Eagle Butte Woman Charged with Embezzlement and Larceny

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Embezzlement and Theft from a Tribal Organization and Larceny.

Teri Pretty Weasel, age 35, was indicted on March 12, 2019.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on April 18, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 5 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on or about between the 27th day of February, 2015, and the 13th day of March, 2015, Pretty Weasel, being an employee of an Indian tribal organization, that is, the cashier of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Bingo Operations, embezzled and converted to her own use over $1,000 of the moneys, funds, and credits belonging to the Bingo Operations.

The charges are merely accusations and Pretty Weasel is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

 The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.   

Pretty Weasel was released on bond pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.

The 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 United States Attorney’s Office, participating federal agencies in the Guardians Project  include: the Federal Bureau of Investigation; 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; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division; U.S. Postal Inspector Service; and the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.

For additional information about the Guardians Project, please contact the United States 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.