(The Center Square) – An Iowa woman stole an estimated $1.8 million from South Dakota’s Child Protection Services over a 13-year period, Attorney General Marty Jackley said Thursday.
Lonna Carroll, 68, of Algona, Iowa, faces two counts of aggravated grand theft. The first count accuses Carroll of stealing more than $500,000 between July 2013 and March 2023.
The second count in the indictment said Carroll took more than $100,000 between January 2010 and June 30, 2013.
Carroll worked for Child Protection Services in Hughes County and had control over the funds, according to a news release from Jackley’s office.
The thefts were not discovered until Feb. 20, 2024. The Division of Criminal Investigation and Legislative Audit conducted the investigation, Jackley said.
“Citizens expect government agencies and employees to safeguard public funds. Based upon our investigation, criminal charges for grand theft have been filed, and an arrest has been made,” he said in a statement. “I appreciate the cooperation of Governor Noem and the Department of Social Services throughout this investigation.”
Carroll was arrested in Iowa and is awaiting extradition. Bond is set at $50,000, according to Jackley’s office.
