Rapid City Woman Charged with Theft of Government Property and Fraudulent Acceptance of VA Payments

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft of Government Property and Fraudulent Acceptance of VA Payments.

Patricia Maki, age 67, of Rapid City, was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 21, 2010, for Theft of Government Property and Fraudulent Acceptance of VA Payments. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 22, 2011, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction for Theft of Government Property is 10 years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty upon conviction for Fraudulent Acceptance of VA Payments is one year of imprisonment and a $100,000 fine. The charges are merely accusations, and Maki is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Veteran's Administration, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins is prosecuting the case. Maki was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not yet been set.