Minnesota Man Sentenced for Embezzling $660K from Tribe

Eric J. Makowski-Budrow, 31, of Brainerd, Minnesota, has been sentenced to 30 months in prison for embezzling more than $660,000 from the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe where he had served as construction project manager. According to prosecutors, Makowski colluded with contractors over a period of about two years, from 2005 and June 13, 2007, charging the tribe excessive amounts and then receiving kickbacks in return. Makowski is also accused of rigging bids and creating false documents to cover up his crimes. One of Makowski's accomplices, Jason Allen Heinlen, 33, of Belle Plaine, Minnesota, was sentenced to 5 years probation for his part in the scheme. Makowski, who is a former fire fighter for the City of Brainerd, was originally charged in November 2009 and plead guilty in December 2009. Makowski was also a member of the Brainerd Housing and Redevelopment Authority and the Brainerd Planning Commission, both of which he resigned from last May.

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