A federal grand jury has indicted two individuals on charges of defrauding the Oglala Sioux Tribe out of $4.7 million. Patrick Ross, 55, a member of the Oglala Sioux, and Buffy Redfish, 56, from the Gila Tribe, face serious allegations of wire fraud and money laundering.
Between May 2017 and May 2024, prosecutors claim that Redfish, who was employed with the Oglala Sioux Tribe’s Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO), worked alongside Ross to divert TERO fee checks into Ross’ personal bank account. The money was allegedly split between them for personal expenses, including purchasing homes and vehicles.
Both Ross and Redfish have been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 22 counts of wire fraud, and seven counts of money laundering. If convicted, they could face up to 20 years in prison, hefty fines, and potential restitution payments. The charges also carry financial penalties, including $100 per count to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and three years of supervised release.
The defendants appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollman, where they pleaded not guilty and were released on bond. The trial is scheduled to begin on March 25, 2025. The investigation is being conducted by the Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General, with Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson leading the prosecution. This case underscores the ongoing efforts to combat corruption and financial misconduct within tribal communities.
