The Spotlight 29 Casino in Coachella, California. Photo from Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians.
The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians in California welcomed a prison sentence for a politically-connected Republican who admitted stealing from the tribe. David Alan Heslop, a former adviser to Ronald Regan and George H.W. Bush, pleaded guilty to one count of felony conspiracy to commit bribery. He was sentenced to 21 months and ordered to pay $300,000 in restitution. "We are pleased that Judge Fitzgerald imposed nearly two years in prison and a financial judgment as well," Chairman Darrell Mike said in a press release. "This decision reinforces the notion that if someone takes advantage of Native Americans, they will be held accountable." Heslop and two others -- including Gary Kovall, the tribe's former general counsel -- pleaded guilty to bribery and tax evasion charges. They admitted that they steered contracts at the Spotlight 29 Casino to companies they controlled. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the trio enriched themselves of contracts worth $2.8 million. The tribe, however, put the damages at $20 million. Get the Story:
Former presidential advisor sentenced for defrauding local tribe (KESQ 7/10)
David Heslop sentenced for defrauding Indian tribe (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 7/11)
TWENTYNINE PALMS: Ex-professor gets 21 months for scheme to siphon tribe's funds (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 7/11)
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