Source: Office of United States Attorneys
OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal jury has convicted BRYAN JOSHUA TEWANEMA, 31, of Arizona, of possessing a prohibited object at the Federal Transfer Center in Oklahoma City, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On July 17, 2024, a federal grand jury charged Tewanema with possession of a prohibited object. On December 4, 2024, after a two-day trial, a federal jury found Tewanema guilty of the charge. Evidence presented at trial indicated that on May 29, 2024, corrections officers with the FTC discovered a sharpened piece of plexiglass, a “shank,” hidden in Tewanema’s pant leg. Evidence at trial indicated that this incident was the fourth time a “shank” has been located either on Tewanema’s person or in a cell assigned to him.
At sentencing, Tewanema faces up to five years in federal prison—which must be served consecutively to his already imposed federal sentences for second-degree murder and discharging a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ Special Investigative Services. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiffany Edgmon and Jordan Ganz are prosecuting the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.