Rushville woman, Porcupine man charged with stealing millions from the Oglala Sioux Tribe

RAPID CITY, S.D. - A Rushville, Nebraska woman and a Porcupine, South Dakota man are facing charges for allegedly stealing millions of dollars from the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Patrick Ross, age 55, and Buffy Redfish, age 56, have pleaded not guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, 22 counts of Wire Fraud and seven counts of Money Laundering.

Court documents allege that between May 2017 and May 2024, Redfish, an employee of the tribe’s Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO), worked with Ross to divert more than $4.7 million in TERO fee checks meant for the tribe. The money was reportedly deposited into Ross’s bank account and subsequently split between the two, with purchases allegedly including homes and vehicles.

Both Ross and Redfish have been released on bond pending trial, which is scheduled for March 25.

Ross is a citizen of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, while Redfish is a member of the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona.