FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE :  Wednesday, March 16, 2016   
CONTACT:  Sara Rabern (605)773-3215   

Attorney General Files Charges in Connection to GEAR UP Financial Investigation

PIERRE, S.D.-   Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that Complaints have been filed charging three individuals for their roles in the financial misconduct case surrounding the GEAR UP Program.

“There has been a tragic loss of a young family and financial decisions made affecting funding set aside for important purposes including Native American children. As Attorney General, I will continue to address what has happened with state, federal and local authorities and restore the public’s trust,” said Jackley.

The following have been charged:

Daniel Mark Guericke, 58, White Lake, 2 counts of falsification of evidence, class 6 felony, punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment in the state penitentiary and/or $4,000 fine, 4 counts of conspiracy to offer forged or fraudulent evidence, class 5 felony, punishable as a Class 6 felony, with a maximum sentence of 2 years imprisonment and/or $4,000 fine.

Stephanie A. Hubers, 43, Geddes, 1 count of grand theft, class 4 felony, punishable by up to 10 years in the state penitentiary and/or $20,000 fine, 2 counts of grand theft by deception, class 4 felony, punishable by up to 10 years in the state penitentiary and/or $20,000 fine, 3 alternative counts of receiving stolen property, class 4 felony, punishable by up to 10 years in the state penitentiary and/or $20,000 fine,

Stacy Lee Phelps, 42, Rapid City, 2 counts of falsification of evidence, class 6 felony, punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment and/or $4,000 fine, 2 counts of conspiracy to offer forged or fraudulent evidence, class 5 felony, punishable as a Class 6 felony,  with a maximum sentence of 2 years imprisonment and/or $4,000 fine.

All defendants were given the opportunity to voluntarily turn themselves in on arrest warrants. They have cooperated and have been released by the Court on bond conditions. These individuals are presumed innocent until such time as proven guilty.

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