Oglala Sioux Tribe Member Fraudulently Obtained BIA General Assistance Funds

The OIG investigated allegations that Oglala Sioux Tribe Member Monica Tyon fraudulently obtained Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) general assistance funds. She reportedly received general assistance while she was employed by the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Tyon did not qualify for assistance because of the income from her tribal employment.We found that Tyon fraudulently received $4,775. Tyon admitted she applied for general assistance even though she knew she was not eligible.Tyon pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota, Western Division, to misdemeanor theft of Government funds. She will not serve prison or probation time, but was ordered to pay $4,775 in restitution.