PIERRE A Sioux Falls woman has been indicted on one count of grand theft for taking unauthorized control of monies owned by 16 different victims that had a combined value of between $100,000 and $500,000.
Margaret Jean Spears-Pederson, 67, was indicted May 22 by a Codington County grand jury. The alleged theft occurred in Codington County between Jan. 1, 2023, and Jan. 1, 2025.
The defendant is alleged to have violated the victims trust, said South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley. This is a good reminder for consumers to do due diligence when agreeing to pay for services. Make sure everything is in writing upfront before you provide payment.
Spears-Pederson made her initial court appearance on June 4. Bond has been set at $50,000 cash surety. If convicted, Spears-Pederson faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
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