A former leader of the Passamaquoddy Tribe of Maine was sentenced to five years in prison and ordered to pay $1.74 million in restitution.

Robert L. Newell, the former Indian Township governor, was found guilty of 29 counts of conspiracy and misapplication of tribal and federal funds. The judge handling the case said he abused his position as a tribal leader.

Also sentenced was James J. Parisi Jr., the tribe's former finance director, who was found guilty of 11 counts of conspiracy and misapplication of fund. Parisi was ordered to serve one year and one day and to pay $1.62 million in restitution in what the judge called a case of corruption.

Federal prosecutors said Newell doled out federal and tribal funds to himself and to others who asked for it. Critics said he was rewarding allies and relatives by giving them jobs and money.

Get the Story:
Tribe’s ex-finance director gets one year (The Bangor Daily News 4/28)
Former tribal leader gets jail (The Bangor Daily News 4/25)

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