Michael Thomas, the former chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut, was sentenced to 18 months in prison on theft charges.

In July, a federal jury found Thomas guilty of one count of theft from an Indian tribal organization and two counts of theft concerning an Indian tribal government receiving federal funds. The verdict came after a two day trial in which federal prosecutors said the ex-leader used a tribal credit card to make $100,000 in unauthorized purchases.

“I do accept responsibility for my actions as well as my inactions,” Thomas said in court, the Associated Press reported.

Former treasurer Steven Thomas, who is Michael's brother, pleaded guilty to one count of theft from an Indian tribal organization. He is due to be sentenced on January 3, 2014.

Get the Story:
Ex-chairman of Mashantuckets gets 18 months for embezzling more than $100,000 from tribe (AP 11/19)
Former Mashantucket tribal chairman gets 18-month sentence in federal prison (The New London Day 11/20)

Related Stories:
Prosecutors recommend sentence for former Pequot chair (11/13)
Lori Ann Potter: Mashantucket Tribe can learn from mistakes (10/08)
Editorial: Mashantucket Tribe sullied by criminal convictions (10/7)
Outgoing treasurer of Pequot Tribe expected to plead guilty (10/02)
Judge won't delay theft case for treasurer of Mashantucket Tribe (9/4)
Former Mashantucket Tribe leader convicted of theft charges (07/25)
Former Mashantucket leader goes on trial for theft charges (07/23)