North Dakota Woman Sentenced for Embezzling

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a North Dakota woman charged with Conspiracy to Commit Theft Regarding Programs Receiving Federal Funds was sentenced on May 25, 2012, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken. Rhonda Azure, age 50, was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day of imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, a $100 assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $75,000.

Azure, along with two other people, embezzled funds from Mni Sose Intertribal Water Rights Coalition, an organization that received federal assistance, by cashing Mni Sose checks and keeping the money for their own use. Azure pleaded guilty on February 27, 2012.

This case was investigated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Inspector General, and the United States Department of Interior. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman prosecuted the case.

Azure was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshal.