A former Indiana police officer has been convicted in federal court of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old runaway while on duty and later attempting to conceal evidence and mislead investigators.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a federal jury found former Kokomo Police Department officer Sinmi Asomuyide, 33, guilty following a five-day trial. Federal prosecutors alleged that Asomuyide used his position as a police officer to locate, detain, and sexually assault a juvenile female before taking steps to obstruct the subsequent investigation.
How the Investigation Began
According to the Department of Justice and reporting by Fox59, Asomuyide first encountered the victim while assigned to follow up on a report involving a runaway 14-year-old girl during his time as a probationary officer.
The victim later told investigators that during one runaway-related contact, Asomuyide transported her but remained parked at a local youth center parking lot, where he allegedly asked inappropriate questions before eventually returning her home.
Federal prosecutors stated that after the encounter, Asomuyide exchanged phone numbers with the juvenile and continued communicating with her.
Evidence Presented at Trial
According to evidence presented during trial, prosecutors alleged that Asomuyide later tracked the victim’s location after she ran away from home again.
The victim told investigators that Asomuyide located her, handcuffed her, and placed her into his police vehicle before transporting her to an isolated parking lot.
Federal prosecutors alleged that Asomuyide sexually assaulted the victim while acting under color of law.
The Department of Justice stated that jurors ultimately accepted the government’s evidence and returned guilty verdicts on all charged counts.
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Federal Jury Verdict
According to the Department of Justice, the federal jury found Asomuyide guilty of:
Federal prosecutors stated that the jury specifically found that the deprivation-of-rights offense included kidnapping and abusive sexual contact involving a child younger than 16 years old.
Witness Tampering Conviction
The Department of Justice reported that Asomuyide was also convicted of witness tampering after allegedly attempting to mislead investigators.
According to prosecutors, evidence presented at trial showed that Asomuyide:
Federal authorities stated that jurors concluded those actions were intended to obstruct the investigation.
FBI Statement Following the Verdict
Following the conviction, FBI Indianapolis Field Office Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley issued a statement regarding the outcome of the case.
According to the FBI, O’Malley stated:
“The defendant used his position of trust and the appearance of assistance to isolate and assault a child, then took steps to obstruct the investigation by destroying records and lying to law enforcement.”
O’Malley further stated that the defendant’s actions reflected a disregard for the law, the victim, and public trust and that federal authorities would continue pursuing accountability in cases involving civil rights violations and crimes committed under color of law.
Current Status
Asomuyide has been convicted and remains pending sentencing in federal court.
According to the Department of Justice:
Significance of the Conviction
Federal prosecutors characterized the case as a civil rights violation committed under color of law, alleging that a sworn police officer used official authority and access gained through his position to commit criminal acts against a juvenile.
The conviction represents a completed federal jury determination on the charges presented at trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sinmi Asomuyide?
Sinmi Asomuyide is a former officer with the Kokomo Police Department who was convicted in federal court on charges involving the sexual assault of a juvenile runaway and witness tampering.
What was he convicted of?
A federal jury found him guilty of deprivation of rights under color of law through sexual assault, conduct involving kidnapping, abusive sexual contact involving a child under 16, and witness tampering.
How old was the victim?
According to federal prosecutors, the victim was 14 years old at the time of the offenses.
Has sentencing occurred?
No. As of the Department of Justice announcement, sentencing had not yet taken place.
What sentence does he face?
Federal authorities stated that Asomuyide faces a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment.
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