United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Brookings, South Dakota, woman convicted of Theft of Government Funds was sentenced on Dec. 29, 2014, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Pennie Sue Malenke, age 41, was sentenced to 6 months in custody followed by 3 years of supervised release, including 6 months of home confinement. She was also ordered to make restitution as follows: $32,682.80 to Advance, a non-profit organization, and $4,291.12 to another victim.
Malenke was indicted for Theft of Government Funds, Making a False Statement, and Bank Fraud by a federal grand jury on Dec. 3, 2013. She pled guilty to the Theft charge on October 7, 2014.
Malenke was employed as a case manager and support coordinator by Advance, a non-profit organization located in Brookings that provides services and support to individuals with developmental disabilities. As part of her job responsibilities, Malenke had access to the bank accounts of certain individuals who received program benefit payments administered by the Social Security Administration. Malenke took funds from these accounts by writing checks to cash, withdrawing cash from ATMs, and making direct purchases from stores. She stole approximately $32,682.80 in this manner and used the funds for her own purposes.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.
Malenke was ordered to report to the U.S. Marshals Service by noon on Jan. 21, 2015.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
