Former Oglala Sioux Leader Sentenced for Embezzlement
Julian Bear Runner, who served as tribal president for the Oglala Sioux in South Dakota from January 2019 to January 2020, has been sentenced to 22 months in federal prison for embezzling over $80,000 from the tribe. The tribe, which operates the Prairie Wind Casino on the Pine Ridge reservation, was the victim of Bear Runner’s fraudulent activities.
After a three-day jury trial in April 2024, Bear Runner was found guilty of wire fraud, larceny, and embezzlement. He used fake vouchers to obtain checks from the tribe for work-related trips that never occurred. Instead of using the funds for legitimate purposes, Bear Runner spent the money at the Prairie Wind Casino, treating tribal funds as his personal piggy bank.
Despite being elected as the second-youngest leader of the tribe in November 2018, Bear Runner quickly engaged in fraudulent activities to defraud the Oglala Sioux Tribe and benefit himself. His actions led to an indictment by a federal grand jury in September 2022.
During his brief time in office, Bear Runner not only embezzled funds from the tribe but also faced a series of controversies. Despite campaigning to maintain the alcohol ban on the reservation and at the casino, he was arrested for drunk driving and assault in May 2020. Additionally, his decision to issue a COVID-19 lockdown order without consulting the tribal council and subsequent disappearance led to a 30-day suspension from office.
Furthermore, Bear Runner faced allegations of coercing a 17-year-old male into a sexual encounter, which resulted in him being placed on unpaid leave and narrowly avoiding impeachment. Ultimately, he was removed from office in November 2020 following his arrest for fighting private security at a local establishment.
In addition to serving his prison sentence, Bear Runner has been ordered to pay $82,000 in restitution to the Oglala Sioux Tribe. His actions not only betrayed the trust of his community but also tarnished his legacy as a former tribal leader.
