FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Wednesday, November 15, 2017    
CONTACT:  Sara Rabern (605) 773-3215   

PIERRE, S.D. – Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that Barbara Anita Lingenfelter, 60, Watertown, has been indicted by a Codington County grand jury on one count of grand theft with a value between $5,000.00 and $100,000.00, class 4 felony, punishable by up to 10 years in the state penitentiary and/or $20,000 fine, one count of grand theft with a value of between $2,500.00 and $5,000.00, class 5 felony, punishable by up to 5 years in the state penitentiary and/or $10,000 fine and one count of obtaining money, property, or assistance by fraud, class 6 felony, punishable by up to 2 years in the state penitentiary and/or $4,000 fine.

The first grand theft charge alleges that the defendant took funds from an individual in an amount within the statutory limits. The second grand theft charge alleges that the defendant took Social Security benefits in an amount within the statutory limits. The third charge alleges that the defendant obtained money, property or assistance from the State of South Dakota by fraud.

Lingenfelter is presumed innocent until such time as proven guilty.

Agencies involved with this investigation include the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, and the Office of Attorney General Elder Abuse & Financial Exploitation Subdivision with assistance from the South Dakota Department of Social Services Office of Recoveries and Financial Investigations.  This case is being prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.

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