Pine Ridge Woman Indicted for Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization.

Latonna Lynn Weasel Bear, age 34, of Pine Ridge, was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 19, 2011, for Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on January 28, 2011, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 5 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. The charge is merely an accusation, and Weasel Bear is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Oglala Sioux Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins is prosecuting the case. Weasel Bear was released on bond pending trial.