Chickasaw agency employees recognized with Red Feathers for missing and murdered teen investigation

(CHICKASAW NATION) It has been five years since Faith Lindsey, a 17-year-old Chickasaw citizen from Pauls Valley, went missing after being tragically murdered.

Recently, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) recognized current and former Chickasaw Nation Emergency Management (CNEM) employees with Red Feather awards for their pivotal role in the search for Lindsey and the investigation into her disappearance and murder.

Related Story: Mystery deepens around Pauls Valley teen's disappearance 

CNEM worked alongside several other agencies, including the OSBI, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Chickasaw Lighthorse Police, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and Pontotoc County Sheriff’s Office. The team played a crucial role in the investigation, providing essential resources such as manpower, drones, and a cadaver dog in five different searches across Garvin, Pontotoc, and Seminole Counties.

OSBI Deputy Director Steven Carter praised CNEM’s dedication.

“Assistance with searches outside the Chickasaw Nation was provided without hesitation,” he said. “The successful investigation and prosecution of this case was possible due to your willingness to provide unique skills and expertise.”

Red Feather Awards for “Above and Beyond” Efforts

OSBI Red Feather awards honor employees who demonstrated exceptional professionalism, integrity, and hard work during an investigation.

CNEM team members George Jesse, Sara Billings, Carol Williamson, J.P. Maples, Brandon Burchfield, and Steve Cash received Red Feathers for their work on the case. Former CNEM team members who received Red Feathers include Adam Kuhlman, Dewayne Price, and Steve Dunn.

CNEM Executive Officer Steve Cash expressed his pride in the team’s recognition.

“I was excited for our team to be recognized because I know how much effort they put into each search,” said Cash. “We are thankful to Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby and the Chickasaw Nation for enabling us with the training, support and resources to respond to requests like these. We’re incredibly honored to receive these Red Feather awards.”

The Arrest and Prosecution of Tanner Washington

Although Faith Lindsey’s body has never been found, authorities were able to arrest her boyfriend, Tanner Washington, in December 2019. Three years later, in September 2022, Washington pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.

OSBI Investigative Division Director John Jones noted the importance of teamwork in bringing the case to a successful conclusion.

“This case is literally the blueprint for success,” said Jones. “Without the teamwork of our Chickasaw Nation partners, this case does not come to fruition. We are very grateful for the teamwork, resources, and the effort that were provided to us and to the citizens of Oklahoma to get justice in this matter.”

Earlier this year, Tanner Washington was sentenced to life in federal prison without the possibility of parole, bringing some sense of justice to the Lindsey family and the Chickasaw Nation.