Sisseton Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Embezzlement and Theft Violation

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Sisseton, South Dakota, woman convicted of Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization. The sentencing took place on November 14, 2024, in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Amanda Joy Quinn, age 42, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. She was ordered to pay $100 as a statutorily required special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Quinn was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2023. She pleaded guilty on June 24, 2024.

From about June 2017 through July 2020, Ms. Quinn, who had been elected Treasurer of the Long Hollow District of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe, embezzled approximately $107,295. While working in the capacity of Treasurer, Ms. Quinn processed checks from the Long Hollow District’s bank account, then authorized checks from that bank account for overpayments to herself and others. She negotiated the checks in her name and kept the cash. At her change of plea hearing, Ms. Quinn admitted to the scheme; she acknowledged that she was not entitled to that money and that her receipt of it was unlawful.

This case was brought pursuant to the Guardians Project, a federal law enforcement initiative to coordinate efforts between participating agencies, to promote citizen disclosure of public corruption, fraud, and embezzlement involving federal program funds, contracts, and grants, and to hold accountable those who are responsible for adversely affecting those living in South Dakota’s Indian country communities. The Guardians Project is another step of federal law enforcement’s on-going efforts to increase engagement, coordination, and positive action on behalf of tribal communities. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the participating agencies include: the FBI; the Offices of Inspector General for the Departments of Interior, Health and Human Services, Social Security Administration, Agriculture, Transportation, Education, Justice, and Housing and Urban Development; IRS Criminal Investigation; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.

For additional information about the Guardians Project, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (605) 330-4400. To report a suspected crime, please contact law enforcement at the federal agency’s locally listed telephone number.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb.

Quinn will self-report to the U.S. Marshals Service to serve her sentence at a later date.