Former Coordinator of Spirit Lake Assistance Program Found Guilty of Embezzlement

The former coordinator for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program of the Spirit Lake Tribe, Patricia Robertson, also known as Patricia Cavanaugh, was found guilty of embezzlement Thursday.

Robertson, 53, of St. Michael, ND, was found guilty by a jury after a three-day trial of approving applications for heating assistance to her own household in the names of her children, which didn't include her name or income into the household calculation of benefits.

The offense occurred through fiscal years 2007 through 2011.

The maximum sentence for embezzlement from an Indian tribal organization is five years imprisonment.

Sentencing for Robertson hasn't been sent.

The case was investigated by the FBI.

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