Anthony Bertino, Bribery Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds, South Dakota 2021

Anthony Bertino, a 60-year-old man from Atlantic City, New Jersey, was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison for bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds in South Dakota. On May 10, 2021, U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann handed down the sentence.

Bertino was found guilty after a federal jury trial in Aberdeen on October 30, 2020. He was convicted of accepting kickbacks from a seller in exchange for his services as the Corporate Marketing Officer for the Dakota Nation Gaming Enterprise (DNGE). The DNGE is a tribally-run gaming establishment operated by the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribe.

The bribery scheme occurred between May 7, 2014 and August 4, 2014, when Bertino negotiated the purchase of equipment from a 66,000 square foot casino facility in Indiana. After the purchase, Bertino received three kickbacks totaling $104,909.78 from the seller. His employment agreement with the DNGE prohibited self-dealing and required him to obtain written consent before working in any other capacity.

The case was brought under The Guardians Project, a federal law enforcement initiative to combat public corruption, fraud, and embezzlement involving federal program funds. The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.

Bertino must pay a fine of $95,000 and a special assessment of $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. He has been allowed to self-report to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service by July 3, 2021.

The case highlights the ongoing efforts of federal law enforcement to hold accountable those responsible for adversely affecting communities in Indian country. The Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribe operates numerous gaming establishments in South Dakota, and the DNGE is one of them.

The public can report suspected crimes to law enforcement by contacting the federal agency's locally listed telephone number. For more information about The Guardians Project, contact the U.S. Attorney's Office at (605) 330-4400.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/new-jersey-man-sentenced-bribery