A federal jury convicted a 41-year-old Muskogee man for possessing with intent to distribute crack cocaine in Tulsa, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Michael Lamont Phillips, aka “Mike Mike,” was found guilty of possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute.
“Michael Phillips has a lengthy history of criminal conduct in northeastern Oklahoma,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “This time, he intended to deal crack cocaine in the Tulsa community and was arrested by Tulsa Police Department’s Street Crimes investigators. I am thankful they are on the job and committed to safeguarding our neighborhoods.”
On April 18, 2021, Tulsa Police Street Crimes investigators were patrolling around 4700 East Apache Street after several citizens had complained about drug and firearms offenses, gang activity, and shootings taking place in the area. While on patrol, an investigator saw a line of cars driving eastbound quickly and recklessly, including a gold Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Phillips.
The investigator stopped Phillips for speeding and driving recklessly without a seatbelt. During the stop, the investigator noted that Philips’ breath smelled like alcohol, and the officer smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. He also found that Phillips had two outstanding warrants and was driving on a suspended license.
Phillips was taken into custody and a search of his vehicle was conducted for marijuana and open containers of alcohol. During the search, officers located what appeared to be crack cocaine in a natural void near the center console of the vehicle. The substance tested positive for cocaine and weighed almost 30 grams. Also located in the vehicle was an open bottle of Vodka, marijuana, and $246 in various denominations. Based on the quantity of the crack cocaine and the amount and denominations of that cash, officers concluded and testified in court there was cause to believe that Phillips possessed the crack with intent to distribute it.
Phillips was previously convicted in Muskogee County District Court of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, attempted robbery by force or fear, and intimidation of a witness in 2004. He was further convicted in federal court of two counts of possession of firearm and ammunition after former conviction of a felony in 2005. Finally, he was convicted in Tulsa Country District Court of possession of firearm after former conviction of a felony in 2014.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan H. Heatherman and Nathan M. Michel are prosecuting the case.
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