PINE RIDGE, S.D. — A Pine Ridge couple has been indicted on 14 federal counts of fraud, larceny and embezzlement involving funds intended for the Oglala Sioux Tribe’s Emergency Youth Shelter.
Patrick Fire Thunder, 51, and Tracie Gallego, 51, were arrested and have pleaded not guilty to the charges. If convicted, each could face up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000.
Federal prosecutors allege that between November 2022 and November 2024, the pair worked together to divert checks intended for the Emergency Youth Shelter and reimbursement payments from the State of South Dakota for youth social services.
According to the indictment, Gallego, who served as an administrative assistant for the shelter, was responsible for submitting payment vouchers. Prosecutors claim she obtained the checks, deposited them into Fire Thunder’s personal bank account and then transferred the funds to other accounts.
U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons called the alleged scheme a theft of government funds intended to support essential services for tribal youth and said federal prosecutors intend to pursue the case in court.
A trial date has not yet been scheduled.
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