Ronan woman accused of stealing from CSKT

MISSOULA — A Ronan woman was arraigned in a federal court session in Missoula, July 21, on an indictment of theft from a Tribal organization.

Leah Daniell Morton, the 32-year-old woman, pleaded not guilty to the crime. If convicted, she faces up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years supervised release.

The indictment was filed against Morton May 23, following an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that revealed Morton had mis-reported her income in order to receive subsidized housing.

According to the grand jury charges, beginning around February 2007 and continuing until January 2009, Morton knowingly stole around $9,000 worth of assistance from the Salish and Kootenai Housing Authority.

Specifically, prosecutors allege that Morton concealed and failed to report employment earnings while a participant in their tenant-based assistance program.

In order to receive assistance from the Housing Authority, a participant must submit an application reporting her income and assets. The housing authority then investigates the applicant’s financial affairs.

If everything checks out, they pay the difference between 30 percent of the participant’s monthly income and the standard rental payment in the area. Every year the participant must re-certify the number of household members, all sources and amounts of income, expenses and any other assets.

Morton’s arraignment was originally scheduled for June 9. When she failed to appear or contact the federal defender’s office in Missoula, as directed by her case agent, a U.S. magistrate issued a warrant for her arrest.

She is currently released on special conditions; her next court appearance has not yet been scheduled.