A federal jury in Tulsa has found Denzil Austin Berryman guilty of aggravated sexual abuse by force and threat, as well as assault of an intimate or dating partner by strangulation and suffocation. The incident occurred in Indian Country.
"The victim courageously testified about this horrible act against her," stated U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. "I want to thank her and the prosecution team for bringing Mr. Berryman to justice."
The events leading to the conviction took place in June 2023 at the victim's apartment. According to testimony, Berryman became angry after seeing gummy bears he believed were from another person. He reportedly yelled at the victim, damaged property in the apartment, and threatened her pet cat.
The victim recounted that Berryman forced her into a bedroom where he began sexually assaulting her. Despite her protests, he allegedly strangled her until she lost consciousness and then continued to rape her.
Berryman is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. After being released on bond previously, he was taken into custody following his conviction, with sentencing scheduled for a later date.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Tulsa Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Ihler and Stephen Scaife.