A woman from Anadarko, Oklahoma, has admitted to embezzling funds from the Caddo Nation. Larisha Larell Wabaunasee, 38, pleaded guilty to charges of embezzlement and theft after federal prosecutors accused her of diverting customer payments into her personal accounts while employed at the Caddo Nation Tag Office.
According to public records, Wabaunasee worked for the Caddo Nation and was involved in handling transactions at the Tag Office. Between October 2023 and November 2024, she created an unauthorized point-of-sale account to funnel customer payments into her own bank accounts. On November 4, 2025, a federal grand jury indicted her on charges related to embezzlement and theft from an Indian tribal organization.
U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester stated: “The defendant betrayed the trust of the Caddo Nation and its citizens by diverting customer payments for her own personal gain. Our office remains committed to working alongside our tribal and federal partners to ensure that those who steal from tribal organizations are held accountable.”
Bobby Gonzalez, Chairman of the Caddo Nation, commented: “The Caddo Nation remains focused on healing, accountability and moving forward together as a community. While this matter involved the actions of a single individual, it also reflects the strength of the systems we have in place to protect the Nation and our people. We appreciate the cooperation and professionalism shown throughout this process and remain committed to transparency, restoration, and the well-being for our community.”
Wabaunasee entered her guilty plea on February 2, 2026. She admitted in court that she diverted customer transactions from the Tag Office into her personal accounts for personal use. She now faces up to five years in federal prison if convicted at sentencing. In addition to possible imprisonment, she could be ordered to pay restitution as well as a fine up to $250,000.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs led the investigation into this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon is prosecuting.
Further details can be found in public court filings.