Sand Springs Man Pleaded Guilty to Assault and Strangulation

TULSA, Okla. – A Sand Springs man who assaulted and strangled his victim, pleaded guilty today in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

Phillip Gene Laird, 42, pleaded guilty to assault of an intimate/dating partner by strangling, suffocating, and attempting to strangle and suffocate in Indian Country.  Laird is a tribal member of the Choctaw Nation.

According to the plea agreement, Laird admitted while he was intoxicated and arguing with the victim, that he pinned her to the ground. Larid further admitted that he strangled his victim.

Laird will remain in custody pending sentencing that will be scheduled at a later date. He faces a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence and restation after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI and Sand Springs Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chantelle Dial, Michael Harder and Melissa Weems are prosecuting the case.