Sioux Falls Woman Sentenced for False Statement

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. Circuit Judge Jonathan A. Kobes, sitting in federal district court, has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, woman convicted of False Statement to a Federal Officer. The sentencing took place on February 1, 2023.

Darla Thompson, 48, was sentenced to two years of probation, ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and $5,000 in restitution.

Thompson was indicted for False Statement to a Federal Officer by a federal grand jury in March of 2021. She pleaded guilty on October 7, 2022.

The conviction stems from Thompson, while employed as the Custer Branch Manager of Sentinel Federal Credit Union from January of 2018 until August of 2020, using her position at the bank to apply for and receive a loan in a friend’s name. Thompson altered the serial number on the collateral for the loan in order to conceal matters from the bank. The loan was ultimately discovered when the friend became delinquent on the loan. The friend did not know about the loan and Thompson had no permission to use the friend’s name or identity. When questioned about the loan and other matters, Thompson provided false information to a Special Agent with the FBI.

This case was investigated by the Custer County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.