Local News

Jury finds Janis guilty of theft

By Journal staff | Sunday, October 28, 2007

RAPID CITY -- A former Oglala Sioux Tribe vice president was convicted Thursday of stealing money from the tribe in 2004.

Eileen Janis was found guilty of one count of theft from a tribal organization.

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Assistant U.S. Attorney Mara Kohn said Tuesday that Janis became involved in a "financial snowball" after she started using cash advances available to tribal employees.

Kohn said OST employees are allowed to take payroll advances, which Janis did, but that Janis got in way over her head with spending.

Kohn said Janis owes the tribe more than $22,000.

Gary Colbath Jr., Janis' attorney, admitted that his client got in over her head but said she intended to pay back every penny.

A federal jury announced their verdict after a three-day trial.

U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier presided over the trial.

Janis faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines when she is sentenced Jan. 28. She remains free.

Kim Colhoff, a former OST payroll supervisor, and David Rabbit Sr., former OST treasurer, also were charged in the case.

Colhoff pleaded guilty Monday and will be sentenced in January. Rabbit pleaded guilty in August and was sentenced to probation and $10,000 in restitution.

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