An Oklahoma man wanted on complaints of lewd molestation, second degree rape, sodomy of a minor under 16, providing alcohol to a minor, witness intimidation, violating a protective order, bogus checks, and auto theft has been apprehended in Oregon, after sheriff's deputies and police found him sleeping in the stolen vehicle he allegedly used to elude prosecution in Kingfisher and Woods counties.
Robert Lee Stoddard, 40, is accused of becoming belligerent and combative when law enforcement in Oregon approached him. They say resisted arrest by "attacking" them, punching one officer in the throat and another in the mouth with enough force to knock out the arresting officer's tooth. Stoddard allegedly tried to flee on foot, but was subdued when law enforcement used a taser against him.
Stoddard is jailed in Oregon on multiple misdemeanor and felony complaints:
- Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle
- Possession of a stolen vehicle
- 2 counts of assault of a public safety officer
- First degree assault
- 2nd degree escape
- Interfering with a police officer
- 4th degree assault
- Resisting arrest
- Unlawful possession or concealment of firearms
- 2 counts of second degree assault
It may be a while before Stoddard is extradited to Oklahoma to confront the charges he is facing here, because he will likely be required to face an Oregon judge on the felony complaints against him in that state.
Most of the charges against Stoddard in Oklahoma are related to two separate criminal cases. In one, he is accused of second degree rape (statutory rape) and sodomy of a minor under the age of 16. He is also accused of providing alcohol to a minor in that case, which was filed in Woods County in January 2014.
In the more recent case, he is charged with lewd molestation of a 12-year-old girl in Kingfisher County. Early this month, police were looking for him to question him about the allegations in the case. Rightfully, the man did not wish to speak with police. However, instead of hiring a defense lawyer to do his talking for him, he went to an El Reno car dealership, took a car for a "test drive," and never returned.
Facing sex crime charges can be frightening, and certainly, one should never speak to investigators without the advice and presence of a criminal defense lawyer. However, attempting to elude prosecution by running only makes matters worse.
If you have been accused of a sex offense or involvement in any crime, maintain your right to silence and insist upon your right to an attorney. Do not speak to anyone other than your attorney about your case. Your instinct may be to run, but running doesn't solve anything. Talk to your lawyer about taking a proactive stance to your defense. We can help.
