Latimer County sheriff jailed on federal complaints

McALESTER, Okla. (AP) -- Federal agents arrested Latimer County Sheriff Melvin Holly on sealed complaints Tuesday.<br/><br/>FBI spokesman Gary Johnson said Holly, 63, was arrested without incident at the

Wednesday, October 20th 2004, 5:56 am

By: News On 6

McALESTER, Okla. (AP) -- Federal agents arrested Latimer County Sheriff Melvin Holly on sealed complaints Tuesday.

FBI spokesman Gary Johnson said Holly, 63, was arrested without incident at the agency office in McAlester at 3:15 p.m. for violations of a federal code that deals with tampering with a witness, victim or informant and making false statements.

"It's based on an investigation that began in April 2004," Johnson said.

Johnson said he could not reveal the specific laws Holly is alleged to have broken or details of the case. Johnson said an affidavit filed in the case is sealed.

Federal authorities say Holly violated U.S. Code Title 18, sections 1512 and 1001

Sections 1512 covers a wide range of crimes regarding witnesses. Section 1001 refers to anyone who falsifies, conceals or covers up a material fact; makes false statements, representations or documents or uses them knowing they may contain false material.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the FBI conducted the joint investigation and a criminal complaint has been filed in federal court in Muskogee.

Holly was booked into the Muskogee County jail Tuesday afternoon, Johnson said.

Wayne Brinkley defeated Holly in his bid for re-election in the primary election in July with 64.7% of the vote.

Holly was elected sheriff in 1996 and was previously the police chief in Red Oak.