FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 30, 2026

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Zemp Behenna announced today that a jury convicted Merle Johnson, 53, on all six counts related to the August 2025 rape and sexual abuse of a 15-year-old girl. The jury recommended a sentence of life without the possibility of parole.

Police were called to a residence in Choctaw after the teenager reported that Johnson, her mother’s former boyfriend, had sexually assaulted her earlier that morning.

The girl told police that around 2 a.m., Johnson entered her bedroom without permission and began sexually assaulting her. The assault continued for several hours. Johnson had been living in the home for years, and the teenager told investigators this was the first time he had sexually assaulted her.

Based on the investigation, the DA’s Office filed the following charges: (1) Rape in the First Degree, (2) Rape in the First Degree by Instrumentation, (3) Sexual Abuse of a Child, (4) Sexual Abuse of a Child, (5) Sexual Abuse of a Child, and (6) Child Sexual Exploitation.

“The courage this young woman showed throughout this case is remarkable,” said District Attorney Behenna. “She not only found the strength to report what happened to her, but she then had to sit in a courtroom and face the man who raped her and tell a room full of strangers what he did to her. She is incredibly brave.”The jury found Johnson guilty on all six counts after hearing the survivor’s testimony and additional evidence presented by prosecutors, including videos Johnson made during the rape.

Johnson has a previous rape conviction out of Tulsa County from 2000 and served time in prison. He was also required to register as a sex offender following that conviction but had not done so.

“By coming forward and telling her story, this young woman made sure Johnson was held accountable for what he did,” Behenna said. “Her willingness to testify is going to prevent Johnson from ever raping another woman.”

Following the guilty verdicts, the jury considered punishment and recommended life without the possibility of parole on Counts 1 through 5 and life imprisonment on Count 6. Formal sentencing is scheduled for November 10, 2026.

DA Behenna expressed her appreciation to the jurors for their time, attention and thoughtful consideration throughout the trial. “The jury had the difficult task of hearing and viewing deeply disturbing testimony and evidence, and we are grateful for the care and attention they gave to this case,” Behenna said.

DA Behenna also thanked the Choctaw Police Department detectives for their thorough work investigating the case and putting together the evidence that ultimately led to the charges and conviction. She also recognized the prosecutors who diligently prepared the case for trial.

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