Grand Jury issues two superseding indictments against Layman

By Beverly Bryant/News Director

A Federal Grand Jury issued two superseding indictments Tuesday against Danielle Dana Layman in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma.

Layman, 37, of Ponca City, was indicted on two counts.

The first count is Use of Interstate Commerce Facilities in the Commission of Murder-for-Hire.

The indictment charges that Layman used a cell phone and  the internet with the intent that the murder of her former spouse, identified as S.A., be committed in violation of the laws of the state of Oklahoma and the United States, and as a consideration for a promise and agreement to pay in U.S. currency. The acts are all in violation of Title 18, U.S. Code Section 1958(a)

The second count is Unregistered Possession of Toxin.

The indictment charges that Layman knowingly possessed a toxin, ricin, without obtaining a registration required by regulations under section 351A(c) of the Public Health Service Act.

The act is in violation of Title 18, U.S.  Code, Section 175b(c)(1).

Layman was also referred  to by four aliases: Samantha Dowry; Danielle Givati; Dana Abecassis; and Danielle Bonaparte.

If convicted of Count 1, Layman could face a penalty of not more than 10 years in a federal penitentiary, a fine of $250,000, or both. If convicted of the second count, she could face a penalty of not more than five years in a federal penitentiary, a fine of $250,000, or both.

Layman was arrested June 30, accused of engaging an individual to travel to Israel for the purpose of administering ricin to  her former husband. Ricin is a poison created from castor beans.

The witness asked to participate in the scheme was given a packet of ricin, along with codes and instructions, according to an affidavit filed in the case.

On July 11, she was charged in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma with using interstate or foreign commerce with intent to commit a murder. She waived her preliminary hearing and was released from federal custody under conditions set by the magistrate.

She was arrested in August by Ponca City Police on a complaint of obstruction of officers who were assisting a state agency. Assistant City Attorney John Andrew said she was convicted on that complaint in Municipal Court and was fined $200. However, Layton has appealed that decision in Kay County District Court. Andrew said the City of Ponca City has filed a motion to dismiss her appeal, which has been scheduled before Special Judge Lee Turner on the Oct. 18 docket. Layton is representing herself in that case.

Layman is being represented on the federal indictments by defense counsel Michael S.  Johnson  of Oklahoma City.