JANUARY 2023:
A federal judge has handed out the penalty to an Eagle Butte man convicted of Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization.
Robert Chasing Hawk, Jr., age 39, was sentenced to two months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $9,869.86 in restitution to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Elderly Nutrition Program, and to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Chasing Hawk, Jr. was an employee for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Elderly Nutrition Program. The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Elderly Nutrition Services, Inc. provides reduced price lunch service for elderly tribal members and individuals with disabilities. The Nutrition Center receives funds from State, Federal, and Tribal entities to assist in the feeding of Tribal and non-Tribal members in the community, including the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. As an employee of the Elderly Nutrition Program, Chasing Hawk, Jr. wrote and cashed a total of 17 checks totaling $12,869.86 for his own use and benefit. He later repaid $3,000 of that amount.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
FEBRUARY 2022:
A 38 year old man from Eagle Butte been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization.
Robert Chasing Hawk, Jr., pled not guilty.
The Indictment alleges that between January 7, 2021, and March 8, 2021, in Eagle Butte, Chasing Hawk did knowingly embezzle, steal, and convert to his own use, assets belonging to the Elderly Nutrition Program, an Indian Tribal organization, in an amount greater than $1,000.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to five years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.
Chasing Hawk was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
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