United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell has announced the indictment of two individuals accused of defrauding the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Patrick Ross, 55, from Porcupine, South Dakota, and Buffy Redfish, 56, from Rushville, Nebraska, face charges including Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, 22 counts of Wire Fraud, and seven counts of Money Laundering.

The indictments were issued in December 2024. Both defendants appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollman in January 2025 and entered not guilty pleas.

If convicted, they could face up to 20 years in custody and/or a $500,000 fine for each count. Additional penalties include three years of supervised release and a $100 contribution to the Federal Crime Victims Fund per count. Restitution may also be imposed.

The alleged fraudulent activities took place between May 2017 and May 2024 while Redfish was employed at the Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO) of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. The pair allegedly diverted TERO fee checks totaling over $4.7 million into Ross's bank account for personal use. Purchases reportedly included homes and vehicles.

Ross is a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe; Redfish belongs to the Gila Tribe in Arizona.

It is important to note that these charges are accusations; both individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General is leading the investigation with Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuting.

Ross and Redfish have been released on bond as they await trial scheduled for March 25, 2025.