Alva Review-Courier -

A member of the Cherokee City Council, Lance D. Miller, 63, has been charged with harboring a fugitive from justice, a felony. Court information alleges Miller knew a warrant had been issued for the arrest of Linda Yvonne Steffen and concealed her whereabouts from law enforcement in an effort to avoid her being arrested.

A felony warrant was issued by Alfalfa County for Steffen on Jan. 4 on charges of false impersonation of another to create a liability and forgery.

Court records show on Jan. 5 about noon Cherokee Police Chief Ryan McNeil responded to a request to go to the United Supermarket to speak with Scott Smith, manager. Smith said on Jan. 4 Lance Miller came into the business and used Western Union service to send $50 to Linda Steffen. The transaction was processed by employee Mariah Pearce.

Pearce told McNeil that she recognized Steffen’s name because she was aware that Steffen was currently wanted for numerous felony and misdemeanor warrants related to forgery and passing of checks at another business. She asked Miller if the police had found Steffen since they had been looking for her. Pearce said Miller became very nervous at the question. She reported the transaction to Smith, and they contacted law enforcement.

Chief McNeil obtained a copy of the transaction and learned that Steffen had picked up the money. He also learned that on Jan. 8, Miller went to the Alfalfa County Sheriff’s Office and spoke with Sarah Wagner, the 9-1-1 supervisor, attempting to get her cellphone number. Wagner told McNeil that Miller wanted the number because Steffen wanted to speak with her, believing Wagner would be able to help her regarding the criminal cases. Wagner said she told Miller that Steffen had warrants and she could not help her.

McNeil also states in his affidavit that he received information that Steffen may have fled to Missouri to avoid being arrested.

Besides knowing Miller as a city council member, McNeil states another wanted person was found hiding in a garage owned by Miller and in December another wanted person was reported to be living at Miller’s residence and observed with him at a local business.

McNeil also learned that Miller traveled to Tulsa on Jan. 12 to meet with Steffen at which time Steffen allegedly stole Miller’s 2014 Chevy pickup, a cellphone and his wallet containing $1,100 in cash. This theft was reported to the Tulsa police.

Miller was released on a personal recognizance bond with his initial court appearance set for Jan. 30.