BIA announces arrest of child predator on multiple felony charges following joint investigation into sexual assault of minor and adult in Oklahoma

NORTHEAST OKLAHOMA - The Bureau of Indian Affairs Predatory Crimes Unit announces the arrest of David Hunter Walters, 25, on multiple felony charges stemming from a months-long investigation into the sexual assault of two people in Northeast Oklahoma.

Walters faces felony charges in the District Court of the 13th Judicial District, including counts of rape in the first degree, rape by instrumentation, kidnapping, and sexual battery. A felony warrant was issued August 14, 2026.

U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division special agents arrested Walters on the felony warrant where he was subsequently transferred into the custody of officers with the Oklahoma District 13 Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, who transported him to the Ottawa County Detention Center in Miami, Oklahoma, where he remains incarcerated.

"This investigation demonstrates what is possible when law enforcement agencies bring their expertise, resources, and jurisdictional authorities together with a shared commitment to protecting communities and pursuing justice," said Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Billy Kirkland. "The courage of the witnesses in this case, combined with the dedication and expertise of our local, tribal, and military partners, made this investigation possible. We will continue to pursue those who prey upon Native Americans and ensure that jurisdictional complexity does not stand in the way of justice."

The investigation began following disclosures made by those harmed. The BIA Predatory Crimes Unit was requested to assist by the Fairland Police Department and the Afton Police Department, in recognition of the unit's specialized expertise in investigating crimes against children, sexual assault offenses, and technology-facilitated and cyber-enabled crimes spanning tribal jurisdiction. BIA Predatory Crimes Unit agents subsequently led and coordinated the investigation across multiple jurisdictions, working alongside local, tribal, and military law enforcement partners, reflecting the close coordination required when offenses span tribal, municipal, and military lines. The alleged conduct occurred, in part, on lands within the Cherokee Nation, underscoring the importance of the multi-agency response in protecting Native Americans and holding accountable those who commit crimes against them, regardless of the offender's background.

The investigation revealed that Walters used social media and messaging platforms to initiate, sustain, and conceal an exploitative relationship with a minor over an extended period.

Digital forensic extractions from multiple devices, conducted in coordination with U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division specialists, were critical to establishing the scope and duration of this conduct and corroborating accounts. This case underscores the growing role that technology and cyber-facilitated communication play in the exploitation of children, and the corresponding importance of specialized digital forensic capability in bringing offenders to justice.

"This case exemplifies the complex, jurisdictionally layered investigation our unit exists to pursue," said Acting BIA Predatory Crimes Unit Chief Billy "Joey" Stites. "It also represents something more important: the courage of those who came forward and the tireless work of every agency and advocate who supported them throughout that process. This case reflects the Bureau of Indian Affairs' core mission: protecting Native American communities and holding all offenders accountable, regardless of background or affiliation."

The BIA Predatory Crimes Unit was established under Secretary's Order 3450, signed by Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum on May 5, 2026, to strengthen the Department's efforts under President Donald Trump to investigate crimes against children and other vulnerable individuals in Indian Country.

The BIA extends its sincere gratitude to the following agencies and organizations for their critical roles in this investigation:

• U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, for their forensic and investigative work and for executing the arrest
• Fairland Police Department and Afton Police Department, for their local investigative support
• Oklahoma District 13 Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, for their assistance in the investigation and in transporting the defendant into custody
• Ottawa County Child Advocacy Center, for their essential role in providing a safe, trauma-informed environment for interviews and support services

Above all, the BIA acknowledges the extraordinary bravery of the survivors and their family in coming forward. Reporting abuse of this nature requires immense courage, and their willingness to speak out was instrumental in bringing this case to prosecution. It is our hope that their courage encourages others in similar circumstances to come forward and seek help.

Anyone with information about this case, or who has experienced or witnessed similar conduct, is encouraged to contact the BIA Predatory Crimes Unit, Miami, Oklahoma, at 918-541-2318, BIA TIP App, or their local law enforcement agency.

The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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