RAPID CITY, S.D. — A California man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for an online scam that defrauded a Chamberlain resident of $472,000, authorities said.
36-year-old Chee Yeng Wong pleaded guilty on November 18 in Brule County Circuit Court to one count of Aiding, Abetting, or Advising Grand Theft. In addition to his prison sentence, Wong was fined $1,000 and ordered to pay full restitution of $472,000.
The scam occurred between January and March 2025. While Wong’s listed address is Pasadena, California, authorities noted he is originally from Malaysia.
The case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Chamberlain Police Department, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Prosecution was handled by the Attorney General’s Office and the Brule County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Wong’s sentencing underscores ongoing efforts to combat online scams and protect residents from digital fraud.
