A devastating case of theft has rocked the small town of Mission, South Dakota, as 49-year-old Donna Peterson was sentenced to serve 6 months of home confinement, 4 years’ probation, and ordered to pay a $2,000 fine, and over $32,000 in restitution for her role in the crime.
According to authorities, Peterson, who was an employee of Costello Company Property Management, served as manager of the Sunrise Village Apartment Complex from 1996 to 2008. During that time, she received cash from tenants in an amount of $32,723.36, which she did not deposit in the Sunrise Village bank account, but instead embezzled and misapplied the funds.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Agency provided rent subsidy payments to Costello Property Management for tenants who met certain income requirements. Peterson’s actions were a betrayal of the trust placed in her as a manager, and her sentence reflects the severity of her crimes.
The investigation into Peterson’s activities was conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General – Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dennis R. Holmes.
While Peterson’s sentence may provide some sense of closure for the victims of her crimes, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in our communities.
As a result of her actions, Peterson must now serve 6 months of home confinement, followed by 4 years of probation. She must also pay a $2,000 fine and over $32,000 in restitution to those affected by her crimes.
Donna Peterson, 49, was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 8, 2012, and pled guilty to the charge on March 18, 2013.
The case serves as a reminder that white-collar crimes can have serious consequences, and that those who commit them will be held accountable.
Related Federal Cases
- Donna Peterson, Theft of Government Funds, South Dakota 2007 · South Dakota
- Whitney Bagola, Vehicle Theft, South Dakota 2019 · South Dakota
- Robert Rodney Bland, Wire Fraud and Theft of Government Property, South Dakota 2020 · Colorado
- Bonita Ghost Dog, Theft of Government Property, South Dakota 2015 · Iowa
- Warren LaRoche, Identity Theft, South Dakota 2014 · South Dakota
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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