GREAT FALLS – The former chairwoman of the Montana Native Women’s Coalition was sentenced in federal court in Billings Monday [October 25] on fraud charges. A judge ordered Meredith McConnell of Lame Deer to four years probation for stealing thousands of dollars in federal grant funds for unapproved travel to Las Vegas, and other personal expenses, a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s office states. The 52 year old, who oversaw the Lame Deer-based organization that helps Native American victims of domestic and sexual violence, was also ordered to pay nearly $30,000 in restitution.
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