⏱ 2 min read
Buffy Redfish, a 57-year-old Nebraska woman, has been sentenced to 6 years and 6 months in federal prison for her role in a scheme to defraud the Oglala Sioux Tribe out of millions of dollars. Redfish, who worked for the tribe’s Tribal Employment Rights Office, diverted TERO fee checks totaling over $4.7 million into a co-defendant’s bank account between November 2017 and May 2024. The duo then split the embezzled funds, using them to purchase homes and vehicles. The sentencing took place on June 29, 2026, in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Redfish’s duties included collecting TERO fee checks from contractors and transferring them to the tribe’s revenue department. However, she and her co-defendant developed a scheme to divert these funds for their own personal benefit. The FBI investigated the case, which resulted in Redfish’s conviction on four counts of Wire Fraud and three counts of Money Laundering.
The sentencing is a significant step forward in the prosecution of government fraud, according to U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons. The FBI Minneapolis Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson stated that the FBI will take every necessary investigation to prevent such crimes.
Redfish has been ordered to pay $4,744,415.36 in restitution and will serve 3 years of supervised release following her prison term. The case highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in government programs, particularly those affecting Native American communities.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: Money Laundering
- Location: SD
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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