Leader of fake tribe remains locked up on charges

Tuesday, September 18, 2007  

The leader of a group calling itself the Kaweah Indian Nation remains locked up on immigration charges.

Malcolm Webber, also known as "Grand Chief Thunderbird IV," is accused of fraud against the government and harboring illegal aliens. Federal prosecutors say he sold "tribal membership" to immigrants and promised it would help them gain U.S. citizenship.

Webber denies the charges. His attorney depicted the Kaweah Indian Nation as a charitable organization that has given money to Indian causes and has tried to help people from all walks of life, including immigrants.

A federal magistrate gave Webber until Friday to address concerns about releasing him on bond.

Get the Story:
Chief of fake tribe, or pastor? (The Wichita Eagle 9/18)
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Prosecutor Urges No Bail for Tribe Chief (AP 9/17)

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Opinion: Immigrants fall for citizenship scams (8/21)
Unrecognized tribe cites 10K immigrant recruitments (8/15)
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