Alexandria Man Indicted for Murder of Federal Agent, Attempted Murder of Another Federal Agent, and Related Firearm Crimes

ALEXANDRIA/LAFAYETTE – On August 5, 2026, a press conference was held at the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office to discuss the return of the federal indictment against Clarence A. Frazier, 48, of Alexandria, who is charged with the murder of Deputy U.S. Marshal Drew Hanson and the attempted murder of a U.S. Marshals Service task force officer, along with related firearm crimes. Frazier faces up to life imprisonment or death if convicted. This indictment returned by a federal grand jury follows the U.S. Attorney’s Office charging Frazier by criminal complaint with the murder of Deputy Marshal Hanson. 

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During the press conference, U.S. Marshal Brian H. Barber, Rapides Parish Sheriff Mark Wood, FBI Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp, and Rapides Parish District Attorney Phillip Terrell also delivered remarks honoring the life, service, and sacrifice of Deputy Marshal Hanson. Also in attendance were representatives of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Louisiana State Police, and the Alexandria Police Department.

According to court documents, Deputy Marshal Hanson was murdered on July 14, 2026, while performing his official duties alongside federal and state law enforcement personnel attempting to apprehend Frazier following his failure to appear in state court on a sexual battery charge. Officers from the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office and the United States Marshals Service approached Frazier’s residence to execute lawful warrants. Upon the officers’ entry, Frazier allegedly barricaded himself in a bedroom and opened fire, fatally striking Deputy Marshal Hanson and endangering additional officers on the scene. Hanson was a husband and father of two. 

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.

The United States Marshals Service, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Vermaelen, John W. Nickel, and Elliott Cassidy with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Joanne Henry‑Mills and Denise Duhon. 

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer. The case number for this matter is 6:26‑cr‑00293-01.

Former BIA Officer Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Sexual Abuse of a Minor and Lying to Investigators

Murrell Deela, a former Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) officer, was sentenced Wednesday to 14 years in prison for sexual abuse involving a minor and to lying to federal investigators.

According to records filed in the case, on Aug. 7, 2024, Deela, then 29 years old, was on duty and acting in his official capacity as a BIA officer in the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, when he encountered the minor victim. Deela apprehended the victim and placed her in the back of his patrol vehicle. Instead of driving the teenager to her family’s house, Deela drove the minor to an alternate location. Deela then engaged in sexual acts with the minor victim without the victim’s consent. The minor victim disclosed the victimization the following day, and the FBI’s analysis of the evidence provided additional facts that corroborated the minor’s outcry.

“The vast majority of federal law enforcement officers carry out their duties and responsibilities with exceptional skill and courage,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “But when those tasked with enforcing the law violate their duty by sexually assaulting individuals in their care and custody, especially minor victims, the Department of Justice will hold them fully accountable. Today’s sentence reflects the principle that those who abuse their power by targeting children for sexual gratification will be met with the full force of the law.” 

“The victim showed a tremendous amount of courage coming forward to help ensure Mr. Deela was held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Justin Gerken of the FBI Billings Field Office. “Sexual abuse of a minor is a devastating crime, only compounded by an offender’s attempt to deceive investigators. No badge or title places anyone above the law and we are committed to pursuing justice for victims.”

Several days after the incident, Deela was instructed to bring his patrol vehicle to the BIA station for evidence collection. Hours prior to the scheduled report time, Deela reported that his patrol vehicle was on fire. The patrol vehicle and its video system were severely burned.  An investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) determined the patrol vehicle was set on fire intentionally.

Following the incident, Deela wrote a false report omitting that he had driven the minor victim to the alternate location. When interviewed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Deela falsely told agents that he drove the minor directly to her family’s home and had not made any other stops. When confronted with evidence, Deela later admitted that he had driven the minor to an alternate location.

The case was investigated by the FBI and ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Lee for the District of North Dakota, Trial Attorney Taylor Payne of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and former Senior Sex Crimes Counsel Tara Allison prosecuted the case.

ATF, USMS increase reward to $25,000 in unsolved 2011 Canton Homicide

CANTON, OH — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in partnership with the U.S. Marshals Service, has increased the reward to $25,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the individual(s) responsible for the 2011 murder of Dale A. Settle, Jr.

While attending a Bible study Sept. 22, 2011, in the 600 block of Hazlett Avenue NW in Canton, Ohio, 22-year-old Dale A. Settle, Jr. was approached by two unidentified suspects who attempted to rob him at gunpoint. During the attempted robbery, one of the suspects shot Settle. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

ATF is increasing its previously announced reward from $10,000 to $15,000, and USMS is contributing an additional $10,000, bringing the total reward to $25,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the person or persons responsible for this homicide.

"With this renewed reward offer, ATF and the U.S. Marshals Service believe this senseless act of violence can still be brought to a successful resolution,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Jorge A. Rosendo. “We remain committed to seeking justice for Dale Settle and providing answers for his family. We encourage anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward."

“This horrific crime has impacted a family for far too long. The U.S. Marshals Service stands with our partners at ATF and the Canton Police Department and remains committed to using every available resource to bring those responsible to justice,” said Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Brian Fitzgibbon.

“I know I speak for the Canton community in expressing our appreciation to the ATF and the USMS for their support in the ongoing investigation of this homicide,” said Canton Police Chief John Gabbard. “Any loss of life is tragic, and the effect on families and communities is amplified when homicides are unresolved. We are still actively investigating this case and the reward increase is welcome news.”

Anyone who has information about this incident should contact ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (888-283-8477). Individuals may also email ATFTips@atf.gov, or go to www.atf.gov/contact/atf-tips. Tips may also be submitted by using the ReportIt® app, available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store, or by visiting www.reportit.com.

ATF protects American communities from violent crime driven by the illegal use of firearms, explosives, and acts of arson. Through crime gun intelligence, forensic analysis, and relentless investigation, we identify and arrest violent offenders and gang members, dismantle trafficking networks, and sever the supply chains arming cartels, prohibited persons, and terrorist organizations. We defend the rights of law-abiding citizens by safeguarding lawful commerce and upholding the Constitution of the United States. Learn more about what ATF is doing to reduce violent crime in your community by following us on X @ATFHQ, Instagram @ATFHQ, LinkedIn @ATF, and Facebook @HQATF, or on the web at www.atf.gov.

$5,000 Reward Offered in Thornville Burglary

THORNVILLE, Ohio – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), in partnership with the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the individual(s) responsible for a burglary at Highpoint Outfitters, a federally licensed firearms dealer located at 14860 State Route 13, Thornville, Ohio.

During the early morning hours of July 5, 2026, four male suspects used a stolen Ford F-150 pickup truck made multiple attempts to successfully ram through the exterior wall of the business to gain entry. Once inside, the suspects stole 33 firearms, including 27 handguns, five rifles, one shotgun, one short-barreled rifle (SBR), and four firearm suppressors.

After the burglary, the suspects fled in a waiting getaway vehicle driven by a female accomplice. Investigators are seeking information regarding a 2021–2024 Toyota Camry believed to have been used in the crime. The vehicle is described as having a large dent on the front passenger-side door.

The burglary is being investigated by the ATF Columbus Field Division and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).

Anyone who has information about this incident should contact ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (888-283-8477). Individuals may also email ATFTips@atf.gov, or contact ATF through its website at www.atf.gov/contact/atf-tips. Tips may also be submitted to ATF using the ReportIt® app, available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store, or by visiting www.reportit.com.

ATF is the lead federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction involving firearms and violent crimes and regulates the firearm industry. 

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Suspect #1
Male, wearing a black hoodie that has a zippered pocket on the left arm, black Jeans, black gym shoes, carrying a light blue backpack.

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Suspect #2
Male, wearing black and gray camo pants, a black hoodie with a skull on the front, and a white ski mask.

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Suspect #3
Male, wearing a gray hoodie, jeans, New Balance gym shoes, black balaclava, and wears glasses

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Suspect #4
Male, wearing a white hoodie with an emblem on the front, jeans, pink mask, green and black Nike shoes, carrying a gray backpack.

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$5,000 Reward for information in Indianapolis Homicide

INDIANAPOLIS — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is announcing a $5,000.00 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of the individual(s) responsible for the shooting death of Eric Butler that occurred on Friday, June 19, 2026.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) responded to the 200 block of South Franklin Road at approximately 2:25 a.m. to a report of a shooting victim. The victim, Eric Butler, was taken to a local hospital in critical condition where he later succumbed to his injuries.

ATF is assisting the IMPD with this investigation and is providing all available resources to bring the offender(s) to justice. ATF is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information related to the identification of those responsible for this senseless act of violence.

Anyone who has information about this incident should contact ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (888-283-8477). Individuals may also email ATFTips@atf.gov, or contact ATF through its website at www.atf.gov/contact/atf-tips. Tips may be submitted to ATF using the ReportIt® app, available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store, or by visiting www.reportit.com.

VA fixes police force, boosting safety for Veterans, families, staff

WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced a series of reforms to the VA police force that will improve police recruitment and retention while increasing safety and security for Veterans, families, caregivers and survivors, and VA employees.

VA police officers respond to emergencies, prevent crime, conduct investigations and carry out Veteran-focused safety initiatives for the largest integrated healthcare system in the country. When the Trump Administration took office in 2025, it inherited a fractured VA police force that was plagued with problems that had been highlighted for years by VA’s Office of Inspector General and the Government Accountability Office.

Major issues included:

• The more than 5,000 employees in VA’s police force were managed by individual VA medical facilities and reported to medical center personnel instead of law-enforcement leaders. This led to inconsistent policing standards across VA facilities and a lack of discipline and accountability. In some facilities, VA police were being used for non-police missions, including serving as valets to park cars.
• The lack of a centralized police structure made it difficult to hire, retain and promote seasoned officers. As a result, VA lost many senior officers to other law enforcement agencies.
• To make matters worse, VA police positions were not properly classified in accordance with federal standards. The Biden Administration’s scattershot approach to addressing this problem threatened to lower the grades and pay of many VA police officers. The threat of lower grades and less pay created an even deeper crisis for the force, as it became far less competitive compared to other law enforcement agencies.

VA has taken several steps during the second Trump Administration to fix these issues and stabilize its police force:

• VA created a unified law-enforcement chain of command by placing the entire VA police force under a dedicated assistant secretary within the new Office of Operations, Security, and Preparedness. Now, VA police officers are no longer managed by medical facility staff and are led by law enforcement leaders who can consistently enforce standards and discipline, provide standardized training, and ensure nationwide staffing requirements are managed and fulfilled. This reorganization is underway and will be completed by the end of fiscal year 2026.
• This new centralized structure will make it easier to hire, retain and promote officers, as it creates a system that supports career advancement. VA has already seen signs this new structure is attracting more candidates – a recent job-posting for VA police officers garnered 3,800 applicants across the country.
• VA is conducting a complete review of VA Police job responsibilities and requirements and classifying VA police officers at higher pay grades based on the complex work they do.
• VA raised the entry-level grade for police officers to GS-6 and created positions from GS-6 through the senior executive service level, creating more career stability and making VA a more attractive place to work for law-enforcement professionals.

“Keeping the millions of Veterans, families, caregivers and employees who visit VA facilities safe is our most important responsibility,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “These reforms will help us accomplish that mission by creating a stable VA police force with clear lines of authority, accountability and career progression. The result will be better police recruitment and retention as well as improved safety and security for Veterans, staff and visitors.”

For more information about a career with the VA Police Force, visit vacareers.va.gov.

Oklahoma City Man Faces Federal Charges Following Deadly Shootout with Law Enforcement

OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal superseding indictment has been filed, charging BENJAMIN HARRISON PLANK, 38, of Oklahoma City, with multiple federal offenses arising from a deadly shootout and high-speed chase involving multiple law enforcement agencies, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

“Law enforcement officers put themselves in harm’s way every day to carry out their duties and serve our community,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “Any attack on them will not be tolerated, and the Justice Department will work tirelessly with its partners to hold the individual accountable to the fullest extent.”

According to a federal criminal complaint and supporting affidavit, on August 22, 2022, three deputies with the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office went to an Oklahoma County residence to evict Plank pursuant to a court order. When they arrived, Plank refused to exit the residence and the deputies prepared to make a lawful forced entry. Before they could enter, Plank fired multiple rounds from an AR-15-style rifle from inside the residence, killing one deputy at the scene. Plank then exited the residence and shot another deputy multiple times. That deputy survived the injuries. Plank also exchanged gunfire with the third deputy.

Court records further reflect that following the initial shootout, Plank loaded a backpack containing firearms and drug paraphernalia into a boat mounted on a trailer attached to his truck and fled the scene. A dangerous high-speed pursuit ensued, during which Plank continued to fire at law enforcement officers, including officers assisting the United States Marshals Service. The pursuit ended outside Tinker Air Force Base after Plank was observed throwing the rifle from the driver’s-side window of the truck. He was arrested shortly thereafter.

On June 16, 2026, a federal grand jury returned a seven-count superseding indictment charging Plank with two counts of prohibited person in possession of firearms, two counts of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers using a deadly or dangerous weapon, two counts of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of attempted murder of certain officers.

If convicted of all charges, Plank faces no less than ten years and up to life in federal prison and fines of up to $1,750,000.

The public is reminded that these charges are merely allegations, and that Plank is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacquelyn M. Hutzell is prosecuting the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.