Quapaw man sentenced to 30 years in prison for sexually abusing child- already spent 14 years in prison for abusing two other children

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma)

A federal judge sentenced a Quapaw man today for sexually abusing a child under 12 years of age in Indian Country, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Wilkie Bill Burtrum, 60, to life in prison for the aggravated sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country and to 360 months for abusive sexual contact with a child under 12 in Indian Country. Burtrum previously spent 14 years in federal prison for sexually abusing two other children.

“After repeated convictions for child molestations, a life sentence of imprisonment was the only way to protect children from this monster. I am so proud that a young victim bravely spoke up and helped us stop Burtrum from hurting any other children,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Because of a team of committed investigators, prosecutors, and victim specialists, Wilkie Burtrum was brought to justice. We stand ready to help any other child victim who may want to come forward.” 

Burtrum was convicted of abusing the victim between August 2018 and October 2019. During his March trial, the prosecution contended that the defendant paid extra attention to the victim and offered him special privileges in order to gain the child’s trust. During the time the defendant and victim were together, Burtrum purposefully touched the victim sexually both over his pants and under his clothing. The child eventually confided in a relative then his father, who reported the crimes to authorities.

During the trial, an additional victim, who came forward during the investigation, also testified about abuse he suffered at the hands of Burtrum approximately five years ago. The prosecution further introduced into evidence a 1993 sexual abuse conviction, establishing a pattern of behavior by the defendant. In that case, Burtrum served 14 years in prison for four counts of aggravated sexual abuse in Indian Country with children under 12.

Restitution will be determined at a later hearing set for Sept. 10, 2020. Burtrum remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service until transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.

The Quapaw Tribal Marshals Service and Miami Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shannon Cozzoni and Scott Proctor prosecuted the case.