Sharon M. Nelson, Land Sale Check Fraud, Sisseton SD, 2016

Sharon M. Nelson, a 62-year-old resident of Sisseton, South Dakota, has been handed a heavy sentence for her involvement in the fraudulent cashing of a government check worth $8,889.17.

The U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that on October 17, 2016, Nelson was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann to 5 years of probation, along with $6,648.75 in restitution and a special assessment of $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Nelson was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 8, 2015, and pleaded guilty to Theft of Government Property on July 11, 2016.

The case stemmed from Nelson’s participation in the Land Buy Back Program for Tribal Nations. After selling her land under the program, she was issued a check by the United States Treasury, which she claimed was never received. The Office of the Special Trustee then deposited the same amount directly into her personal bank account. Nelson cashed the original check six months later, spending all but $2,000 before reimbursement from the U.S. Treasury became necessary.

The United States Department of the Interior’s Office of the Inspector General led the investigation, while Assistant U.S. Attorney SaraBeth Donovan prosecuted the case. Following her sentencing, Nelson was released.

This incident underscores the importance of accountability in government programs and serves as a cautionary tale for others considering similar fraudulent actions.