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Banks (Finance)

Convicted Tribal Employee Embezzled Over $100,000 from Vulnerable Children's Funds

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced the conviction of Tawhnee Willow Colvin, former Assistant Director of the Spokane Tribe of Indians' Department of Health and Human Services and Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS), for bank fraud and embezzlement. Colvin abused her position of trust to make over 70 fraudulent money transfers, totaling over $100,000, from the DCFS bank account to her own personal account. The funds were intended for the care of needy children in temporary custody of the Tribe.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tawhnee Willow Colvin, a former Assistant Director of the Spokane Tribe of Indians' Department of Health and Human Services, was convicted of 25 counts of Bank Fraud and 1 count of Embezzlement.
  • Colvin abused her position to make over 70 fraudulent money transfers, totaling over $100,000, from the DCFS bank account to her own personal account.
  • The funds were intended for the care of needy children in temporary custody of the Tribe, and Colvin's actions left the account almost completely drained.
  • Colvin continued to commit crimes even after her employment was terminated on October 23, 2023.
  • The FBI investigated the case, with Assistant United States Attorneys Frieda K. Zimmerman and Jeremy J. Kelley prosecuting the case.
  • Colvin's sentencing is scheduled for December 15, 2025.
  • The Spokane Tribe of Indians thanked the FBI and US Attorney's Office for their work in bringing this case to a close.

Statistics:

  • Over 70 fraudulent money transfers were made by Colvin, totaling over $100,000.
  • The funds were intended for the care of needy children in temporary custody of the Tribe.
  • Over $50,000 was transferred directly from the DCFS bank account to Colvin's personal account.
  • Colvin took out over $50,000 in cash from the same bank account.
  • The FBI committed to holding accountable individuals who choose greed over safeguarding funds under their stewardship.

Sources:

  • United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Washington
  • Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office, W. Mike Herrington
  • Spokane Tribe of Indians
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  • United States Attorney Pete Serrano
  • Assistant United States Attorneys Frieda K. Zimmerman and Jeremy J. Kelley

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