Former BIA corrections officer pleads guilty to sexual abuse of a ward

Acting U.S. Attorney Lynn Jordheim announced that on July 19, Judson P. Elk, 37, of Belcourt, N.D., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Daniel L. Hovland on a charge of sexual abuse of a ward.

In August 2009 Elk was employed as a corrections officer at the Bureau of Indian Affairs Detention Center in Belcourt. During his working hours, authorities said Elk engaged in a sexual act with an inmate at the detention center. The activity was discovered when the inmate’s cellmate came forward with information about the event.

The charge of sexual abuse of a ward carries a statutory maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The case was investigated by the BIA Professional Standards Division and BIA - Turtle Mountain Agency.

Sentencing for Elk has been scheduled for 11 a.m. Oct. 18 in U.S. District Court in Minot.

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