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Christopher Saunsoci, 42, Indicted for Wire Fraud and Theft From an Indian Tribal Organization in South Dakota
SIOUX FALLS – In a shocking turn of events, a federal grand jury has indicted a 42-year-old man from Lake Andes, South Dakota, for 18 counts of Wire Fraud and two counts of Theft From an Indian Tribal Organization.
According to court documents, Christopher Saunsoci, 42, devised a scheme to defraud and obtain money by means of false and fraudulent pretenses and representations. The transactions involved the use of electronic wire communications and interstate commerce.
The Indictment alleges that between September 8, 2020, and September 17, 2021, Saunsoci willfully misapplied a 2016 GMC Yukon from the Yankton Sioux Tribe. The Indictment also alleges that between December 31, 2021, and March 16, 2022, Saunsoci willfully misapplied moneys, funds, and credits belonging to the Yankton Sioux Tribe.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each of the Wire Fraud counts. The maximum penalty upon conviction for each of the two counts of Theft From an Indian Tribal Organization is up to five years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Restitution may also be ordered. Saunsoci was released on bond pending trial and a trial date has not been set.
This case was brought pursuant to the Guardians Project, a federal law enforcement initiative to coordinate efforts between participating agencies, to promote citizen disclosure of public corruption, fraud, and embezzlement involving federal program funds, contracts, and grants, and to hold accountable those who are responsible for adversely affecting those living in South Dakota’s Indian country communities.
The charges are merely accusations and Saunsoci is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.
The Guardians Project is another step of federal law enforcement’s on-going efforts to increase engagement, coordination, and positive action on behalf of tribal communities.
For additional information about the Guardians Project, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (605) 330-4400. To report a suspected crime, please contact law enforcement at the federal agency’s locally listed telephone number.
The defendant, Christopher Saunsoci, is a 42-year-old man from Lake Andes, South Dakota. The exact criminal charges are 18 counts of Wire Fraud and two counts of Theft From an Indian Tribal Organization.
The city and state are Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The exact date of the indictment is November 2022. The current status of the case is that the defendant has pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The sentence or outcome of the case is pending trial. If convicted, the defendant faces up to 20 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each of the Wire Fraud counts.
The dollar amounts involved in the case are $250,000, which is the maximum fine for each of the Wire Fraud counts, and $100, which is the fine for each of the two counts of Theft From an Indian Tribal Organization.
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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