A former tribal police officer was found guilty Thursday of aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact of a child.
Oscar Hudspeth, 54, of Oglala, was found guilty after a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City. Hudspeth was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2023.
According to a press release from the United States Attorney’s Office, a juvenile girl disclosed that Hudspeth had sexually abused her while her mother was married to him.
The minor disclosed during a forensic interview she was allegedly touched in a sexual manner on more than one occasion while Hudspeth was her stepfather. The abuse took place at their residence in Oglala while the child’s mother was away at work.
During the time of the abuse, Hudspeth was employed as a law enforcement officer with the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.
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“This case represents a tragedy on many fronts, including that the child victim suffered horrendous abuse at the hands of a person sworn to uphold the law,” said U.S. Attorney Alison Ramsdell. “Our office’s prosecution is a reminder that no one — not even a police officer — is above the law. The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains steadfast in its commitment to vigorously protect children and aggressively fight to vindicate their right to lead lives free from abuse of any kind.”
The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in federal prison and a $250,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
“Our communities rely on law enforcement officers to serve and protect. Hudspeth betrayed his oath and violated the trust placed in him by harming the most vulnerable among us. No child should ever endure such an egregious crime,” said Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Alvin Winston. “This conviction demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to ensuring that those who commit such heinous acts are held accountable, no matter their position or authority.”
A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date has not been set. Hudspeth was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
You can contact Madison at mwillis@rapidcityjournal.com