United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Social Security Fraud.
Melissa Dale, a/k/a Melissa Larvie, a/k/a Melissa M. White Bull, age 35, was indicted on Nov. 17, 2015. Dale appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on May 2, 2016, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 5 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge relates to Dale receiving treatment at the Rapid City Indian Health Service on Sept. 29, 2015, after registering under a false name and false social security number.
The charge is merely an accusation and Dale is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case.
Dale was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has been set for July 5, 2016.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
