Tribal - Shore News Network

Former Blackfeet Tribal operations manager suspected of stealing tribal COVID-19 relief funding arraigned on charges

Indira PatelNovember 28, 20230

GREAT FALLS — The former operations manager for the Blackfeet Tribe was arraigned today on charges accusing him of stealing federal COVID-19 relief funding the tribe received, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. James Cameron McNeely, 43, of Browning, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with theft from an Indian tribal government receiving federal funding, wire fraud and theft from an Indian tribal organization. If convicted of the most serious crime, McNeely faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston presided. McNeely was released

Fort Peck Tribal corrections officer admits deprivation of rights in assault of inmate

Indira PatelNovember 15, 20230

GREAT FALLS — A corrections officer who worked at the Fort Peck Tribe’s detention center admitted today to a civil rights violation for assaulting an inmate, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. Devin Gray Hawk, 20, of Poplar, pleaded guilty to an information charging him with deprivation of rights. Gray Hawk faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The court set sentencing for April 3, 2024. Gray

Former Executive Director of Tribal non-profit job training program pleads guilty to embezzling federal funds

Indira PatelOctober 13, 20230

Tacoma – The former Executive Director of the Western Washington Indian Employment Training Program (WWIETP) pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to embezzling from a program receiving federal funds, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Debbie Rawle, 68, of Tacoma served as Executive Director of the tribally owned non-profit job training program for several years until October 2019. The non-profit is now defunct and no longer receiving any federal funds. Rawle is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo for the embezzlement of nearly $100,000 on January 5, 2024. According to

Exclusive-Kurdish-led Syria force vows to meet tribal demands after clash

ReutersSeptember 7, 20230

By Maya Gebeily BEIRUT (Reuters) – The head of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) pledged to meet Arab tribal demands in eastern Syria and fix “mistakes” he said had been made in administering the region, seeking to defuse tensions that fuelled days of deadly fighting. Scores of people have been killed since Arab tribal fighters revolted against the SDF in Deir al-Zor last week, the first such uprising since the Kurdish-led force drove Islamic State from the region more than four years ago with U.S. support. Widely seen to reflect simmering Arab grievances, the revolt has prompted U.S. efforts

U.S. officials visit Syria’s Deir al Zor in bid to defuse Arab tribal unrest

ReutersSeptember 3, 20230

By Suleiman Al-Khalidi AMMAN (Reuters) – Senior U.S. officials visited Syria’s eastern oil-rich Deir al Zor province on Sunday in an attempt to defuse an uprising by Arab tribes against Kurdish rule that is destabilising northeast Syria, U.S. officials, security sources, and residents said. An Arab tribal backlash against the rule of the Kurdish YPG militia has led to clashes, with over 150 killed and dozens injured. The militia forms the backbone of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and the uprising is the biggest threat to their rule since they finally drove Islamic State out of a swathe of

U.S. backed Kurdish-led forces in eastern Syria battle Arab tribal unrest

ReutersAugust 30, 20230

By Suleiman Al-Khalidi AMMAN (Reuters) – U.S. backed Syrian Democratic Forces led by Kurdish forces poured reinforcements in Syria’s eastern Deir al Zor province on Wednesday to quell widespread unrest by rebellious Arab tribal clans who rose up in arms after the detention of an Arab renegade commander. Witnesses and local sources said at least 40 fighters from both sides and another 15 civilians have been killed in battles raging since Sunday in a string of towns in a strategic oil belt in the heart of Arab tribal territory, east of the Euphrates River controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces

Tribal Chief Is ‘Interested In Reclaiming’ Ancestral Land Where Ben & Jerry’s HQ Now Stands

The Daily CallerJuly 7, 20230

Tribal Chief Is ‘Interested In Reclaiming’ Ancestral Land Where Ben & Jerry’s HQ Now Stands Aaron Life on July 7, 2023 Ben & Jerry’s headquarters is located on land originally controlled by a Native American tribe in Vermont, and the chief of this tribe expressed interest in reclaiming the property on Friday. Ben & Jerry’s marked Independence Day on Tuesday by tweeting that the U.S. should “commit to returning” land to Native Americans. In response, Don Stevens, chief of the Nulhegan Band of The Coosuk Abenaki Nation said his tribe would be willing to take back the land currently owned

Red Lake Man Sentenced to 37 Years in Prison for the Murder of a Red Lake Tribal Police Officer

DOJ PressJanuary 10, 20230

BEMIDJI, Minn. – A Red Lake man has been sentenced to 37 years in prison for fatally shooting a Red Lake Tribal Police Officer, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger. “The tragic and violent events of July 27, 2021, that claimed the life of Officer Ryan Bialke brought an incalculable loss to his family and to his community,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger. “Although the 37-year sentence handed down today represents justice under the law, the harm can never be undone. We honor the memory of Officer Bialke and commend the officers of the Red Lake Tribal Police Department

Former Tribal Official Sentenced to Prison for Bribery Scheme

DOJ PressNovember 21, 20220

WASHINGTON – A former Tribal government official of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation (MHA Nation) was sentenced today to six years and three months in prison for a bribery scheme involving soliciting and accepting bribes and kickbacks from a contractor providing construction services on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, which is the home of the MHA Nation. According to court documents, from November 2014 through November 2018, Frank Charles Grady, 54, of Billings, Montana, was an elected representative on the Tribal Business Council, the governing body of the MHA Nation. Beginning around 2016 and

Rapid City Woman Indicted for Theft From an Indian Tribal Organization

DOJ PressNovember 7, 20220

PIERRE – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft From an Indian Tribal Organization. Tiffany LaClaire, age 35, was indicted in July of 2022. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on October 31, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to five years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered. The Indictment alleges that between July

Former Tribal Councilmember Sentenced to Federal Prison

DOJ PressOctober 28, 20220

Jackson, Miss. – A former tribal councilmember for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians was sentenced to 84 months in prison for embezzlement, perjury, and suborning perjury, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. According to court documents, Kevin Joseph Edwards, 51, of the Standing Pine Community, embezzled $12,178.40 from the Tribe by submitting fraudulent travel documents for reimbursement. Edwards was indicted for the embezzlement in February of 2019. Once indicted on the embezzlement, Edwards was released on bond. While on bond, Edwards possessed a firearm. A petition

Former Tribal Official Pleads Guilty to Bribery Scheme

DOJ PressOctober 26, 20220

WASHINGTON – A former Tribal government official of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation (MHA Nation) pleaded guilty today to a bribery scheme in which he admitted to soliciting and accepting bribes and kickbacks from a contractor providing construction services on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, which is the home of the MHA Nation. According to court documents, Randall Jude Phelan, 58, of Mandaree, North Dakota, was an elected representative on the Tribal Business Council, the governing body of the MHA Nation, from around November 2012 through the middle of 2020. Beginning around 2013 and

At least five killed in tribal violence in Sudan’s West Kordofan

ReutersOctober 15, 20220

KHARTOUM (Reuters) -At least five people were killed and nine injured in tribal clashes between members of the Miseriya and Nuba tribes in Sudan’s West Kordofan state, the country’s military said on Saturday. The incident is the latest in a wave of tribal violence that has swept across the country, despite the signing of a nationwide peace deal two years ago. The fighting, which occurred on Friday and Saturday in the town of Lagawa, was brought under control after intervention by the army and Rapid Support Forces, as well as police, a military statement said. Lagawa lies outside a part

U.S. Attorney hosts public safety Tribal Consultation

DOJ PressOctober 10, 20220

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – On Oct. 5, Alexander M.M. Uballez, the United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, hosted delegations from the Pueblo of Acoma, Pueblo of Isleta, Pueblo of Laguna, Pueblo of Nambé, Pueblo of Pojoaque, Ohkay Owingeh, Pueblo of Sandia, Pueblo of Santa Ana, Pueblo of San Felipe, Pueblo of Zuni, Mescalero Apache Tribe, Navajo Nation, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women in a Special Session Tribal Consultation held in Albuquerque. The Special Session was the beginning of an ongoing conversation with Tribal law enforcement partners about public safety efforts

Former Tribal IT Director Sentenced in Federal Court for Roles in Bribery Scheme

DOJ PressSeptember 19, 20220

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Florida man convicted of Bribery Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds, was sentenced on September 12, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann. Sven Schreiber, age 54, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and a $15,000 fine. He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Schreiber was indicted for Bribery Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds by a federal grand jury in May of 2021. Schreiber pled guilty on May 23, 2022. Schreiber’s co-defendant,

Wakpala Man Sentenced to Prison for Embezzlement from Standing Rock Tribal Organization

DOJ PressJuly 22, 20220

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Wakpala, South Dakota, man convicted of embezzlement and theft from an Indian tribal organization was sentenced on July 18, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann. Joshua Iron Cloud, Sr., age 39, was sentenced to six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $23,980 in restitution to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Iron Cloud was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 8, 2021. He pled guilty on April 21, 2022.

Little Eagle Man Sentenced to Prison for Embezzlement from Standing Rock Tribal Organization

DOJ PressJuly 22, 20220

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Little Eagle, South Dakota, man convicted of embezzlement and theft from an Indian tribal organization was sentenced on July 18, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann. Donel Takes The Gun, age 55, was sentenced to eight months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $15,935.93 in restitution to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Takes The Gun was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 7, 2021. He pled guilty on April

NJ Attorney General Says Ford Liable for Toxic Sludge in Tribal Land

Conservative TimesJune 16, 20220

RINGOOWD, NJ – The New Jersey Attorney General today said a lawsuit was filed against Ford Motor Co. over its contamination of hundreds of acres of soil, water, wetlands and other natural resources in Passaic County. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said, “The lawsuit seeks compensation for Natural Resource Damages (NRDs) caused by Ford’s disposal, over many years, of toxic paint sludge and other pollutants within a former iron mining area known as Ringwood Mines in the Borough of Ringwood.” Platkin noted, among other things, the 500-acre Ringwood Mines area encompasses the historic homeland of the Ramapough Lenape Nation,

Makah Tribal member sentenced to 16 months in prison for carjacking and threatening young boys

DOJ PressJune 13, 20220

Tacoma – A enrolled member of the Makah Tribe was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 16 months in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Nick Brown. Nicolas Joseph James Johnson, 33, pleaded guilty to robbery in March 2022. U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle noted the trauma suffered by three young boys who were ordered out of the car at knifepoint. According to records filed in the case, on the evening of September 18, 2021. Johnson carjacked a vehicle from outside the Mini-Market on Bay View Avenue in Neah Bay, Washington. There were three brothers in the car,

Tribal Partners and Border Patrol prevent dangerous smuggling attempt in upstate New York

US Border PatrolMay 5, 20220

AKWESASNE, NY – With assistance from the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department, the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service, and the Hogansburg-Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department (HAVFD), U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Massena Border Patrol Station apprehended seven (7) individuals in connection with a failed smuggling attempt early Thursday morning. On April 28, suspicious activity was reported to the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service, which notified the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department about a boat containing multiple subjects traveling from Canada near Cornwall, Ontario; toward the United States. The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department responded and observed the vessel taking on

Pine Ridge Woman Pleads Not Guilty to Embezzlement and Theft from Indian Tribal Organization

DOJ PressApril 5, 20220

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft of Money from Federal Program and Embezzlement and Theft from Indian Tribal Organization. Darcel Pourier, age 37, was indicted on March 17, 2022. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on March 18, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in federal prison, and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be

Red Lake Man Pleads Guilty to Murder in the Shooting Death of a Red Lake Tribal Police Officer

DOJ PressApril 1, 20220

MINNEAPOLIS – A Red Lake man has pleaded guilty to fatally shooting a Red Lake Tribal Police Officer, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger. According to court documents, on July 27, 2021, officers with the Red Lake Tribal Police Department (“RLTPD”) responded to a call to conduct a welfare check on David Brian Donnell, Jr., 29, at his residence in Redby, Minnesota. Five RLTPD officers responded to Donnell’s residence. Upon arrival, the officers found Donnell standing outside on the porch and attempted to have him walk towards the officers, but Donnell instead went inside the residence. Because Donnell had an

Idaho Man Pleads Guilty for Role in Tribal Fraud Scheme

DOJ PressMarch 14, 20220

PORTLAND, Ore.—A resident of the Fort Hall Reservation in Idaho and former CEO of the Warm Springs Economic Development Corporation (WSEDC) pleaded guilty today for his role in a fraud scheme targeting the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Roderick Ariwite, 66, pleaded guilty to theft of funds from a tribal organization and interstate transportation of a security taken by fraud, resolving two separate criminal cases against him. According to court documents, WSEDC, also known as Warm Springs Ventures (WSV), is a Tribal organization owned and operated by the Warm Springs Tribes. WSV operates as the management organization for several Tribal

Wakpala Man Charged with Embezzlement and Theft from Indian Tribal Organizations

DOJ PressMarch 3, 20220

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Wakpala, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization. Joshua Iron Cloud, Sr., age 38, was indicted on September 8, 2021. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 23, 2021, and pled not guilty to the Indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to five years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered. The Indictment alleges that

Devon Archer Sentenced To A Year And A Day In Prison For The Fraudulent Issuance And Sale Of More Than $60 Million Of Tribal Bonds

DOJ PressFebruary 28, 20220

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that DEVON ARCHER was sentenced today by the Honorable Ronnie Abrams to a year and a day in prison for defrauding a Native American tribal entity and various investment advisory clients of tens of millions of dollars in connection with the issuance of bonds by the tribal entity and the subsequent sale of those bonds through fraudulent and deceptive means. As established by the evidence at trial: From March 2014 through April 2016, ARCHER, Bevan Cooney, John Galanis, Jason Galanis, Gary Hirst, Michelle Morton, Hugh