TULSA, Okla. – A Tulsa man’s trial was set to begin when he pleaded guilty Tuesday for assaulting and strangling a woman, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Vernon Jenedia Neel, 42, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country. If the plea agreement is accepted by U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell, Neel will serve between eight and 10 years in federal prison. Neel will be sentenced at a later date.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will not tolerate acts of criminal violence,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Vernon Neel has been held responsible for the harm he caused to this victim thanks to the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stacey Todd, Vani Singhal and Gina Gilmore and our partners at the Tulsa Police Department and FBI.”
During the early morning hours of July 3, 2021, the Defendant assaulted the victim by striking her repeatedly with his fists and strangling her. The victim sustained serious injuries including a broken nose, a severed lip requiring stitches, a concussion and multiple bruises and abrasions. Neel ran off with her phone so she could not call for help.
Neel also has multiple felony convictions including for domestic violence and violating a protective order.
The Tulsa Police Department and the FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stacey P. Todd, Vani Singhal and Gina S. Gilmore are prosecuting the case.