The second of two people accused of embezzling millions of dollars from the Oglala Sioux Tribe has reached a plea agreement with federal prosecutors.
Patrick Ross is scheduled to enter his plea in federal court next Wednesday. Under the agreement, Ross will plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, three counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Prosecutors said Ross also agreed to pay more than $4.7 million in restitution to the tribe.
In a factual statement filed in the case, Ross admitted to diverting 166 checks intended for the tribe’s Tribal Employment Rights Office into his own account. He also acknowledged paying about $2.1 million in kickbacks to co-defendant Buffy Redfish.
Redfish pleaded guilty in November and is scheduled to be sentenced in June.
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