Brookings' public works director indicted on embezzlement charge in Minnehaha County
BROOKINGS – The City of Brookings’ public works director has been indicted on a Minnehaha County charge of grand theft by embezzlement.
A Minnehaha County grand jury returned an indictment against Duane Buthe, 40, on Thursday, Brookings County State’s Attorney Dan Nelson reported in a press release.
“Beginning in May of this year, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation began an investigation into Mr. Buthe’s involvement with the South Dakota Association of County Highway Superintendents (SDACHS). Between the years of 2013 through 2020, Mr. Buthe worked as the Minnehaha County highway superintendent while also serving as secretary of SDACHS,” the press release says.
“The indictment alleges that Mr. Buthe misappropriated over $100,000 of SDACHS funds during his tenure as secretary. The allegations compile numerous retail transactions, cash withdrawals, and other misappropriations using the SDACHS account. It’s alleged that the purpose of the misappropriations was to personally benefit Mr. Buthe,” the press release says.
Read more: https://brookingsregister.com/article/buthe-indicted-on-embezzlement-charge-in-minnehaha-co