A four-year investigation into the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians has led to federal charges against seven former tribal leaders.

Former chairwoman Priscilla Hunter, former historian Michael Hunter, former vice chairwoman Iris Martinez, former secretary Darlene Crabtree, Michelle Campbell and former council members Fred Naredo and Allan Crabtree face 39 charges of theft, misuse of funds, conspiracy, obstruction of justice, tax evasion and failure to file tax returns.

The indictment accuses the defendants of using $35,000 in tribal casino funds to make contributions political candidates and organizations. Some of the defendants allegedly shred documents to cover up their actions and impeded an audit of the casino.

The defendants are also accused of using tribal funds to buy personal items like hockey tickets, art, DirecTV services and airline tickets. Some of the defendants were charged with tax evasion and failing to file tax returns.

All of the former tribal leaders named were ousted in December 2004 vote that came months after a federal raid of the tribe's casino and several homes.

Get the Story:
7 ex-tribe officials face fund misuse charges (The San Francisco Chronicle 8/30)
Feds indict 7 in probe of tribal casino (The Santa Rosa Press Democrat 8/29)
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Former tribal leaders indicted (California Valley Business Times 8/24)
Seven former Coyote Valley leaders indicted (The Sacramento Business Journal 8/29)

Relevant Links:
Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians - http://www.coyotevalleytc.com

Related Stories:
Coyote Valley chairwoman ousted in primary vote (12/03)
Coyote Valley Band in leadership struggle (10/22)
Police raid casino offices, chairwoman's home (05/26)