A fourth defendant involved in a methamphetamine drug conspiracy was arrested by U.S. Marshals Thursday in West Tulsa and made an initial appearance today in U.S. District Court, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

Tina Marie Tankersly, 33, of Tulsa, was one of five defendants named in an August 2020 indictment charging the defendants with drug conspiracy and other crimes.

Also charged with drug conspiracy were Charles Dean Studie, 36; Albert Douglas Parker, 35; Sydney Daloise Courtney, 28; and Marty Jay Foster, 52, all of Tulsa. The defendants allegedly conspired to distribute 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine in the Tulsa area. Defendant Marty Foster remains at large and is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service.

“Drug traffickers should know that our team of prosecutors and agents will disrupt and dismantle their operations and bring them to account in a federal courtroom,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Keeping our neighborhoods safe is a top priority for all of us in the law enforcement community. I appreciate DEA Tulsa and Sheriff Regalado teaming up to take down these alleged meth-dealing criminals.”

“The Deputies that make up our Tulsa Housing Authority Community Enhancement Unit are dedicated to the safety and security of the families that live within the THA complexes,” said Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado. “There’s no doubt in my mind the people who live in these complexes are safer now that this drug operation is shut down. We are extremely proud of the work of our Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office Community Enhancement Unit.”

The indictment also charged Tankersley and Parker with maintaining a drug involved premises at 1503 West 59th St. South in Tulsa. Studie is also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes and felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Studie and Courtney are also charged with maintaining a drug involved premises at 1622 West 59th Street South in Tulsa.

The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.

The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office and Drug Enforcement Administration are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar is prosecuting the case.