Former Mashantucket Pequot chairman pleads not guilty to theft

Tuesday, January 8, 2013  

Michael Thomas, the former chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut, and his brother entered not guilty pleas to theft charges.

Thomas and his brother, Steven, are accused of stealing more than $800,000 from the tribe. Authorities say the theft occurred when Thomas was chairman and when his brother was assistant director of the tribe's natural resources department.

Steven Thomas now serves as treasurer of the tribe. He was sworn into office before the indictment was handed down.

Michael Thomas is being represented by a public defender, according to news reports.

Get the Story:
Current, former Mashantucket Pequot leaders plead not guilty (AP 1/8)
Thomas brothers appear in federal court on theft charges (The New London Day 1/8)

An Opinion:
Editorial: Tribe should remove indicted official (The New London Day 1/8)

Former Mashantucket Pequot leader indicted on theft charges (1/4)