A former law enforcement officer with the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming. According to court documents, the incident occurred in August 2023 while the officer was on duty.
Derek James Begay, 31, admitted to one count of abusive sexual contact with a minor. The plea agreement states that Begay encountered the intoxicated victim and transported her in his government vehicle before committing the assault. He was arrested in September 2023 following an investigation by the FBI.
Begay faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a potential lifetime of supervised release. His sentencing is scheduled for June 2026. The BIA Office of Justice Services placed Begay on administrative leave upon his arrest, and he is no longer employed by the agency.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about law enforcement accountability on tribal lands. The Department of Justice emphasized its commitment to prosecuting crimes in Indian Country and protecting vulnerable victims.
