Choctaw Nation Jury Convicts Broken Bow Resident of Sexual Battery of a Child

DURANT, Okla. – A Choctaw Nation jury found Jordan Ryan Caldwell, 33, of Broken Bow, Okla., guilty on one felony count of sexual battery in violation of the CNO Criminal Code on Oct. 28, 2024.

The jury trial began on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, and concluded with the guilty verdict. Sentencing is set on December 19, 2024. Based on the verdict, the defendant is facing up to three years imprisonment on a felony charge and will be required to register as a sex offender after he is released. Sentencing in tribal courts must conform with the federal Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010, which imposes such limits. Choctaw Nation District Judge Richard Branam presided over the trial.

The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma was represented by Assistant Tribal Prosecutors Heather Cooper and Jennifer Saralino. According to Cooper, the guilty verdicts were the result of an .

Caldwell’s victim, who testified against her abuser, was surrounded by her family when the jury delivered the verdict.  Cooper stated, “The bravery of this young lady is unmatched and is a testament to her character.  Verdicts like this send a message that preying on children will not be tolerated within the Choctaw Nation,” said Cooper. “Thank you to the Broken Bow Police Department and Broken Bow High School for their swift action in the days following the crime as well as the jurors for their time and careful consideration.”

Tribal Prosecutor Mike Haggerty, who heads the Tribal Prosecutor’s Office, said “This case highlights how well we can partner with state and local agencies in helping our victims receive justice. The hard work put in by our prosecutors and staff and the Broken Bow Police Department has helped make the Choctaw Nation a safer place for everyone.”