Former BIA Officer Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse

Murrell Deela admitted to assaulting a minor while on duty in 2024

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:26pm

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Murrell Deela, a former Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) officer, pleaded guilty on Friday to sexually abusing a minor and lying to federal investigators. According to court records, in August 2024, Deela encountered a minor while on duty, drove the victim to an alternate location, and engaged in non-consensual sexual acts.

Why it matters

The case highlights the abuse of power by law enforcement officials and the lasting trauma caused by such crimes, especially against minors. It underscores the importance of accountability and the need for robust oversight mechanisms within law enforcement agencies.

The details

On August 7, 2024, Deela, who was 29 years old at the time, was on duty as a BIA officer on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. He encountered a minor, apprehended the victim, and placed them in his patrol vehicle. Instead of driving the minor to their family's house, Deela drove the victim to an alternate location and engaged in non-consensual sexual acts. The minor victim disclosed the abuse the following day.

  • On August 7, 2024, Deela encountered the minor victim while on duty as a BIA officer.
  • Deela pleaded guilty to the charges on Friday, April 6, 2026.

The players

Murrell Deela

A former Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) officer who pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a minor while on duty in 2024.

FBI Billings Field Office

The FBI field office that investigated the case and provided a statement on the outcome.

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What they’re saying

“The outcome reflects the victim's courage in coming forward. Any abuse of authority, especially against a minor, causes lasting harm and is a betrayal of everything law enforcement stands for.”

— Jutin Gerken, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Billings Field Office

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for robust oversight and accountability measures within law enforcement agencies to prevent and swiftly address any abuse of power, especially against vulnerable individuals such as minors. It serves as a reminder that the public's trust in law enforcement must be earned through ethical and professional conduct.