Ex-Cop Convicted of Violently Assaulting 14-Year-Old Runaway While On Duty

A former police officer in Indiana was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old runaway, using his position to track her phone and force her into his squad car while on duty.

Sinmi Asomuyide, aged 33 and previously with the Kokomo Police Department, received a guilty verdict after a five-day trial. He faced charges for sexually assaulting the girl and lying to investigators to conceal his actions, as confirmed by the US Department of Justice.

Asomuyide first encountered the victim while assigned to follow up on her case as a probationary officer. Reports indicate that during one incident, he picked her up under the guise of taking her to a local youth center but instead parked in a lot and asked her inappropriate questions.

After dropping her off at home and exchanging contact information, Asomuyide tracked her phone to her residence, demanding she leave with him. He handcuffed her, forced her into his squad car, and drove her to an abandoned parking lot where he sexually assaulted her.

The federal jury convicted Asomuyide of deprivation of rights for violating the teen's constitutional rights through sexual assault. Prosecutors highlighted that his actions included kidnapping and abusive sexual contact with a minor.

Additionally, Asomuyide was found guilty of witness tampering for lying to the Indiana State Police about any sexual contact with the girl and for denying other corroborating evidence. He attempted to cover up his crime by deleting a messaging app used to communicate with the victim prior to the assault.

Asomuyide now faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

“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,” stated Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley of the FBI Indianapolis Field Office.

“These actions reflect a complete disregard for the law, the victim, and the public trust,” O’Malley added.

“The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively pursue justice for victims and hold offenders fully accountable.”