- Details
- By Tribal Business News Staff
- Policy and Law
Jessica Engle, former chief executive officer of the Yurok Telecommunications Corporation, pleaded guilty Sept. 4 to embezzling $579,574 from the Yurok Tribe while leading the tribal broadband subsidiary.
Jessica Engle (Photo: Yurok Tribe)Engle, 42, of Gold Hill, Oregon, admitted in federal court to stealing the funds between July 2021 and May 2022 from the telecommunications company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Yurok Tribe. She pleaded guilty to charges of embezzling from an Indian tribal organization and theft from programs receiving federal funds.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California, Engle converted the tribal funds to her own use while serving as CEO of the telecommunications corporation. The indictment shows she embezzled money from the company's U.S. Bank account.
The case highlights ongoing challenges tribal enterprises face in preventing internal financial crimes that can damage both operations and community trust. The Yurok Tribe received over $10,000 in federal funding in the year preceding Engle's theft, according to court documents.
The Yurok Telecommunications Corporation operates as part of the Yurok Tribe's business portfolio. The Yurok Tribe, based in northern California, is the state's largest federally recognized tribe with more than 6,000 enrolled members.
Engle faces significant penalties when sentenced Jan. 14, 2026, before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Maxine M. Chesney. The theft from federally funded programs carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The embezzlement from an Indian tribal organization charge carries up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani announced the guilty plea. The FBI investigated the case with assistance from Yurok Tribal Police, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colin Sampson and Sophia Cooper are prosecuting the case with assistance from Laurie Worthen.
Federal prosecutors originally filed the indictment Sept. 25, 2024, and arrested Engle Oct. 2, 2024. The charges cover nearly 11 months of alleged embezzlement while Engle held the top executive position at the telecommunications subsidiary.
