FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, December 19, 2018

CONTACT:  Sara Rabern (605) 773-3215

PIERRE, S.D. –  Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that Kent Lee Tompkins, 49, Sterling, Alaska, has been indicted by a Minnehaha County Grand jury on one count of attempted aggravated grand theft by deception, class 2 felony, punishable by up to 12.5 years and/or $25,000 fine and two counts of grand theft by deception, class 4 felony, punishably by up to 10 years and/or $20,000 fine.

The indictment charges that in early 2017, Tompkins formed a sham collection agency in an attempt to steal over $700,000 from the elderly victim. It is also alleged that the Defendant was successful in stealing $40,000.

Tompkins is presumed innocent until such time as proven guilty.

This case is being investigated by the Office of Attorney General Elder Abuse & Financial Exploitation, the Consumer Protection Division, and being prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.

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