Illegal Firearm Possession and Witness Tampering after Attack Outside Metro Business Lands Oklahoma City Man in Federal Prison for a Decade (DOJ)

OKLAHOMA CITY - ISAEL ANTONIO ORTIZ, 27, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 120 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction and witness tampering, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public records, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department responded on October 14, 2024, to a report of an assault with a dangerous weapon. The victim reported that Ortiz struck the victim's vehicle outside a local business, breaking the driver's-side window, and then revealed a long-barrel firearm from his pants. After noticing a surveillance camera, Ortiz fled the scene. Officers later located Ortiz at his residence, where they detained him, executed a search warrant, and recovered a firearm. Ortiz was arrested at that time.

While in custody, Ortiz repeatedly attempted to influence a witness by making phone calls, sending text messages, and communicating through third parties. Specifically, Ortiz sought to have the witness falsely claim ownership of the firearm and state that Ortiz did not know it was present in the residence.

On January 6, 2026, a federal grand jury charged Ortiz with being a felon in possession of a firearm and witness tampering. On February 10, 2026, a federal jury found Ortiz guilty on both counts.

At a sentencing hearing on July 27, 2026, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Ortiz to serve 120 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Wyrick noted the need to protect the public and provide adequate deterrence. The court also noted the fact that Ortiz brandished a firearm and has a lengthy criminal history as reasons for imposing the sentence. Public records reflect that Ortiz has felony convictions that include:

• eluding a police officer in Canadian County District Court case number CF-2018-106;
• use of a vehicle in discharge of a weapon, drive-by shooting, illegal possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm while in the commission of a felony in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2019-5007; and
• rioting, second-degree attempted arson, and malicious injury and destruction to property in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2020-2901.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) Laney Ellis and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary E. Walters are prosecuting the case. SAUSA Ellis is an attorney with the City of Oklahoma City who is assigned to the U.S. Attorney's Office as part of a partnership to enhance federal efforts to address and reduce violent crime within Oklahoma City.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.