Investigators from at least four federal agencies have been looking into the activities of Passamaquoddy Gov. Robert Newell, The Bangor Daily News reports.

Agents from the Department of Health and Human Services, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of the Interior were on the Indian Township reservation last week. They interviewed tribal members, asked to view documents and subpoenaed the tribe's financial adviser, the paper said.

A grand jury is being called September 6 -- the same day as the tribal elections -- to look at the evidence. But Newell says he is not under investigation and that the federal agents have been looking at information that predates his term in office.

Two tribal sources told the paper that Newell's use of federal funds has been questioned. "They are reviewing the policies of past administrations to establish the abnormal manner of procurement and distribution of this current administration," one said.

Separately, five employees fired by Newell have filed suit against the tribe. They say they were terminated for political reasons.

Get the Story:
Passamaquoddy governor under fire (The Bangor Daily News 8/26)
Tribal employees' dismissal prompts lawsuit (The Bangor Daily News 8/26)

Relevant Links:
Pasamaquoddy Tribe, Pleasant Point Reservation - http://www.wabanaki.com
Passamaquoddy Tribe of Indian Township - http://www.passamaquoddy.com
Save Passamaquoddy Bay - http://www.savepassamaquoddybay.org

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