The fall of the Thomas brothers is indicative of the hubris that permeated Mashantucket Pequot tribal leadership during the first decade of the millennium. Foxwoods Resort Casino appeared ready to keep generating endless riches. Perhaps it is not shocking that in such an environment some tribal officials could rantionalize using tribal money for personal use or benefitting from a pretend job. Then reality intervened in the form of a severe recession, increased competition, and excessive tribal debt. No one is more emblematic of that rise and fall than Michael Thomas, who served as chairman from 2003-2009. Mr. Thomas managed to squander so much money (his salary was $860,000 in 2008) that by the time federal authorities arrived to place the handcuffs on him last January for stealing from the tribe, he had to turn to a public defender. He couldn't afford a lawyer.Get the Story:
Editorial: Tale of the Thomases (The New London Day 10/5)
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