Woman accused in Blackfeet scheme makes plea deal

HELENA (AP) — One of the six people charged with embezzling money from a Blackfeet program for troubled youth has reached a plea agreement with federal prosecutors.

Charlotte New Breast was the administrative assistant for the now-defunct Po'Ka Project. Under the agreement filed Thursday in U.S. District Court, she will plead guilty to theft from a tribal government receiving federal funds.

The charge carries a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Prosecutors plan to dismiss 23 charges of conspiracy and wire fraud.

A change-of-plea hearing has not been set.

Four others, including project leaders Francis Onstand and Delyle "Shanny" Augare, face 37 criminal counts. They have pleaded not guilty.

They are accused of stealing money from the $9.3 million program and doctoring invoices to embellish the tribe's contributions.