Jemez Pueblo Woman Sentenced to Probation for Embezzling Pueblo Funds

ALBUQUERQUE – Mary Cathy Sabado, 48, a member and resident of Jemez Pueblo, was sentenced this morning to a five-year term of probation for her conviction for embezzling money belonging to an Indian tribal organization.  The court will schedule a hearing to determine the amount of restitution Sabado will be required to pay to the victims of her criminal conduct.

Sabado pleaded guilty on Feb. 19, 2014, to a felony information charging her with embezzlement and theft from an Indian tribal organization.  In entering her guilty plea, Sabado admitted that between Feb. 2010 and Oct. 2011, she embezzled $18,095.28 in monies belonging to Jemez Pueblo.  At the time she committed this offense, Sabado was the coordinator for the Jemez Vocational Rehabilitation Project.  Sabado abused her position as an employee of the Pueblo by using purchase orders and a tribal credit card to make unauthorized purchases for her personal use.

The case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Novaline D. Wilson.