A former employee of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, Matthew Waits, pleaded guilty on Apr. 8 to misapplying federal grant funds intended for diabetes prevention and using the money to buy sports memorabilia.
The case raises concerns about the proper use of federal grants that are meant to support health initiatives in Native American communities. The misuse of these funds can undermine efforts to combat chronic diseases such as diabetes.
According to court documents, Waits, 41, from Topeka, admitted guilt to one count of misapplication of federal grant funds. He previously served as manager and program director for the tribe’s Diabetes Prevention Program. In January 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Indian Health Service awarded grants and assistance to the tribe. Authorities said Waits used more than $5,000 from these grants on unauthorized purchases including sports memorabilia—a violation of both grant rules and federal law.
Waits is scheduled for sentencing on July 22, with a federal district court judge set to determine his sentence after reviewing applicable guidelines and statutory factors.
“Diabetes patients are susceptible to long-term damage to their heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. It was the defendant’s job to teach people how to avoid this chronic disease. Waits took money intended to help save lives and used it to purchase materials to enhance his hobby shop that sold collectables such as Pokemon cards and sports memorabilia,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) along with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General are investigating this case while Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared Maag and Lindsey Debenham are prosecuting.
