RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) The embezzlement trial of a former Oglala Sioux tribal official has begun at Rapid City.

Eileen Janis (juh-NEES') faces a charge of stealing more than $22,000 from the tribe in 2004.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mara Kohn says Janis became involved in a "financial snowball" after she started using cash advances available to tribal employees.

Kohn says tribal employees are allowed to take payroll advances which Janis did but then got out of control with her spending.

Janis' lawyer says she intends to repay the funds adding that it's not a crime to owe the tribe money.

The defense attorney says Janis didn't get a chance to repay the $22,000 because she was fired.

Janis faces up to 5 years in prison, if convicted.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-24-07 0657CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list