Mission Woman Pleads Guilty to Bank Embezzlement

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Kristen Traversie, age 20, of Mission, South Dakota, appeared before United States District Judge Roberto A. Lange on June 21, 2011, and pled guilty to Bank Embezzlement. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 30 years of imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, or both; five years of supervised release; and a special assessment of $100 to the Victim Assistance Fund.

Traversie was an employee of Wells Fargo Bank of Mission, South Dakota. Between January 3, 2011, and February 23, 2011, Traversie intentionally defrauded Wells Fargo Bank by embezzling and misapplying more than $1,000 in customer's deposits and funds entrusted to the care of Wells Fargo Bank.

The investigation was conducted by Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Maher.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for September 11, 2011. The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.