Coach Keith Ferguson Reports Child Abuse Immediately, While School Superintendent Failed to Act

Keith Ferguson hails from a sporting family; his father Wilbur previously coached athletics.

August 7, 2026

Last updated by Alisha Shrestha on August 7, 2026

Keith Ferguson, a Kyle, South Dakota native and seasoned football coach, along with his sibling Brandon, have drawn widespread attention for exposing child abuse by former Little Wound High School educator Roman Vasquez.

During an interview, Brandon revealed that despite seventy days passing since he and Keith exposed severe claims of child mistreatment involving Lakota teenagers, the school board stayed silent and did not remove superintendent Sheri Ricketts, who seemingly shielded the alleged offender.

Even after Vasquez’s recorded confession and repeated urgent appeals from Brandon and Keith, Ricketts reportedly declined to end the teacher’s employment.

The narrative continues with the Oglala Sioux Tribe swiftly declaring a State of Emergency and issuing a Banishment Order for Vasquez upon reviewing identical evidence.

Brandon emphasized Ricketts’ disregard for over forty complaints lodged by current and former staff, pupils, and families detailing repeated occurrences of sexual abuse and improper conduct by Vasquez.

According to Brandon, Ricketts neglected statutory duties by ignoring mandatory reporting protocols and failing to activate the SCAN (Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect) reporting mechanism, as stated by Keith Ferguson.

Concerns Over Roman Vasquez’s Influence Did Not Prevent Him From Teaching Brandon Ferguson’s Son, Prompting Keith Ferguson to Intervene

Brandon disclosed in his social media update that his nephew, a senior at Little Wound, was assigned to summer school beginning June 2 to fulfill graduation requirements.

On the eve of classes commencing, he received notification naming Roman Vasquez as his instructor—just two days after Brandon submitted formal documentation and proof concerning Vasquez’s misconduct.

Despite direct outreach to Ricketts, Vasquez continued teaching without interruption.

Alarmed by the lack of official response and absence of law enforcement interviews with victims, Brandon reached out to his brother Keith, a former athletic director, coach, and instructor.

As a mandated reporter, Keith immediately alerted the Rapid City Police Department; a detective promptly recorded Brandon’s statement.

Jurisdictional complexities arose because the victims were tribal members and the institution sits on federal territory.

Brandon further explained that Vasquez vacated school housing by late June and announced plans to relocate to Texas. Tensions intensified when Brandon attempted to present his case during the July 7 School Board session.

Although his attendance was authorized and he carried a visitor badge, school security requested his departure. Refusing to comply, a security officer attempted to seize his phone and allegedly struck him.

An initial OST officer classified the incident as assault and encouraged Brandon to press charges; however, Lt. Carlene Janis later threatened Brandon with trespassing charges despite no legal basis or posted restrictions.

Brandon clarified that he was documenting events as a journalist entitled to attend public proceedings under law.

He contacted OST Dispatch to report intimidation, learning Captain Means would oversee follow-up. Though reassured about investigation, thirty days later no resolution had occurred.

Subsequently, both brothers were invited to address the July 21 OST Education Committee meeting.

Responding to Brandon’s evidence, the committee declared a State of Emergency and issued a Banishment Order for Vasquez. They tasked OST Attorney Rae Ann Red Owl with probing Ricketts’ noncompliance, mandated additional training on mandatory reporting, and required curriculum review.

Prior complaints about Vasquez’s instructional materials included graphic sexual imagery and derogatory portrayals of Lakota individuals; some students skipped classes due to dread. Students faced dropping grades or expulsion for not completing unsettling assignments. Brandon shared these revelations widely to encourage other victims to come forward.

Brandon reiterated that fear of retaliation persists among current employees; many believe reporting misconduct jeopardizes their careers due to Ricketts’ documented pattern of retaliation. Trust in institutional processes is shaken, yet public exposure fuels demands for genuine accountability.

Brandon formally requested inclusion on the August 11, 2026 School Board agenda to submit complaints against Ricketts and involved security personnel. He urges suspension without pay until federal, tribal, and state probes conclude.

Federal agencies including the FBI, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and Rapid City PD have launched investigations into Vasquez. Simultaneously, tribal and BIA inquiries target Ricketts and school administration.

Brandon concluded, “Together We Are Ending the Silence.”

His and Keith’s mission centers on safeguarding Lakota youth, revealing wrongdoing, and demanding responsibility from those wielding authority.

Essential Facts You Should Know

• Keith Ferguson attended Chadron State College, earning a degree in Comprehensive Recreation with a Coaching minor in 2007.
• He started coaching at Red Cloud Indian School, guiding his squad to claim their inaugural conference championship.

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Suruchi is a dedicated business management student passionate about sports journalism. Driven by curiosity and creativity, she strives to broaden her expertise and share insightful perspectives through her writing.

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