A federal jury in Tulsa has reconvicted Elga Eugene Harper, 43, for the kidnapping, sexual abuse, and physical assault of a 72-year-old nun. U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson announced the verdict following a retrial prompted by an overturned conviction.
Harper was found guilty of several 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.
Court documents state that the incident occurred in May 2022 when Harper arrived unannounced at the victim’s home. The victim, who knew Harper as someone she paid for odd jobs, allowed him to use her restroom after he said he had no work that day. When she went to check on him, she found him naked in her bedroom. According to testimony, Harper then attacked her, bound her arms and legs, tied a noose around her neck, and assaulted her physically and sexually for over four hours. Before leaving, Harper took items from the home that were later recovered by police.
The original trial resulted in a guilty verdict and sentencing in July 2023. However, after an appeal to the Tenth Circuit Court led to the verdict being overturned in October 2024, a retrial was scheduled. The victim passed away before the new trial began.
During the retrial this week, law enforcement officials and witnesses again described the events of 2022. Jurors listened to audio from a 911 call where the victim identified “Elga Harper” as her attacker while requesting help from emergency responders. Body camera footage and photographs presented during trial documented the extent of injuries suffered by the victim.
Harper is identified as a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. He remains in custody pending sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by both the FBI and Tulsa Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melody Nelson, Valeria Luster, and Kenneth Elmore handled prosecution duties.
