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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2003

Problems uncovered in a recent Department of Interior investigation are only "the tip of a very old iceberg," The Farmington Daily Times says in an editorial.

The paper cites an inspector general's audit that found fabrication of trust documents for a Navajo lease. Although the employees responsible for falsifying the data were disciplined, one received a cash award for "creativity."

"Is this what we, as taxpayers, should expect from our government? Lies and deceit? Of course not," the paper says. "The employee and any supervisors involved should be terminated from their positions."

Get the Story:
Feds falsifying documents violate U.S. trust (The Farmington Daily Times 6/25)

Relevant Documents:
Audit of the Minerals Management Service Audit Offices (March 2003) | Special Master Letter (June 6, 2003)

Relevant Links:
Minerals Management Service - http://www.mms.gov
Indian Trust: Cobell v. Norton - http://www.indiantrust.com

Related Stories:
Navajo trust fund director a 'scapegoat' (6/18)
Audit files for Navajo lease recreated (6/11)
Navajo leaders criticize upheaval at trust fund office (05/09)
DOI removes director of Navajo trust fund office (05/07)
Norton said to muzzle employees on trust (02/14)