A former tribal leader in South Dakota, Julian Bear Runner, has been found guilty of defrauding the Oglala Sioux Tribe out of thousands of dollars. Following a three-day trial, Bear Runner, 38, was convicted of six counts of wire fraud, as well as larceny and embezzlement charges.
The 2022 federal indictment alleged that Bear Runner, while serving as the Oglala Sioux Tribal President in 2019 and 2020, submitted vouchers for work-related travel that he did not undertake. He received approximately $80,000 in checks, which authorities determined he used for personal expenses, including gambling and hotel stays.
South Dakota U.S. Attorney Alison Ramsdell expressed concern over the abuse of power by government leaders for personal financial gain. She stated, 'When government leaders abuse positions of power for personal financial gain, it’s the public that pays the price.' Ramsdell highlighted that Bear Runner's actions deprived the Oglala Sioux Tribe of funds that could have been utilized to enhance the quality of life for residents of the Pine Ridge Reservation.
If found guilty, Bear Runner could face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. The sentencing date for Bear Runner is pending, and his public defender has not yet provided a comment on the matter.
