‘Porcupine Man’ Gets 40 Years for Heinous Crimes

RAPID CITY, SD – Wilbur Morrison, 36, of Porcupine, South Dakota, will spend the next four decades in federal prison after being convicted of sickening crimes against a vulnerable victim. U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier handed down the 40-year sentence on May 16, 2024, following a federal jury trial that exposed the depravity of Morrison’s actions.

Morrison was found guilty of two counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor and one count of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The charges stemmed from an incident on January 12, 2023, when the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety responded to a call reporting a physical assault at Morrison’s residence. What they uncovered was far more disturbing.

A neighbor reported witnessing Morrison, while intoxicated, sexually abusing the victim in the living room. The victim, along with other children present in the home, fled to the neighbor’s residence to escape the abuse and report the incident. Forensic interviews conducted by the Child Advocacy Center in Rapid City revealed not only the events of that night but also confirmed at least one other instance of sexual abuse.

The sentencing breaks down as follows: 40 years for each count of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor, to be served concurrently, followed by five years of supervised release on each count. Additionally, Morrison received a 10-year sentence for the Assault charge, also concurrent, with another five years of supervised release. He’s also been ordered to pay $300 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The concurrent sentencing means he’ll serve 40 years total.

Federal prosecutors took the lead on this case due to the Major Crimes Act, a statute requiring prosecution of certain violent crimes occurring in “Indian country” by federal authorities. The investigation was a joint effort between the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the FBI, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen handling the prosecution. The meticulous work of these agencies brought Morrison to justice.

Immediately after the sentencing, Morrison was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. This case serves as a stark reminder of the predators who prey on the vulnerable and the importance of swift and decisive action by law enforcement to protect our communities. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on similar instances of injustice.