RAPID CITY – A hard-knuckled Wanblee woman named Talana Francine Standing Bear, 40, was handed down a sentence of time served and two years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken. The sentencing occurred on January 30, 2023, for her conviction on False Statements.
Standing Bear, who is also known as Talana Francine Sitting Up, pleaded guilty to the charge on July 20, 2022, after being indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2021. The charges stemmed from her deception regarding her minor child’s Social Security disability income.
The defendant received $13,695.65 in Title XVI Supplemental Security Income and an additional $546 under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program due to her fraudulent statements. Rather than using these funds for her child’s benefit, she pocketed them, a betrayal that landed her in hot water with federal prosecutors.
The investigation into Standing Bear’s deceit was handled by the Office of the Inspector General – Social Security Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama led the prosecution of the case, ensuring justice for the victimized child and the community.
In addition to the time served and supervised release, Standing Bear was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and a total of $14,241.65 in restitution. This sentence sends a strong message against fraud and financial crimes targeting vulnerable populations.
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Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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