Patricia Elaine Jones, Embezzlement, South Dakota 2017
Patricia Elaine Jones, 65, of Rosebud, South Dakota, pleaded guilty to charges of embezzlement from the Rosebud Sioux Tribe’s Tribal Ranch. The charges stem from an investigation that revealed Jones embezzled over $1,000 from the ranch between April 1, 2015, and March 31, 2016.
According to the indictment, Jones willfully and knowingly embezzled, misapplied, and converted to her own use more than $1,000 of monies, funds, credits, goods, assets, and other property belonging to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Tribal Ranch, an Indian Tribal Organization. The maximum term of imprisonment upon conviction is up to 5 years, a $250,000 fine, or both, a period of supervised release, and a special assessment of $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Jones pleaded guilty to the charges during her initial appearance in federal court on September 26, 2017. She faces a maximum term of imprisonment of up to 5 years, a $250,000 fine, or both, and a special assessment of $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The investigation into the embezzlement charges is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Interior, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case.
The 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.
Jones is currently facing the charges and will face sentencing at a later date. The U.S. Attorney's Office is urging anyone with information about public corruption, fraud, or embezzlement to contact them at (605)330-4400.
The Guardian Project is a federal law enforcement initiative that aims to increase engagement, coordination, and positive action on behalf of tribal communities. Participating agencies include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Offices of Inspector General for several federal departments, the Internal Revenue Service, and the U.S. Postal Service.
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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