The Administration for Children and Families says the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians of California can pay off a $1.2 million fine through a reduction in its annual grant.

The tribe was fined a total of $1.54 million for misusing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds. But the tribe says it is having a hard time making the payments.

So the ACF agreed to reduce the tribe's annual $20 million grant and add a 2 percent penalty so the tribe can meet its obligation.

Get the Story:
Feds: Torres-Martinez tribe can use grant money to pay fines (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 4/25)

Special Report:
Aid to Indian Country: A Desert Sun investigation (The Palm Springs Desert Sun January 2010)

Related Stories:
Editorial: A long way to go on Torres Martinez TANF probe (4/2)
Lawmakers still looking at Torres Martinez TANF program (3/26)
Torres Martinez Tribe behind on $1.54M fine for TANF (2/8)
Rep. Bono Mack calls for probe of tribal TANF program (2/5)
Editorial: Congress should investigate tribal TANF now (1/20)