Four elected district officials of the Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux are awaiting sentencing on embezzlement-related charges.
The officials made unauthorized payments totaling about $350,000 to themselves and others over a period of two years.
Veblen District Chairman Lloyd LaBelle Jr., Vice Chairwoman Jacqueline Wanna and Treasurer Tammie Strutz each pleaded guilty to a count of aiding and abetting misapplication of funds from an Indian tribal organization. District Secretary Charlene Wanna was found guilty of the same charge at trial.
Each of the four faces up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. A federal judge will determine restitution at sentencing.
