The former head of social services for the Northern Arapaho Tribe of Wyoming was sentenced to three years probation for theft.

George Moss, 65, pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement. He admitted he allowed other employees to steal up to $175,000 in federal funds that were meant for needy families on the Wind River Reservation.

"I turned a blind eye to what they were doing," Moss told the judge, referring to two employees who were convicted, the Associated Press reported.

The program ran out of money as a result of the theft, federal prosecutors said. The tribe covered the loss with its own funds to avoid penalties.

Melody St. Clair, a former social services administrator, pleaded guilty to embezzlement and is due to be sentenced in January, the AP said. Amanda Addison, a former payroll clerk, was convicted of embezzlement and was sentenced in November to serve 12 months and one day in prison, the AP reported.

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Ex-head of Wyoming tribal agency gets probation (AP 11/30)