Guilty Plea to Bribery Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Edward Rhea Washburn, age 59, of Dupree, South Dakota, appeared before United States District Judge Roberto A. Lange on January 25, 2011, and pled guilty to count III of a superseding indictment that charged him with Bribery Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both; up to 3 years of supervised release; and a $100 assessment to the victims' assistance fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge relates to Washburn corruptly accepting and agreeing to accept a thing of value from a person, intending to be influenced and rewarded in connection with a transaction and series of transactions of the Cheyenne River Housing Authority involving over $5,000 between April and May 2006. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Zuercher.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for April 11, 2011. The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.
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