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Woman Admits Embezzling from Blackfeet Head Start

Employees at the Blackfeet Tribe's Head Start program falsely claimed a combined 7,800 hours in overtime pay

By Associated Press

GREAT FALLS — A Montana woman has admitted her role in a scheme in which employees at the Blackfeet Tribe’s Head Start program falsely claimed a combined 7,800 hours in overtime pay.

The admission by 60-year-old Denise Sharp of Browning in federal court in Great Falls comes after four other defendants previously pleaded guilty in the scheme involving $232,000 in unearned pay.

A sixth defendant died while her case was pending.

Sharp’s guilty plea must be accepted by U.S. District Judge Brian Morris. Sentencing was set for March 20. She faces potential prison time and $38,711 in restitution.

Two defendants already sentenced in the case each received two years of probation and were ordered to pay restitution.

Prosecutors said the tribe repaid the federal government over $250,000 for disallowed overtime and other costs.