Jul. 16—MITCHELL — Arraigned Tuesday afternoon in Davison County felony court, a Mitchell man pleaded not guilty to 32 newly filed charges in an expanding child abuse case.
Eric Opperman, 48, is now facing a total of 44 felony charges connected to alleged crimes committed between 2013 and 2025 involving three children, all under the age of 13 at the time of the incidents. One charge involves a victim between the ages of 13 and 16.
The charges include 12 counts of first-degree rape, five counts of aggravated incest, one count of fourth-degree rape, two counts of manufacturing child sexual abuse material, 14 counts of possession, manufacturing or distribution of child sexual abuse material and 10 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material.
Opperman was initially charged with 12 offenses involving one child in March. After further investigation, law enforcement identified two additional victims, leading to 32 more charges filed earlier this month.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. A jury trial is scheduled for October.
If convicted, Opperman faces a sentence ranging from 10 years to life in prison.