S.D. Rapid City.The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Friday that Mason Big Crow, 50, of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, had been indicted by a federal grand jury on allegations of larceny, embezzlement, and theft from an Indian tribal organization.
Between January 2021 and March 2023, Big Crow, the current treasurer of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, is suspected of embezzling tribal monies for personal expenses. He allegedly made illegal transactions for his personal gain by abusing the tribe’s bank accounts, debit card, and credit card, according to the prosecution.
In his initial hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollman on Friday, he entered a not guilty plea after being indicted in September 2024. Big Crow risks obligatory restitution, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and up to ten years in jail if found guilty.
The prosecution of the case is a component of the Guardians Project, a federal program designed to prevent federal money theft, fraud, and corruption in South Dakota’s tribal villages. The FBI and the Office of Inspector General at the Department of Health and Human Services are conducting the inquiry.
A trial date has not yet been scheduled, and Big Crow has been released pending trial.
Big Crow is still presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court, according to authorities, who described the charges as accusations.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
