United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Mission, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Bank Fraud and Forgery.
Kaitlyn Erickson, age 21, was indicted on March 15, 2017. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 30, 2017, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction for Bank Fraud is up to 30 years in custody and/or a $1,000,000 fine, and 5 years of supervised release; the maximum penalty for Forgery is a maximum of 5 years of custody and/or a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release. Both charges could result in $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and restitution.
The Indictment alleges that on or about January 17, 2017, Erickson altered and passed a check from an account that did not belong to her. Erickson deposited the forged check into an account at Wells Fargo Bank, insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and attempted to withdraw funds from the account.
The charge is merely an accusation and Erickson is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk W. Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Erickson was released pending trial. A trial date has been set for May 23, 2017.