(Pierre, SD) — The woman accused of stealing more than one-point-seven million dollars from the South Dakota Department of Social Services is entering Day Three of the trial today in Hughes County court. The case against Lonna Carroll is moving quicker than expected, as testimony began almost immediately after Tuesday’s opening statements. Yesterday, it was revealed that Carroll admitted to South Dakota criminal investigators in a recording last July that she stole the money over a 13-year period. Witnesses have confirmed Carroll had access to the Department of Social Services’ Family and Child Information System, allowing her to request and approve funds transfers from accounts for kids under Child Protection Services. The Attorney General’s Office hasn’t yet rested their case, but they’ve gone through the remainder of their witnesses. The case could conclude as early as today, according to the AG’s Office.
