Sisseton Woman Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Amanda Joy Quinn, age 42, of Sisseton, South Dakota, appeared before U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann on June 24, 2024, and pleaded guilty to an Indictment that charged her with Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization. 

The maximum penalty upon conviction is five years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

From about June of 2017 through July of 2020, Ms. Quinn, who had been elected Treasurer of the Long Hollow District (“the District”) of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe, embezzled approximately $107,295. While working in the capacity of Treasurer, Ms. Quinn processed checks from the District’s bank account, she then authorized checks from that bank account for overpayments to herself and others. She negotiated the checks in her name and kept the cash. At her change of plea hearing, Ms. Quinn admitted to the scheme; she acknowledged that she was not entitled to that money and that her receipt of it was unlawful.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for September 16, 2024. The defendant remains on pretrial release pending sentencing.

This 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 U.S. Attorney’s Office, the participating agencies include: the FBI; the 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; IRS Criminal Investigation; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.

For additional information about the Guardians Project, please contact the U.S. 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.