The former chairman of the Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma pleaded guilty on Friday to misusing tribal funds.

James Wayne Pedro Sr. admitted to embezzling nearly $200,000 in funds from the tribe's Lucky Star casino. He used the money to finance a pleasure trip to Tunica, Mississippi, The Oklahoman reported.

Pedro was voted out of office in April 2004 amid an FBI and National Indian Gaming Commission investigation into the tribe. NIGC officials have said tribal leaders have misused tribal funds.

Pedro's wife, Lea E. Schantz, and former secretary, Peggy BigPond, also pleaded guilty Friday to embezzling funds.

Get the Story:
Tribal official admits to funds' misuse (The Oklahoman 12/3)
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Relevant Links:
Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes - http://www.cheyenne-arapaho.org

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