OKLAHOMA CITY - TRACI PICKERING, 35, of Red Rock, Oklahoma, has pleaded guilty to embezzling from the Otoe-Missouria Tribe, announced Robert J. Troester, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.
On May 11, 2018, the U.S. Attorney filed a one-count information against Pickering that alleged she embezzled more than $1,000 from the tribe between March 1, 2017, and March 23, 2017.
On May 22, 2018, Pickering pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge David L. Russell to embezzlement from the tribe. In particular, she admitted she issued debit cards for tribal members and used the money on the cards for personal expenses. She acknowledged that the tribal members did not receive the cards and that the tribe suffered a financial loss.
As a result her guilty plea, Pickering faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. She has agreed to pay restitution to the tribe in the amount of $13,074. She could also receive up to three years of supervision after release from prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing will take place in approximately ninety days.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. It being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rozia McKinney-Foster.
Reference is made to court records for further information.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
