Eagle Butte Woman Charged with Theft

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization.

Ashley Traversie, age 28, was indicted on July 17, 2018.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 19, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 5 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between December 2, 2016, and August 17, 2017, Traversie willfully and knowingly stole, embezzled, and converted to her own use, money and funds belonging to the Lakota Thrifty Mart, an Indian tribal organization, in an amount greater than $1,000.

The charge is merely an accusation and Traversie is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.   

Traversie was released on bond pending trial which has been set for September 18, 2018.