RAPID CITY – A former treasurer for the Oglala Sioux Tribe has been indicted for a string of financial crimes, including larceny and embezzlement, that spanned nearly three years.
Mason Big Crow, 50, was indicted in September of 2024 for Larceny and Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollman on November 22, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to ten 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.
As the treasurer for the Oglala Sioux Tribe, Big Crow had nearly exclusive access to the tribe’s debit and credit card, and also had access to the tribe’s bank accounts. Between January 2021 and March 2023, Big Crow embezzled tribal funds to make personal purchases that had not been authorized by the tribe and that were used for his personal benefit.
The charges are merely an accusation and Big Crow is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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 investigation is being conducted by Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Big Crow was released pending trial. A trial date has not been scheduled.
Related Federal Cases
- Steven Nichols, Repeated Tribal Land Trespass, South Dakota 2015 · South Dakota
- Troy R. Morley, Tribal Liaison Appointment, South Dakota 2024 · North Dakota
- South Dakota Nursing Facility Embezzlement, South Dakota 2023 · North Dakota
- Daniel Thomas White, Bribery Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds, South Dakota 2020 · South Dakota
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Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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