Emery Woman Indicted for Federal Program Fraud

US Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that an Emery, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for filing false reports with the Rural Development Agency.

Jolene K. Schulz, age 55, was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 4, 2012, for using false documents. She appeared in Sioux Falls before US Magistrate Judge John E. Simko on April 11, 2012, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 5 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, plus restitution. The charge is merely an accusation, and Schulz is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the US Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General-Investigations. Assistant US Attorney John E. Haak is prosecuting the case. Schulz was released on her own recognizance. A trial date has not yet been set.