Attorney General Jackley Announces Mitchell Man Sentenced To 85 Years in Prison Each on Two First Degree Rape Charges

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, Sept. 25, 2026

Contact: Tony Mangan, Communications Director, 605-773-6878 

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces a Mitchell man was sentenced to 85 years in prison each, on two separate counts of First Degree Rape involving two victims under the age of 13.  

Eric Mark Opperman, 49, was sentenced Friday in Davison County Circuit Court. He earlier pleaded no contest to the two counts. The sentences will be served concurrently.

“This sentence reflects the gravity of these crimes and affirms our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Jackley. “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.”

Attorney General Jackley said one count involved a five-year 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.

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

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