{KXLG – South Dakota} S.D. Attorney General Marty Jackley announced that Lonna Carroll, a former employee of the state Department of Social Services, has pleaded not guilty to charges of stealing an estimated $1.8 million in state and federal funds from the department’s Child Protection Services. The plea was entered on Tuesday in Hughes County Circuit Court, and a trial date has been scheduled for December 4, 2024, in Pierre.
Carroll, 68, of Algona, Iowa, faces two felony counts of Aggravated Grand Theft. She is accused of embezzling the funds while working for the Child Protection Services program, where she had control over the financial resources. The alleged thefts occurred over 13 years, from 2010 to 2023.
Carroll’s bond has been set at $50,000 cash or surety, and is currently being held in the Hughes County Jail. If convicted, Carroll faces severe penalties. The maximum sentence for Count One is 25 years in prison and a $50,000 fine, while the maximum sentence for Count Two is 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine.
Attorney General Jackley emphasized the gravity of the charges and his office’s commitment to ensuring justice. “The theft of public funds, especially those intended for the protection of children, is a serious offense. We will pursue this case diligently to ensure accountability,” he stated.
The defendant is presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution until proven guilty in a court of law. The upcoming trial will determine Carroll’s culpability in the alleged embezzlement scheme.
The South Dakota Department of Social Services has pledged full cooperation with the investigation and has implemented additional safeguards to prevent future occurrences of such misconduct.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Attorney General’s office, with support from state and federal investigative agencies. The trial outcome will be closely watched, given the significant amount of money involved and the duration of the alleged thefts. For further updates on this case and other news from the Attorney General’s office, please visit the official website of the South Dakota Attorney General.
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