Dupree Man Sentenced for Bribery

PIERRE, SD—U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Dupree man charged with bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds was sentenced on April 11, 2011, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange. Edward Washburn, age 59, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in custody; three years of supervised release; $7,500 restitution to the Cheyenne River Housing Authority (CRHA); a $10,800 fine; and a $100 special assessment.

Washburn was indicted for bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds by a federal grand jury in September 2010. He was responsible for the modernization of unoccupied CRHA housing units. The charge relates to Washburn’s acceptance of a cashier’s check from construction contractor Archie Baumann of Ft. Pierre to reward him in connection with his role as the director of modernization for the CRHA and to influence Washburn to award more work to Baumann and his company, First Dakota Enterprises. On November 8, 2010, Baumann was sentenced to 15 months of imprisonment, a $34,000 fine, and $2,000 in restitution for bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds on the Crow Creek Reservation.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David L. Zuercher prosecuted the case.

Washburn was allowed to self-report to the custody of the U.S. Marshal on Friday, April 29, 2011.