hold offenders accountable for their actions.”
The victim in the case is an enrolled tribal citizen. According to the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) study on Violence Against American Indian and Alaska Native Women and Men, American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people face disproportionate levels of violence.
– 1 in every 2 AI/AN women and 1 in 3 AI/AN men have experienced physical violence by intimate partners in their lifetime.
– 56.1% of AI/AN women and 27.5% of AI/AN men report experiencing sexual violence in their lifetime, with many of these assaults at the hands of non-Indian perpetrators.
If you or someone you know is experiencing or has experienced sexual and/or family violence, you are not alone, and there are services available to help. The following agencies provide 24/7 phone lines for victims in northeastern Oklahoma:
–Muscogee Nation Family Violence Prevention Program, located in Okmulgee and other satellite offices: 24-hour line 918- 732-7979
– Cherokee Nation One Fire, located in Tahlequah:24-hour line 918-772-4260.
–The Delaware Tribe of Indians Family and Children Services, located in Bartlesville: 24-Hour line: 918-331-7349
All three of the above agencies assist Indian and non-Indian victims.
–Domestic Violence Intervention Services (DVIS) located in Tulsa: 24-hour line 918.7HELP.ME (918-743-5763).
–Tulsa’s Family Safety Center also provides assistance and resources to domestic violence victims Monday-Friday from 8 am to 5 pm: (918) 742-7480. (this is NOT a 24 hour number).
Victims may also seek information and assistance at the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-SAFE (7233); National Sexual Assault Hotline, 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), and the StrongHearts Native Helpline, 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483). In addition, you can find a resources page on the Office on Violence Against Women’s website. The page includes contact information for state domestic violence coalitions that can direct you to resources and services in your area.
For emergency services, call 911.