Former Social Services employee sentenced to prison for theft of $1.8M

Lonna Carroll's arrest triggered series of malfeasance scandals among state employees

Lonna Carroll. South Dakota Searchlight

A former Department of Social Services employee was sentenced to 13 years in prison for stealing $1.8 million from the state’s child foster care program, with six of those years suspended.

She was also ordered to repay the money she stole.

“This jury conviction and sentence confirm that public trust is not for sale,” said Attorney General Jackley, who spoke for the state at the sentencing. “Stealing from federal and state programs is a serious crime that undermines the integrity of state government employees. The Attorney General’s Office will continue to aggressively pursue those who abuse their positions for personal gain.”

Carroll, 68, was arrested last year after authorities discovered the missing money. A jury in April deliberated 45 minutes before returning a guilty verdict following a trial that lasted less than three days.

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