BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) – A Billings accountant hired to complete the Crow Tribe’s 2013 audit has pleaded guilty to stealing about $30,000 from the tribe.

Federal prosecutors alleged that 43-year-old Karla MacCatherine never completed the audit, billed the tribe for work she did not do and double paid herself on at least two occasions between February 2013 and August 2014.

The Billings Gazette reports MacCatherine pleaded guilty Thursday to a federal charge of embezzlement from an Indian tribal organization. A sentencing date has not been set.

MacCatherine said she stole the money for her own use. She currently works as the financial director at the Yellowstone Art Museum and previously was a payroll clerk for the Billings school district.

–––

Information from: The Billings Gazette, http://www.billingsgazette.com