Mission Woman Charged with False, Fictitious, or Fraudulent Claims; False Statements; Theft

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Mission, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for False, Fictitious, or Fraudulent Claims; False Statements; and Theft.

Donna Peterson, age 48, was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 8, 2012. She appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 16, 2012, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years’ custody, a $250,000 fine, or both.

The charges are merely accusations, and Peterson is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay Miller. Peterson was released on bond pending trial.