Wagoner County deputies say an undercover online sting using a 15-year-old decoy ended with the arrest of 44-year-old Marcus Mapes. He was booked on complaints of lewd acts with a child, extortion and solicitation of a minor for sex, according to authorities. Investigators say the operation involved digital surveillance along with a search warrant that turned up multiple electronic devices now logged as evidence. Mapes remains in custody while the investigation continues and prosecutors review the case.
Undercover decoy led to search, seizure and arrest
According to KOKH, deputies say the suspect first reached out to the decoy using one phone number, then shifted to another and claimed to be a law-enforcement officer. Investigators allege he threatened the decoy with arrest, then offered to make the supposed charges disappear in exchange for sexual acts. In May, the Wagoner County Sheriff's Office served a search warrant at a residence and seized several electronic devices. Authorities say one of the confiscated phones rang when investigators dialed the number tied to the decoy's device. Deputies then arrested Mapes on the listed complaints and forwarded the case to prosecutors for potential charges.
Sheriff praises investigators
In a statement to KOKH, Wagoner County Sheriff Chris Elliot said that cases involving the exploitation of children remain among the office's highest priorities. He commended investigators and partner agencies for their work in identifying and apprehending the suspect before any child was physically harmed.
Suspect's record and what Level 3 means
Public records compiled online indicate that Mapes is listed on the state sex-offender registry and has a 2011 conviction for rape by instrumentation, according to City-Data. Under Oklahoma guidance, Level 3 registrants are considered high risk and must verify their registration every 90 days, a designation that reflects a history of serious offenses and requires lifetime monitoring. The complaints against Mapes are felony-level allegations, and any formal charges or court filings will be handled by the Wagoner County district attorney as the investigation moves forward.
What happens next
Prosecutors will review the investigative file and decide whether to file formal charges. Officials have not yet released court dates or additional booking details. Authorities say the case remains active and are asking anyone with relevant information to contact the Wagoner County Sheriff's Office.
