Theft Rocks Oglala Sioux Tribe
A Pine Ridge, South Dakota woman has been sentenced for stealing from her own tribe. Lorelei Exendine, 44, was convicted of Theft from Indian Tribal Organization and handed down a sentence by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Exendine was convicted of keeping over $3,000 in registration fees meant for the Oglala Sioux Tribe Ambulance Service, an entity of the Oglala Sioux Tribe (OST), for a conference she planned in 2009. The conference was co-sponsored by the OST, and Exendine served as president of the Northern Great Plains Emergency Medical Services Association at the time.
The theft was uncovered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Exendine pleaded guilty on June 2, 2014. She was sentenced to two years of probation, ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and to make restitution in the amount of $3,214.57.
Exendine was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 27, 2013. U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced the sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
The case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in tribal organizations. The Oglala Sioux Tribe relies on events like the conference to provide essential services to its members.
Exendine’s sentence serves as a reminder that those in positions of trust must be held accountable for their actions. The community can expect a more transparent and honest approach to managing funds in the future.
Brendan V. Johnson, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, emphasized the importance of protecting the trust of Indian tribes. ‘This case demonstrates our commitment to holding individuals accountable for their actions, especially when those actions compromise the trust of our tribal communities,’ he said.
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Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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