Incarcerated Gang Member Among Three Indicted in Oklahoma Sex Trafficking Ring

Incarcerated Gang Member Among Three Indicted in Oklahoma Sex Trafficking Ring

Caleb Richey, Phalesha Bean and Lee Sutter

OKLAHOMA CITY — A state multi-county grand jury has indicted three individuals—including an incarcerated gang member accused of running a commercial sex ring from behind bars—following a victim recovery operation in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN) announced.

The indictments charge 32-year-old Caleb Richey, 29-year-old Phalesha Bean, and 49-year-old Lee Sutter with multiple felony counts related to human trafficking, conspiracy, and racketeering. All three suspects were taken into custody or served with arrest warrants between September 22 and September 23, 2026.

Prison-Based Sex Trafficking Scheme

The investigation originated early in the summer of 2026 when the OBN Human Trafficking Unit conducted a victim recovery operation in the Oklahoma City area. During interviews with OBN agents, the rescued victim revealed that she had been commercially sex trafficked by Richey and Bean.

At the time of the victim's disclosure, Richey was already serving a state prison sentence in an Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC) facility for 2021 convictions of robbery and possession of a firearm after a former felony conviction. Records also identified Richey as a validated member of the Blood Street Gang.

Following the victim's statements, ODOC personnel searched Richey’s cell and recovered a contraband cellular phone. Agents determined that Richey used the phone to coordinate with Bean, posting online commercial sex advertisements, setting up appointments, communicating with buyers, and collecting illicit proceeds. Richey also leveraged his gang standing to threaten violence against the victim if she failed to comply.

Grand Jury Indictments and Multi-Agency Arrests

Investigators subsequently identified Sutter as a frequent sex buyer who actively participated in the victim's ongoing trafficking scheme.

On September 16, 2026, the Office of Attorney General presented the case to the Oklahoma Multi-County Grand Jury, which returned a true bill on five felony counts:

  • Count 1: Conspiracy to Commit Human Trafficking for Commercial Sex (Richey, Bean, Sutter)

  • Count 2: Human Trafficking for Commercial Sex (Richey, Bean)

  • Count 3: Acquiring Proceeds from Illegal Activity (Richey, Bean)

  • Count 4: Possessing Contraband in a Penal Institution (Richey)

  • Count 5: Engaging in a Pattern of Criminal Offenses (Richey, Bean, Sutter)

Warrants were issued in Oklahoma County on September 17. Members of the U.S. Marshals Western District Fugitive Task Force arrested Bean in Lawton, Oklahoma, on September 22. The following day, OBN agents arrested Sutter in Oklahoma City, while ODOC officers formally served Richey with his new arrest warrant inside state prison.

OBN Director Donnie Anderson commended the Human Trafficking Unit for rescuing the victim and tracking down those responsible, emphasizing that the agency will aggressively pursue individuals who victimize citizens for financial gain.