Manderson Woman Pleads Guilty to Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Deb Cuny, age 50, of Manderson, South Dakota, appeared before United States District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken on April 12, 2012, and pleaded guilty to Count I of an Indictment that charged her with Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 5 years' imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine.

The charge relates to Cuny embezzling more than $1,000 from the Wounded Knee Community Development Corporation between December 2010 and April 2011. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Heather Thompson.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for July 6, 2012. The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.