Former Oglala Sioux Tribe treasurer indicted for embezzling tribal funds

PINE RIDGE, S.D. - A federal grand jury has indicted a former Oglala Sioux Tribe treasurer for Larceny and Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization. Mason Big Crow, age 50, of Pine Ridge has pleaded not guilty.

According to prosecutors, Big Crow had near-exclusive access to the tribe’s debit and credit cards, as well as its bank accounts, during his tenure. Between January 2021 and March 2023, he is accused of misusing tribal funds for unauthorized personal purchases, benefiting himself rather than the tribe.

Big Crow faces a maximum penalty of ten years in custody and a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

A trial date has not yet been set.