Thursday, November 27, 2008

Former Oklahoma Tribal Representatives Indicted For Fraud, Conspiracy

William F. Blind Jr., 67 and his wife, Vinita H. Sankey, 54, were indicted Tuesday on charges that they had stolen more than $200,000 from the Lucky Stars Casino, which is owned by the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes which they had represented. They are accused of enriching themselves through fraudulent travel reimbursements, among other things. Specifically, Blind and Sankey are each accused of one count of conspiracy. Blind is also charged with six counts of embezzlement and theft from a tribal organization and three counts of aiding and abetting embezzlement. Sankey is also accused of 16 counts of embezzlement and three counts of aiding and abetting. The couple used the money to pay for vehicles, computers and personal travel, according to the indictment. Each faces up to 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, plus restitution.

Read the story here and here.

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