Rosebud Woman Pleads Guilty to Theft from Indian Tribal Organization

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Tanya Walking Eagle, age 39, of Rosebud, South Dakota, appeared before United States District Judge Roberto A. Lange on July 18, 2012, and pled guilty to Theft from Indian Tribal Organization. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 5 years' imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

The conviction stems from thefts that took place between October 1, 2009, and December 10, 2010, when Walking Eagle submitted false claims to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Child Care Services program and worked with an employee there to embezzle or steal money she was not entitled to receive.

The investigation was conducted by the Office of Inspector General - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the United States Attorney's Office, and 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 October 8, 2012. The defendant was released pending sentencing.