Law

Former chairman of Chippewa Cree Tribe enters guilty plea


The Rocky Boy Tribal Health Clinic in Montana. Photo from Indian Health Service

Bruce Sunchild, a former chairman of the Chippewa Cree Tribe of Montana, pleaded guilty to bribery, embezzlement and tax evasion charges.

Sunchild admitted he stole money from the Rocky Boy Tribal Health Clinic. Some $25,000 in checks were issued to his son and another person, KRTV reported.

Sunchild also directed the tribe to pay $300,000 to a consulting firm. He received a kickback -- a sports utility vehicle, KRTV reported. He is due to be sentenced January 29, 2015.

At least a dozen people from the tribe have been charged since federal prosecutors began focusing on corruption in Indian Country through an effort known as the Guardians Project.

Overall, at least 24 cases have been filed since late last year, putting Montana on top a nationwide list of judicial districts with the most government corruption prosecutions.

Get the Story:
Former Chippewa Cree tribal chairman Sunchild pleads guilty (KRTV 11/12)
Sunchild pleads guilty (The Havre Daily News 11/11)

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