A former Kokomo Police Department officer in Indiana has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old runaway girl while on duty, in a case that has shocked the local community and raised serious questions about the abuse of police authority.

Sinmi Asomuyide, 33, was convicted following a five-day federal trial on charges including deprivation of rights under color of law, kidnapping, and abusive sexual contact with a child under 16. He was also found guilty of witness tampering for attempting to cover up the crime.

According to court testimony and reports, Asomuyide first encountered the victim while responding to a runaway case as a probationary officer. He later tracked the teenager’s phone, handcuffed her, forced her into his squad car, and drove her to an abandoned parking lot where he sexually assaulted her. The victim reported that Asomuyide had previously exchanged numbers with her after an earlier encounter and used his position to isolate her.

The jury determined that Asomuyide deprived the minor of her constitutional rights by exploiting his authority as a law enforcement officer. Prosecutors highlighted how he deleted messaging apps used to communicate with the girl and lied to investigators about his contact with her.

“This 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,” said 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.”

Asomuyide now faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. Sentencing is pending.

The case has drawn renewed attention to the importance of oversight and accountability within police departments, particularly when officers interact with vulnerable minors. The Kokomo Police Department and federal authorities have emphasized that such abuses of power will not be tolerated.

This conviction serves as a stark reminder that those sworn to protect the public must be held to the highest standards — and that betrayal of that trust carries severe consequences.