Former Oglala Sioux Tribe president sentenced to 22 months in prison

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - Julian Bear Runner, 39, was sentenced to 22 months in prison with three years of supervised release Thursday on wire fraud, theft, and embezzlement counts. These crimes occurred while Bear Runner was president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Federal prosecutors presented a spreadsheet at Bear Runner’s sentencing hearing showing dozens of instances where Bear Runner spent tribal funds allocated for his travel in casinos.

Bear Runner used more than $127,000 in travel funds during his two years as tribe president. Of this total, federal prosecutors proved he spent at least $82,000 on personal expenditures.

Before his time as Oglala Sioux Tribe president, Bear Runner was convicted for working as an EMT without a proper certification. The prosecution argued this showed Bear Runner’s dishonesty and disregard for the law. Prior to sentencing, a longtime friend and coworker of Bear Runner’s testified on his behalf. The woman explained she worked with Bear Runner in emergency medical services for 12 years and praised his character. She said despite Bear Runner’s lack of qualifications, he often took on roles other EMTs refused to, such as driving ambulances and moving dead bodies.

Immediately afterward, Bear Runner addressed the court. Throughout the trial, Bear Runner refused to take responsibility for his actions. Thursday’s sentencing hearing was no different. Bear Runner said he will not take responsibility until the United States government takes responsibility for the genocide of Native Americans.

Judge Linda Reade was not sympathetic to this argument. She said Bear Runner is likely to re-offend due to his lack of respect for the law, and his crimes only hurt his own tribal nation. Judge Reade then moved forward with sentencing, giving Bear Runner the 22-month sentence. He will also need to pay restitution of more than $82,000 to the Oglala Sioux Tribe.

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