By BOB GIBBINS
MUSKOGEE – A Stilwell woman charged in federal court with embezzlement and theft from an Indian tribal organization pleaded guilty to the charges Thursday.
Donna Sue Jones, 47, was indicted after an investigation by the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service.
The indictment was issued in June 2009.
Jones, also known as Donna Sue Scott, worked in the Cherokee Nation Human Services Department from September 2005 to August 2007, and processed applications and issued checks from the General Assistance program, said U.S. Attorney Sheldon Sperling.
The investigation revealed Jones embezzled $10,022.
U.S. Magistrate Steven Shreder accepted the plea and ordered completion of a pre-sentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following completion of the report. Jones is free on bond pending sentencing.
The statutory range of punishment is up to five years in prison and/or up to $250,000 in fines.
Sperling said a preliminary calculation of the sentencing guidelines projects an advisory sentencing range of up to six months in prison.
