Whistleblower Exposes Fraud in Rosebud Sioux Tribe Broadband Project

Tribal member Tamara Stands and Looks Back-Spotted Tail reported red flags to authorities but says corruption persists

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:49pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged broadband cable connector or network device, the harsh flash illuminating the textured surface and creating dramatic shadows against the dark background, conceptually representing the fraud and mismanagement uncovered in a tribal broadband project.A whistleblower's warnings about fraud in a tribal broadband project went unheeded, exposing the vulnerability of underserved communities to misuse of public funds.Sioux Falls Today

When the U.S. Attorney and South Dakota Attorney General's Office announced fraud charges against three family members regarding grant money at the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, some tribal members say they were disappointed, but not surprised. Tamara Stands and Looks Back-Spotted Tail, a whistleblower who worked in the tribe's economic development office, reported red flags to authorities about the $50 million broadband project, including a grant writer with a history of tax fraud and contractors with suspicious addresses. However, the project was still awarded and Stands and Looks Back-Spotted Tail fears the tribe is being taken advantage of by 'pop-up companies' looking to 'rip off the tribe'.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of fraud and corruption on Native American reservations, where economic development projects intended to benefit the community are instead being exploited by bad actors. The whistleblower's actions shine a light on these problems, but she expresses frustration that the corruption persists despite her efforts to report it.

The details

Tamara Stands and Looks Back-Spotted Tail, who worked in the Sicangu Resource Development office overseeing the Rosebud Sioux Tribe's 638 contracts, noticed several red flags while the tribe was applying for a $50 million broadband grant. She flagged issues such as the grant writer having a prior tax fraud conviction, and a contractor's address being located at an empty lot in New Mexico. Stands and Looks Back-Spotted Tail reported these concerns to the grant fraud office and the Office of Inspector General, but the project was still awarded. Three members of the Brandenburg family from Arizona are now facing federal charges for over-billing on the project for vehicles, buildings, and generators that appear to be non-existent.

  • Stands and Looks Back-Spotted Tail reported the red flags to authorities prior to the project being awarded.
  • The U.S. Attorney and South Dakota Attorney General's Office announced fraud charges against the Brandenburg family in 2026.

The players

Tamara Stands and Looks Back-Spotted Tail

A whistleblower who worked in the Sicangu Resource Development office overseeing the Rosebud Sioux Tribe's economic development projects, including the $50 million broadband grant.

Brandenburg family

A family from Arizona facing federal charges for over-billing on the Rosebud Sioux Tribe's broadband project.

Rosebud Sioux Tribe

A Native American tribe in South Dakota that was awarded a $50 million broadband grant, which has been marred by allegations of fraud.

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What they’re saying

“When it came out, they got awarded, everybody was so excited. Because I was working on grants, I reported it to the grant fraud. I reported it to the Office of Inspector General for grant fraud. And I said, 'You may want to take a look at this broadband grant, and I explained everything I explained to you. I said these guys are not on the up and up. They don't meet the qualifications for having somebody to hold this kind of money. And I think they're just pop-up companies that are going to come in here and rip off the tribe.'”

— Tamara Stands and Looks Back-Spotted Tail, Whistleblower

What’s next

The U.S. Attorney and South Dakota Attorney General's Office will continue to investigate the fraud allegations against the Brandenburg family and any other potential wrongdoing related to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe's broadband project.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of rooting out fraud and corruption on Native American reservations, where economic development projects intended to benefit the community are being exploited by bad actors. The whistleblower's actions demonstrate the importance of vigilance and reporting suspected wrongdoing, but the persistence of the issues suggests more systemic reforms may be needed.