Former SDN Communications Employee Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Bradley Whitsell, age 46, of Sioux Falls, appeared before U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol on August 22, 2011, and pled guilty to one count of an indictment that charged him with mail fraud. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.

Whitsell, a former management employee of SDN Communications, used his various oversight positions to embezzle funds totaling approximately $392,111.65 from SDN over approximately 10 years beginning in 2000. As part of his plea agreement, Whitsell has agreed to make full restitution to SDN Communications of $476,184.77 which includes the amount he stole, plus the amount SDN spent on a forensic audit that uncovered the theft.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Koliner.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for November 7, 2011. The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.