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Thursday, August 28, 2003

A federal judge won't allow Clifford G. Bird in Ground, the former chairman of the Crow Tribe of Montana, to withdraw his guilty plea for accepting bribes.

U.S. District Judge Richard Cebull ruled that the plea was "knowing, voluntary and intelligent," The Billings Gazette reported.

Bird in Ground admitted to taking fees to arrange the purchase of cars from a car dealership. But his new attorney said the plea should be withdrawn because he barely speaks English and didn't understand court proceedings.

Non-Indians who were indicted as part of the scheme did not plead guilty and had charges dropped against them. Bird in Ground's brother pleaded guilty and was given probation.

Bird in Ground faces up to 63 months in prison.

Get the Story:
Ex-Crow leader can't withdraw guilty plea (The Billings Gazette 8/28)

Related Stories:
Ex-Crow chairman files motion to withdraw guilty plea (05/14)
Ex-Crow chairman can barely read, attorney says (04/11)
Brother of ex-Crow chairman given probation (02/06)
Dismissal in Crow Tribe theft case (11/14)
Guilty plea in tribal theft case (11/13)
Former Crow chairman pleads guilty (10/07)
New indictments in Crow Nation scandal (9/18)
Ex-Crow chairman 'mental' state relevant (9/13)
Crow chairman resigns from post (9/10)
Crow chairman can't handle funds (5/14)
Crow chairman pleads innocent (5/13)
Crow chairman indicted (5/6)

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