Oklahoma man sentenced to 25 years for lewd acts against child; new charges filed

A Cleveland County judge on Wednesday sentenced Joseph Schubert, 22, to the maximum punishment of 25 years in prison for lewd or indecent acts to a child under the age of 12.

The charges stem from a 2023 incident at a martial arts studio. Prosecutors said the child reported the abuse to their mother, who then contacted authorities.

“Child molestation is a serious crime, and we know the family is very grateful,” said SuAnne Carlson, Assistant District Attorney for Cleveland County. “I’m grateful for the jury, for listening to all the evidence and reaching the sentence they did.”

During the hearing, Carlson confirmed that new charges had recently been filed against Schubert in Canadian County for similar alleged behavior.

“I am not surprised. Unfortunately, we know often times when a child is molested, there can be others,” Carlson said.

Schubert’s attorney, Billy Coyle, maintained his client’s innocence and said the legal fight is not over.

“At the end of the day, Joseph is a man of faith. So, 21 years old, 22 at this time of life, he needs to maintain his discipline and we will keep fighting his case,” Coyle said.

Judge Thad Balkman acknowledged that 17 letters of support were submitted on Schubert’s behalf, but said they did not outweigh the harm caused to the victim. He also stated that the recent charges in Canadian County did not factor into his sentencing decision.

The martial arts studio involved said Schubert was not an instructor at the time of the incident. He was removed from the facility and barred from returning after the allegation surfaced.