BIA Officer Sentenced for Abuse | Fargo News

A former Bureau of Indian Affairs officer, Murrell Deela, received a 14-year federal sentence for sexually assaulting a minor while on duty and then lying to investigators — a crime that unfolded on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in August 2024. Instead of taking the teen home, Deela drove her elsewhere, assaulted her, and later fabricated a report claiming he’d taken her straight home. When confronted with evidence, he eventually confessed. In a shocking escalation, he set his patrol car on fire hours before it was to be collected — likely to destroy evidence. The DOJ emphasized accountability, sending a clear message: no one is above the law, especially those in positions of power who abuse them — particularly when minors are involved. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/31ceff8609346b88