Wanda George Warren Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement

(AP and heraldonline) Wanda George Warren, former Chief Financial Officer of the Catawba Nation, pleaded guilty to federal embezzlement charges on March 16, 2005. She admitted to receiving nearly $25,000 not owed to her in connection with her attendance of the international Indigenous Peoples conference held in Switzerland in late 2000. Warren could receive up to 5 years in prison, 3 years probation, and a $250,000 fine. She has, however, agreed to cooperate with the Attorney General's office in Columbia, S.C. and could received a reduced sentence for her help as part of the plea agreement. A sentencing hearing will be held within 90 days. More information on this case will be posted as it becomes available.