United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell has announced the indictment of two individuals by a federal grand jury for their alleged involvement in a scheme to defraud 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 indictment was issued in December 2024. Ross appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollman on January 8, 2025, while Redfish made her appearance on January 13, 2025. Both have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
If convicted, the accused could face up to 20 years in custody and/or a $500,000 fine per count. Additional penalties include three years of supervised release and a $100 contribution to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count. Restitution may also be imposed.
The alleged fraudulent activities took place between May 2017 and May 2024 when Redfish was employed by the Oglala Sioux Tribe’s Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO). It is claimed that she and Ross orchestrated a plan to misappropriate TERO fee checks totaling over $4.7 million meant for the tribe by depositing them into Ross's bank account. The funds were reportedly divided between them for personal use such as purchasing homes and vehicles. Notably, Ross is an Oglala Sioux Tribe citizen while Redfish belongs to the Gila Tribe in Arizona.
Both individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty as these charges remain accusations at this stage.
The investigation is being carried out by Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General with Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson leading the prosecution.
Ross and Redfish have been released on bond awaiting trial set for March 25, 2025.