LAS VEGAS, Nev. – An accountant for the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe made her initial appearance in federal court today for allegedly embezzling more than $140,000 from the Tribe.
As alleged in court documents, from March 2018 to July 2018, Linnie Arline Craner, 48, issued at least 18 checks — totaling over $140,000 — from the Tribe’s business checking account for her personal benefit. Craner allegedly falsified information in the Tribe’s accounting system so that it appeared the checks were made out to vendors for legitimate business purposes. But those checks were deposited into Craner’s personal bank account and used to pay off her auto loans.
Craner is charged with three counts of wire fraud and one count of embezzlement and theft from an Indian tribal organization. If convicted, she faces a statutory maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A jury trial has been scheduled to begin on September 27, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Andrew P. Gordon.
Acting U.S. Attorney Christopher Chiou for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Fang is prosecuting the case.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.
DOJ Initiative to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial fraud and scams that target our nation’s seniors.
An evidence-based violent crime reduction program that takes a collaborative approach to public safety.