Mitchell Man Sentenced to 85 Years for Two Counts of First‑Degree Rape, Attorney General Says

Northeast Radio SD News – Mitchell, SD - A Mitchell man has been sentenced to 85 years in prison on each of two separate counts of First Degree Rape involving victims under the age of 13, according to South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley.

49‑year‑old Eric Mark Opperman was sentenced Friday in Davison County Circuit Court. He previously pleaded no contest to both counts. The two 85‑year sentences will be served concurrently.

“This sentence reflects the gravity of these crimes and affirms our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us,” Attorney General Jackley said. “I want to thank the victims and their families for their courage in coming forward, as well as the investigators and staff who worked tirelessly on this case.”

According to the Attorney General’s Office, one count involved a five‑year‑old victim and occurred between January 2013 and January 2014. The second count involved a 12‑year‑old victim and occurred between January 2017 and January 2025.

The case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the Mitchell Police Department. The Attorney General’s Office and the Davison County State’s Attorney’s Office prosecuted.