Project Safe Neighborhoods

Four-Time Convicted Bank Robber Sentenced as a Armed Career Criminal to 15-Year 8-Month Prison Term

Eugene, Ore. - Joshua J. Stokes, 34, of Coos Bay, Oregon, was sentenced to a 15-year 8-month prison term by U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken for being a felon possession of a 9mm pistol and a AR-15 rifle. Convicted of bank robberies in Oregon, Nevada, Arizona and Utah in 1996, Stokes was released from federal prison on December 8, 2005. On October 28, 2008, Stokes pled guilty to illegally possessing the firearms on August 16, 2006.

On July 1, 2006, Stokes was arrested by a North Bend police officer for having a .40 caliber pistol in the car he was driving. Released from state custody on July 2, 2006, Stokes was arrested by North Bend police officer on August 16, 2006, for having the 9mm pistol and AR-15 rifle in his vehicle. Stokes had traded narcotics for the firearms. Released from state custody on August 17, 2006, Stokes was arrested a week later in possession of a Kel-Tec .40-caliber rifle at a hotel in Bandon, Oregon. Stokes was at the hotel conducting illicit drug transaction when he was shot in the leg during a dispute.

Stokes’ possession of firearms was referred to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF) by the Coos County District Attorney’s office. Stokes was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 22, 2007, for illegal possession of firearms. Stokes also had prior convictions for a residential burglary, theft of firearms, vehicle theft, identity theft, and menacing.

The BATF investigated this case with the assistance of the law enforcement agencies in Coos County. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Papagni.

All media inquiries about Project Safe Neighborhoods in Oregon should be directed to:

Fred Weinhouse
Assistant U.S. Attorney
U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Oregon
503-727-1000
E-mail: Fred Weinhouse