Defendants in Crow Tribe corruption case spared prison time

Friday, June 13, 2014  

A federal judge spared three members of the Crow Tribe of Montana prison time for their roles in a corruption scheme.

Dale Old Horn, the tribe's former historic preservation director, his son, Allen, and Shawn Talking Eagle Danforth were convicted of theft, fraud and other charges last August. Federal prosecutors said they each faced up to 20 years in prison for defrauding the tribe.

But Judge Susan Watters said the defendants did not deserve prison time. She said the tribe lost out on less than $50,000 and said the three men were not career criminals.

Seven tribal members -- most of them from the Old Horn family -- were indicted in 2012. Four entered guilty pleas.

Get the Story:
Three in Crow Tribe corruption case avoid prison (AP 6/12)

Adrian Jawort: Crow Tribe sends wrong message on sacred sites (2/19)
Authorities indict seven for taking over $500K from Crow Tribe (12/12)