Edward Smiley, the former director of the Farmington Indian Center in Farmington, New Mexico, is trying to raise money to repay the city for the money that he allegedly stole.

Smiley, who ran the center for 11 years, is accused of stealing $38,000. He wants to avoid jail time for the incident but to do so he must pay half of the money up front and agree to a payment plan for the rest.

According to his lawyer, Smiley has raised $5,000 so far. He asked the Navajo Nation Council for help but legislation to give him $25,000 did not advance.

"We were looking for assistance from the tribe," Smiley told The Farmington Daily Times. "It was just extra help."

Smiley has not yet entered a plea on felony embezzlement charges. A judge gave him until June 16 to come up with the money to enter a pre-prosecution diversion program.

Get the Story:
Former Indian director asks council to him help pay back funds (The Farmington Daily Times 5/27)

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