A Homeless Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Rape

TULSA, Okla. – A previously convicted sex offender who sexually assaulted a homeless woman taking shelter from the Father’s Day storm pleaded guilty in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

Dennis Ray Thompson, a homeless 64-year-old Choctaw Nation citizen from Tulsa, pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual abuse by force in Indian Country and failure to register as a sex offender.  

“Thompson was caught in the act of sexually violating the victim where she was taking shelter from the Father’s Day storm,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Crimes among the homeless community are often harder to solve and prosecute because of the transient nature of both the accused and the victims; but our office, with help and dedication of our law enforcement partners, will continue to prosecute the offenders and seek justice for the victims.”  

In the early morning hours of June 19, 2023, Tulsa Police Officers spotted Thompson on the sidewalk, completely naked, pinning down the victim. They noticed the victim was in distress and crying. The victim, who was homeless and legally blind, informed the officers she “didn’t want this,” and that she had not consented. Thompson claimed he knew Bannon “from the streets,” but could not tell the officers her name.

In his plea, Thompson admitted to striking the victim in the face, pinning her to the ground and sexually assaulting her. He further admitted that he knew he was required to register as a sex offender and that he had failed to do so.

Thompson faces up to life in federal prison and a fine of not more than $250.000. A federal district court judge will determine his sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Thompson has been and will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service pending sentencing.

The Tulsa Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Briden is prosecuting the case.