November 4, 2009
Pierre, SD
US Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Bismarck, North Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds and Laundering of Monetary Instruments. Ladarana Mees, age 54, was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 20, 2009. He appeared before US Magistrate Judge William Gerdes on November 4, 2009, and pled not guilty to the 19 count Indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction of the Theft charges is 10 years and 20 years on the Money Laundering charges. The charges are merely accusations, and Mr. Mees is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The investigation is being conducted by Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General. Assistant US Attorneys David L. Zuercher and Jeremy R. Jehangiri are prosecuting the case. Mees was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not yet been set. # # # |
