Beckham County, OK – An Arkansas man is facing a felony charge in Beckham County after authorities say he provided false information while attempting to purchase a firearm in Elk City.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed in Beckham County District Court, Phillip Lain Janes is charged with unlawful actions related to licensed dealers and private sellers of firearms. Investigators allege Janes attempted to purchase a .410 shotgun in Elk City on April 23, 2026.
Court records state Janes completed an ATF Form 4473 during the transaction and answered “No” when asked whether he was currently under felony indictment or information for a crime punishable by more than one year in prison. Authorities said Janes signed the form certifying the information was true.
The affidavit states the firearm purchase was denied through the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), prompting an investigation by the Elk City Police Department.
Investigators later discovered Janes allegedly had active felony charges in Arkansas, including terroristic act and first-degree criminal mischief. The affidavit states Janes had appeared in court earlier in April and requested a continuance in the case.
Authorities allege Janes knowingly provided false information in an effort to unlawfully purchase the firearm.
The affidavit states Janes was taken into custody May 7 at the Beckham County Courthouse during a separate court appearance.
Court documents show bond was set at $10,000.
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