Jessica Engle, Embezzlement, California 2024

San Francisco, CA – In a shocking turn of events, 42-year-old Jessica Engle, a resident of Gold Hill, Oregon, pleaded guilty to embezzling over $500,000 from the Yurok Tribe, a Native American community in California.

According to court documents, Engle, the former CEO of Yurok Telecommunications Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Yurok Tribe, embezzled the funds from the tribe while serving as its CEO. She allegedly converted the money to her own use, violating federal laws.

The indictment, which was handed down by a federal grand jury on September 25, 2024, charged Engle with two counts: embezzling approximately $579,574 from an Indian tribal organization and theft from programs receiving federal funds.

Engle pleaded guilty to both counts, admitting to the crime in federal court yesterday afternoon. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani.

Engle’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 14, 2026, before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Maxine M. Chesney. If convicted, Engle faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the count of theft from programs receiving federal funds in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 666 and five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the count of embezzlement from an Indian tribal organization in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1163.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colin Sampson and Sophia Cooper are prosecuting the case, with the assistance of Laurie Worthen. The FBI led the investigation, which also involved the Yurok Tribal Police.

The case is a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in public institutions. As the Grimy Times continues to investigate, one thing is clear: Engle’s actions have caused irreparable harm to the Yurok Tribe and its members.

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