Woman sentenced for stealing scholarship funds from GRIC

February 3, 2017

Mikhail Sundust

Gila River Indian News

A Gila River woman has reportedly stolen approximately $200,000 from the Gila River Indian Community Student Services Scholarship Fund.

According to a press release from the Office of the United States Attorney – District of Arizona, Betty Nora Anderson, 56 and a member of the Gila River Indian Community, was sentenced to 15 months in prison and three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit theft from an Indian Tribal Organization.

The press release, which was made public Jan. 31, 2017, indicates that Anderson stole the money by “submitting altered and forged transcripts that made it appear she had completed certain course work and thus remained eligible for financial support. The scheme continued from 2007 through 2010.”

Acting United States Attorney Elizabeth A. Strange said, “Through deceit, Anderson stole money that would otherwise have gone to deserving members of the Gila River Indian Community. We will vigorously pursue and bring to justice those who would defraud the public.”

The Gila River Police Department conducted the investigation into the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin M. Rapp handled the prosecution.