Nine people pleaded not guilty to stealing more than $60,000 from the Blackfeet Nation of Montana.

A total of 10 people face charges of conspiracy to commit theft from an Indian tribal organization, as well as theft from an Indian tribal organization. The group is accused of stealing from the Blackfeet Credit Department, which provides short-term loans to tribal members.

Two people charged were employees of the department. The others allegedly benefited from the theft.

"We believe strongly in the integrity of our people, and will fight to see that anyone is prosecuted who attempts to steal from the tribe and the people," Blackfeet Chairman Willie Sharp said in a statement to The Great Falls Tribune.

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Nine plead not guilty to bilking money from Blackfeet Tribe (The Great Falls Tribune 3/11)