Chief Norris: Jena Band 'victimized' by Griles

Wednesday, June 27, 2007  

The Jena Band of Choctaw Indians was "victimized" by J. Steven Griles and Jack Abramoff, Chief Christine Norris said in a letter on Monday.

Norris recounted Abramoff's well-publicized efforts to derail the Louisiana tribe's land and gaming efforts. She said she upset to learn Griles was involved as the second-in-command at the Interior Department under the Bush administration.

"I do believe these two individuals were the primary culprits and request that you impose the maximum possible penalty on Mr. Griles," Norris wrote Judge Ellen Huvelle [PDF: Letter].

After a lengthy hearing yesterday, Huvelle sentenced Griles to 10 months in prison, three years of supervised release and a $30,000 fine. She rejected the Department of Justice's request tor home confinement and Griles' request for no jail time.

Get the Story:
Judge Orders Prison Time for Ex-Interior Deputy (The Washington Post 6/27)
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Ex-Interior Aide Is Sentenced in Lobbying Case (The New York Times 6/260
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Former Bush Administration Official Sentenced in Lobbying Scandal (VOA News 6/27)
Former U.S. official gets 10 months in Abramoff case (Reuters 6/26)
Former Interior Official Gets Prison (AP 6/26)
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Press Release: Former Interior Deputy Secretary Steven Griles Sentenced to 10 Months in Prison for Obstructing U.S. Senate Investigation into Abramoff Corruption Scandal (DOJ 6/26)

Selected Letters:
Elouise Cobell | Bill Anoatubby | Jim Cason | Donald Hodel | Neal McCaleb | Gale Norton | Ross Swimmer

More Letters:
Exhibit Volume 1 (PDF 266 pages)

Griles Calendars:
July 2001 - February 2002 | February 2002 - July 2002 | July 2002 - December 2002 | December 2002 - July 2003

Relevant Documents:
DOJ Sentencing Memorandum | (June 15, 2007) | Griles Sentencing Memorandum (June 8, 2007) | Criminal Information (March 23, 2007)

Other Documents:
Federici Charge (June 5, 2007) | Federici Factual Information (June 5, 2007)

Senate Indian Affairs Committee Abramoff Report:
“GIMME FIVE”— INVESTIGATION OF TRIBAL LOBBYING MATTERS (June 2006)

Exhibits:
Pre-2001 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | Undated | Finance

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Griles denies hiding Abramoff ties from investigation (6/20)
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Opinion: Griles did the crime but not the time (6/20)
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