Pierre Woman Convicted Of Theft Of Governement Funds

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Brandis Rose Rose, age 37, from Pierre, South Dakota, appeared before U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange on August 14, 2013, and pled guilty to Theft of Government Funds.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both; 3 years of supervised release; restitution; and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The conviction stems from incidents that occurred when Rose embezzled, stole, purloined or knowingly converted to her own use over $8,000 in Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program funds to which she was not entitled.

South Dakota CARES (SD CARES) is a Social Security Administration (SSA) approved fee-for-service organizational payee that serves Social Security and SSI beneficiaries in South Dakota.  Rose was an employee of SD CARES from July 6 through November 16, 2009.  During that time, Rose handled the accounts for 14 beneficiaries that were under her care and control.          

SD CARES became concerned about the possibility of misappropriated funds in February 2010 and reported it to the SSA District Office in Huron.  The SSA Office of Inspector General conducted an audit and interviewed the 14 beneficiaries under Rose’s care and control.  They determined that Rose misappropriated $8,718.08 and converted it to her own use.

The investigation was conducted by the SSA Office of the Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for October 28, 2013.  Rose was released on bond pending sentencing.