South Dakota Man Admits Role in Money Laundering Scheme

Another person has acknowledged his role in an alleged scheme to steal federal money intended for reconstruction of a tribal school at Stephan that was damaged by fire in 2005.

Brady Hastings of Huron pleaded guilty in federal court in Pierre to embezzlement and theft from an Indian tribal organization and faces up to five years in prison, a fine and restitution.

Prosecutors say the stolen money came from Crow Creek Tribal Schools on the Crow Creek Indian Reservation.

Hastings was originally indicted for theft and bribery and accused of laundering the money through his personal bank account to hide the activity.

Some of the other defendants in the case are scheduled to stand trial Dec. 2.