Northern District of Oklahoma Staff and Bartlesville Police Department Detective Honored by Attorney General Todd Blanche at 2026 Director’s Awards

TULSA, Okla. - Three employees of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma and a detective with the Bartlesville Police Department were among 183 Department of Justice employees recognized by Attorney General Todd Blanche and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Francey Hakes at the 2026 Director's Awards Ceremony held Oct. 28 in Washington, D.C. The annual event honored DOJ employees for outstanding service and achievement and recognized exceptional accomplishments by employees of U.S. Attorneys' Offices nationwide.

"These awards reflect the extraordinary talent, professionalism, and dedication found throughout our office and community," said U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar. "We are incredibly proud of Thomas, Alicia, Taelyn, and Detective Andrew Bailey for their accomplishments and grateful for their continued service to the Northern District of Oklahoma and the Department of Justice."

Superior Performance in Indian Country

Assistant United States Attorney Alicia Hockenbury and Victim Assistance Specialist Taelyn Langford were recognized with the Director's Award for Superior Performance in Indian Country, alongside the case agent, and Detective Andrew Bailey with Bartlesville Police Department whose critical investigative work was instrumental to the case.

This recognition stems from their outstanding efforts in United States v. Kaleb Smith, in which the defendant was convicted by a jury of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country and two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor in Indian Country. Court records established that Smith sexually abused two teenage victims, ages 13 and 14. Through the dedication and collaboration of the prosecution team, a sentence of 228 months of imprisonment was secured.

The work of Alicia, Taelyn, and Detective Bailey reflects the highest standards of public service and demonstrates an unwavering commitment to seeking justice for vulnerable victims. Their efforts have made a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve and on the communities they protect.

Excellence of an Appellate Assistant United States Attorney

Thomas Duncombe, Appellate Coordinator for the Northern District of Oklahoma, received the Director's Award for Excellence as an Appellate Assistant United States Attorney. His exceptional legal analysis, advocacy, and steadfast commitment to justice have strengthened the district and advanced the Department of Justice's mission. Thomas was recognized for his written and oral advocacy before the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, including his work in United States v. McCarthy. In that case, he successfully argued to the Tenth Circuit to reverse the dismissal of an indictment by demonstrating that the district court had erred in finding that the Controlled Substance Precursor Statutes did not apply to defendants who distributed unwashed poppy seeds while knowing their customers would use them to manufacture opiates. We are grateful for Thomas's leadership and the expertise he brings to every case.

Please join us in congratulating these award recipients on their well-deserved honors. Their achievements exemplify excellence in public service and reflect the strength and commitment of the entire Northern District of Oklahoma team.

EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys' offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.