Eagle Butte Woman Sentenced for Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization

Defendants Prosecuted as Part of The Guardians Project, a Federal Law Enforcement Initiative to Combat Corruption, Fraud, and Abuse in South Dakota

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman convicted of Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization was sentenced on May 13, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Memoree Ducheneaux, age 28, was sentenced to 1 year of probation, restitution in the amount of $1,461.93, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Ducheneaux was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 14, 2018.  She pled guilty on February 20, 2019.

Between November 25, 2016, and August 13, 2017, Ducheneaux was employed at the Lakota Thrifty Mart in Eagle Butte.  During the course of her employment, Ducheneaux knowingly stole, embezzled, and converted to her own use, funds totaling an amount of $1,461.93 belonging to the Lakota Thrifty Mart, an Indian tribal organization.

This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.

The case was brought as part of 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, the participating agencies include:  Federal Bureau of Investigation; 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; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division; U.S. Postal Inspector Service; 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.