POCATELLO – Kyle Prior, 38, of Nampa, Idaho, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury in Pocatello for theft of federal funds, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.

The indictment alleges that on or between September 16, 2008, and July 28, 2009, Prior used a Wells Fargo bank debit card issued to the Upper Snake River Tribes Foundation to make purchases for his personal use. Prior was employed by the foundation as Executive Director during the time the purported theft occurred.

The charge of theft of federal funds is punishable by up to a maximum of ten years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Inspector General.

“Those who are entrusted with federal, state or tribal money have a solemn obligation to act forthrightly with that money,” said Olson. “Those who violate that trust for their own personal gain will be investigated and prosecuted.”

An indictment is a means of charging a person with criminal activity. It is not evidence. The person is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.