In a press release earlier this week, United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced an Alcester, South Dakota, woman convicted of Wire Fraud. The sentencing took place on August 19, 2024.

Michelle Warner, age 57, was sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for $100; and restitution of $261,066.09 to Heartland Counseling Services.

Warner was indicted by a federal grand jury in May of 2023. She pleaded guilty on March 20, 2024.

The conviction stemmed from incidents beginning on or about June 1, 2018, and continuing through May 17, 2022, when Warner, who was employed as a bookkeeper/accountant, and later as business administrator for Heartland Counseling Services, fraudulently paid herself unauthorized payroll payments and then used the funds for her own purposes. Additionally, Warner used her employer’s credit card without authority for personal use.

Heartland Counseling Services is a nonprofit agency headquartered in South Sioux City, Neb., and provides mental health and substance abuse counseling in northeast Nebraska. The agency has satellite offices in O’Neil and Ainsworth, Neb. They recently opened new home offices and facilities at 1201 Arbor Drive in South Sioux City.

This case was investigated by the FBI, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Union County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Sioux City, Neb. Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.

Warner has been allowed to self-report to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service on September 16, 2024.

---