⏱ 2 min read
Eric Shepherd, 53, and Olivia Locke, 60, former top officials at the Sisseton Wahpeton Housing Authority (SWHA) in South Dakota, have admitted to embezzling over $3.5 million in federal funds. The duo, who held positions of trust as executive director and chief financial officer, abused their power to issue and cash unauthorized checks for personal gain between September 2019 and July 2025.
The investigation, conducted by the FBI, United States Attorney’s Office, and the Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General, uncovered the large-scale embezzlement scheme. The case is being prosecuted by the US Attorney’s Office.
Shepherd and Locke pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Theft from a Program Receiving Federal Funds on August 3, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann. They face a maximum penalty of five years in custody, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, as well as potential restitution.
US Attorney Ron Parsons and Special Agent in Charge Machelle Jindra with the HUD OIG condemned the actions of Shepherd and Locke, stating that stealing from the government is equivalent to stealing from the American people. The guilty plea marks a significant step towards holding the duo accountable for their crimes.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Public Corruption
- Defendant: South Dakota
- Location: SD
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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