Mission Woman Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement from Indian Tribal Organization

United States Attorney Marty J. Jackley announced that Patsy Hawk, age 50, of Mission, appeared before US District Court Chief Judge Karen E. Schreier on May 19, 2009, and pled guilty to an amended superseding information that charged her with embezzlement and theft from an Indian tribal organization. The maximum penalty upon conviction is one year imprisonment and a $100,000 fine. During 2005, Hawk embezzled money belonging to the Crow Creek Tribal School and the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. Hawk has agreed, as part of her plea agreement, to pay $1,806 back to the tribal school for her wrongdoing. During the times alleged in the amended superseding information, Hawk worked as an administrative officer. While serving in that capacity, she misapplied and embezzled the funds. This case involves the final defendant in an eight-defendant case concerning the Crow Creek Tribal School. The other defendants, which include Scott Raue, John Nystrom, Edwin Patzer, and Royal Edwin Kutz, have either been sentenced or are awaiting sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by the Department of Interior-Office of Inspector General and FBI.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant US Attorneys David L. Zuercher and Jeremy R. Jehangiri . A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date has been set for August 21, 2009. The defendant was released.