1 min read

Current, Former SD Tribal Officials Face Embezzling Counts

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Federal authorities are accusing six current and former Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate officials of bilking the tribe of over $50,000.

An indictment charges the individuals with two counts of embezzlement and theft from an Indian tribal organization in connection with the scheme that authorities say happened between 2010 and 2013.

Authorities say the defendants wrote themselves checks purportedly for home repair or emergency repair assistance, but used the money for their own benefit.

The indictment names Carrie Godfrey, Gerald German Jr., Ann German, Calvin Max Sr., Gerald Heminger Jr. and Colette White as defendants. All but Ann German served on the Big Coulee district’s executive board during the period covered by the indictment. She continues to be the district’s coordinator.

The case doesn’t list defense attorneys who could comment on the charges.