Judge rules against founders of fake tribe in Utah

Tuesday, May 6, 2008  

Three men who created a fake tribe at an Arby's restaurant are guilty of violating federal racketeering laws, a judge ruled last week.

The "Wampanoag Nation, Tribe of Grayhead, Wolf Band" and its founders filed numerous legal claims against officials in Utah. The targets responded with a countersuit under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.

Judge Stephen P. Friot agreed that James W. Burbank, Martin T. Campbell, Dale N. Stevens, and Thomas Smith violated the law. He said the men used their fake tribe and other organizations to try and intimidate government officials.

The group is not in any way affiliated with the two federally recognized Wampanoag tribes in Massachusetts.

Get the Story:
Tribe 'a complete sham,' judge rules (The Salt Lake City Deseret News 5/6)
Judge orders 'tribe' to pay damages, fees (The Salt Lake Tribune 5/6) American Indian tribe called bogus (AP 5/5)

Related Stories:
Leader of fake tribe ordered to stand trial in Utah (1/22)
Federal judge rules Utah group is not legitimate tribe
Fake tribe allegedly behind arbitration scam (02/23)