Tahlequah Daily Press

Local News

Discussion

Add a comment on this story
December 28, 2012

Offender pleads to failure to register charges

By JOSH NEWTON Staff Writer

TAHLEQUAH — A convicted sex offender has pleaded not guilty in Cherokee County District Court on accusations he failed to notify authorities he was living in the area.

Ronald Branson Jr., 30, was charged last week with failure to register under the sex offenders registration act. He is set to appear for a felony sounding docket Jan. 7, 2013, at 9 a.m. in front of Associate District Judge Mark Dobbins.

Branson allegedly failed to register in Eufaula, and parole authorities there contacted Cherokee County Sheriff’s Investigator James Brown.

Brown said investigators learned Branson was living with his parents in a motor home, which they would park at different locations around the city.

Investigators located the motor home in November and arrested Branson, who allegedly admitted he had lived in Tahlequah for about 30 days. Brown said Branson never registered with Tahlequah or Cherokee County authorities.

Court records show Branson was arrested in 2007 for making lewd or indecent proposals to a child under age 16, and offering to engage in an act of lewdness, in Oklahoma County. He later pleaded guilty and received 20-year, suspended sentences, but was ordered to serve six years in prison.

Branson was released in August 2012 and was expected to be under probation through August of 2026, according to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections.

Text Only
Local News
  • rf history tour1.tiff The rest of the story

    You can believe whatever local lore you want, and even tell it to others, but Tahlequah does not mean “two is enough.”

    May 24, 2013 2 Photos

  • AAUW to celebrate diamond anniversary

    For 132 years, the American Association of University Women has promoted equity and education for women of all ages. The nonprofit organization takes positions on social, economic, educational and political issues and has a mission to protect the rights and advancement of all females.

    May 24, 2013

  • Portable meth labs confiscated

    More than two dozen “shake-and-bake” methamphetamine labs were discovered by investigators Wednesday evening at a home between Watts and West Siloam Springs.

    May 24, 2013

  • Awareness of self, others key to mental health

    Promoting good mental wellness has been a practice since the mid-19th century.

    May 24, 2013

  • ra TMS Cancer Carniv#289EC1.tif Carnival against cancer

    For the past eight years, Tahlequah Middle School has come together with members of the community to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

    May 23, 2013 1 Photo

  • Former band director busted in park

    A Tahlequah man fired from his role as the Tahlequah Middle School band director in March was arrested by police this week on allegations that he was in possession of methamphetamine at a city park.

    May 23, 2013

  • Legislators scramble as session ends

    The end of the Oklahoma legislative session is looming, and lawmakers are scrambling to get last-minute bills on the floor.

    May 23, 2013

  • Officials urge denial of sentence modification for arsonist

    State officials have recommended a former wildlands firefighter convicted of arson be denied a sentence modification.

    May 23, 2013

  • Most locals would favor ‘a la carte’ cable

    In this digital age, fans of television can usually pick and choose what they watch and the platform on which they view it.

    May 23, 2013

  • Area residents continue to offer help to tornado victims

    In the aftermath of the May 20 tornado that decimated a portion of Moore, many area businesses and organizations are making efforts to assist in the recovery process.

    May 23, 2013

Poll

Should storm shelters be a mandatory part of construction in tornado-prone areas?

Yes, in all structures, whether they be public buildings or private homes and businesses.
Yes, but only in public buildings, like schools or stadiums; no for private homes and businesses.
No, storm shelters should not be mandatory, but perhaps government funds or grants should be available to those who choose to build them.
No, they should not be mandatory, and there should be no government funds for them.
Undecided.
     View Results
Press Sports Twitter Updates
Follow us on twitter
Follow me on Twitter
AP Video
Mayor: Person Killed in San Antonio Flooding Raw: Apple 1 Computer Sells for More Than $650k Hagel Urges Cadets to End Scourge of Sex Assault Raw: Gay Rights Activists March in Ukraine Bus Fire Kills 16 Children, Teacher in Pakistan Raw: Pakistan Election Results Protested Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse American Held in Grisly Czech Murders Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day' Jersey Shore Open for Business Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Stocks
Bedlam