Former Oklahoma police chief pleads guilty to federal charge

Brian Harris, who was the chief deputy for the Precinct 5 Constable’s Office in Harris County, was one of 14 people arrested in sting operations conducted by the nearby Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. (Getty Images)

by: K. Querry-Thompson/KFOR

Posted: Nov 7, 2022 / 11:23 AM CST

Updated: Nov 7, 2022 / 11:23 AM CST

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MUSTANG, Okla. (KFOR) – A Canadian County man and former police chief has pleaded guilty to illegally receiving a weapon while under indictment.

Federal law prohibits those who are under felony indictment from receiving firearms and ammunition.

In June, a federal grand jury returned a three-count Second Superseding Indictment against 39-year-old William Shawn Kays.

Officials allege that Kays received a Glock .45 caliber pistol while under indictment for first-degree burglary in Blaine County.

He was ultimately charged with one count of receiving firearms and ammunition, and two counts of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

On Nov. 1, Kays pleaded guilty to receiving the weapon while under a pending indictment for a felony offense. The government agreed to dismiss the other counts.

Kays faces up to five years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.

Kays was previously the chief for the Watonga Police Department.