Canadian County Sheriff's Deputies Arrest Man For Child Sex Crimes

Canadian County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Lehman Coyote, 62, of El Reno in his home on Tuesday after a judge signed an arrest warrant naming him as the offender on eleven criminal counts.

The crimes on the warrant included one count of Rape of a Child, seven counts of Lewd Acts Against Children, and one count of Child Neglect, one of Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute, and one count of Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Investigators with the Canadian County Sheriff's Office opened an investigation on Coyote in December, 2014 after family members contacted the Sheriff's Office with allegations of sexual abuse against underage children within the family.

During the investigation, Coyote was confirmed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs to be a former Tribal Judge with the Cheyenne-Arapaho tribes.

"As if it's not bad enough that Coyote allegedly raped these children, to learn he had once been a tribal judge just blows my mind," said Randall Edwards, Canadian County Sheriff.

Sheriff's investigators also indicated in documents submitted to the court that family members reported the abuse didn't just occur locally, but would often happen while on out-of-state family trips.

Documents also indicated family members stated Coyote's method of operation included providing narcotics and alcohol to the underage kids in order to facilitate being able to sexually abuse them. Statements from the family also indicated Coyote would effectively bribe his victims with gifts to keep silent. 

"I can't tell you how proud I am of these girls for having the courage to come forward. I hope their brave actions will encourage other possible victims to come forward," said Edwards.

Pursuant to Coyote's arrest a search warrant of his residence was executed and 18 firearms were recovered, along with a large quantity of drugs. Coyote was transported to the Canadian County Jail, where he was charged with one count of Rape of a Child, seven counts of Lewd Acts Against Children, and one count of Child Neglect, one of Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute, and one count of Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Coyote was released Tuesday after he was able to make bond on $270,000.