TULSA, OK – Elga Eugene Harper, 40, of Tulsa, will face a significant sentence after a federal jury found him guilty Thursday of a savage attack on a 72-year-old woman in her own home. The conviction comes after a harrowing trial where the victim bravely recounted the details of a four-hour ordeal of violence and terror, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Harper was convicted on four federal charges: kidnapping in Indian Country; aggravated sexual abuse by force and threat in Indian Country; assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm in Indian Country; and assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country. The charges stem from an incident that unfolded on May 4, 2022, and left the victim with extensive, ongoing injuries.
According to court testimony, Harper, a transient who had previously performed work for the victim, exploited a prior relationship built on seemingly innocuous conversations about philosophy and counseling. Despite being fully paid for his services months prior, Harper returned to the victim’s home under the guise of seeking further work. When denied, he feigned a need to use the restroom, then launched into a brutal assault after emerging naked. The victim, who allowed Harper access to her home, was completely blindsided by the violent turn of events.
For four agonizing hours, Harper subjected the woman to physical and sexual abuse, ignoring her desperate pleas for him to call 911. He ransacked the home, specifically searching for her car title and taking her keys. Witnesses testified that he silenced her prayers with demands to “shut up.” Only after he fled the scene around 6 pm was the victim able to contact authorities. First responders found her gravely injured, immediately identifying Harper as her attacker. She was transported to the hospital, where she remains under treatment for injuries to her face, head, neck, arms, hands, and legs.
“Elga Harper is a violent sexual predator who beat and sexually assaulted an elderly woman in her home,” stated U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “At trial, the victim testified and faced her attacker. It is never easy for victims to relive the details of their assault, and I always admire the courage and strength it takes to do so. This week, a federal jury heard her story, reviewed the evidence, and delivered justice for this victim.” Harper was apprehended by authorities on May 10, 2022, and now awaits sentencing.
The investigation was a joint effort by the FBI and the Tulsa Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chantelle D. Dial and Melody N. Nelson are leading the prosecution. Sentencing details will be released following a court hearing. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the final outcome.
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Key Facts
- State: Oklahoma
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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