Xavier Zephier, Aggravated Sexual Abuse, South Dakota 2019

A Wagner, South Dakota man has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term for a heinous crime. Xavier Zephier, age 26, was found guilty of Aggravated Sexual Abuse after a federal jury trial in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on March 5, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on October 29, 2017, when Zephier forcibly raped a woman while she was sleeping. This brutal act has left the victim and her loved ones shaken to the core.

In a federal courtroom on June 6, 2019, U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier handed down a sentence of 180 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Zephier was also ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $5,100.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer D. Mammenga and Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case, working tirelessly to bring justice to the victim.

Following his sentencing, Zephier was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. He will now face the consequences of his actions behind bars.

The community is breathing a sigh of relief, knowing that the perpetrator is being held accountable for his horrific crime. However, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and support for victims of sexual assault.

Xavier Zephier's name will now become synonymous with the severity of his crimes. His actions have left an indelible mark on the lives of those affected, and it is our hope that justice will continue to be served in the years to come.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/wagner-man-sentenced-aggravated-sexual-abuse