Paul B. Smith, District #22 District Attorney for Hughes, Seminole & Pontotoc Counties has issued the following statement:

The District Attorneys Drug and Violent Crime Task Force in collaboration with the OSBI, Seminole & Hughes County Sheriffs offices as well as the Seminole Police Department and the OBN have been actively involved in an on-going investigation into allegations of Robbery, Kidnapping, and Drug Trafficking at alleged Licensed MMJ Grow farms in Seminole and Hughes Counties. In an effort to protect the integrity of the investigation and to preserve evidence, protect lives, and secure the apprehension of suspects, at the request of law enforcement, the court ordered affidavits for arrest and for search warrants sealed on March 15, 2022. Additional information is being made available as the investigation develops as follows.

Three suspects are in custody who have been alleged to have been actively involved in the incidents. Charges of Engaging in a Pattern of Criminal Offenses in more than one county, First Degree Felony Murder, Multiple allegations of Robbery with a Weapon, Kidnapping, Impersonating Officers, KCSP, Trafficking in Illegal MJ and False Personation have been filed or are pending against the individuals identified as involved in the criminal events. One individual is being charged formally in District Court today and the other detainees are being detained pursuant to the investigation and on order of arrest warrants issued by the District Court, and may be facing formal charges next week.

Anyone with information believed to be useful are invited to contact the OBN or the District Attorney’s offices in Seminole or Hughes Counties. Persons encountering Law Enforcement personnel are encouraged to request law enforcement credentials to assure themselves of the officer’s lawful authority.

Investigators are attempting to locate other outstanding individuals related to the cases and additional charges may be forthcoming based upon the outcome of this ongoing investigation. Please contact

Please contact the office of District Attorney if additional information is needed as I will attempt to inform the public as much as possible within the parameters of the cannons of ethics.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.