Robinson Rancheria chairwoman faces hearing on theft charge

Tuesday, May 29, 2012  

Justice seems to be moving slowly for Tracey Avila, the chairwoman of the Robinson Rancheria Pomo Indians of California who has been accused of stealing from another tribe.

Avila, 50, was charged with one count of felony grand theft in September 2011. Her preliminary hearing was finally scheduled for August 1, nearly a year after she was arrested.

Avila is accused of stealing more than $60,000 from the Elem Pomo Tribe. She used to be the tribe's fiscal officer.

Avila lost her re-election bid in 2008 but has held onto power ever since. The Bureau of Indian Affairs has told her to schedule a new election.

Get the Story:
Tribal chair’s preliminary hearing set for August (The Lake County News 5/29)

Related Stories:
Robinson Rancheria chairwoman due to enter plea in theft (11/03)
BIA tells Robinson Rancheria chairwoman to hold new election (9/15)
Robinson Rancheria chair accused of theft from another tribe (9/13)