Welfare Assistance Sent to Wrong Recipient Due to BIA Processing Errors

OIG investigated allegations from the Cheyenne River Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), that two BIA General Assistance checks, in the amount of $1,072 and $536, were erroneously sent to the wrong recipient. 

 

We did not find any evidence of theft. Because the wrong recipient had the same first name and last name as the intended recipient and the check was addressed only by first and last name (no middle name or initial), the wrong recipient was able to cash the checks. Our investigation did not show that the wrong recipient obtained the checks through deceit; they were simply sent to him in error. 

 

We also determined that BIA made processing errors, which caused the checks to be sent to the wrong recipient. The U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota declined criminal prosecution of this matter. 

 

This is a summary of a report of investigation that was issued to BIA.