Advertise:   ads@blueearthmarketing.com   712.224.5420

Law
Criminal charges laid against ex-Kickapoo leaders


A criminal complaint against two men who controlled the Kickapoo Tribe of Texas until being ousted from power two years ago was unsealed on Tuesday.

Raul Garza, former chairman, and Isidro Garza, the tribe's former manager, are accused of using the tribe's casino as their piggybank. The complaint alleges both men used casino credit cards and tribal funds to pay personal expenses.

Isidro Garza, a non-Indian, used a casino credit card to pay $40,000 in campaign expenses he incurred during his unsuccessful run against Rep. Henry Bonilla (D-Texas) in 2000, authorities say. He was charged with theft from a gaming establishment.

Raul Garza, who is not related to Isidro Garza, used casino credit cards to purchase $60,000 worth of furniture and $12,000 worth of all-terrain vehicles and double-billed the tribal health department, the complaint says. He was charged with theft from a gaming establishment and embezzlement.

Get the Story:
Kickapoo theft charges unveiled (The San Antonio News-Express 12/8)
pwpwd

Related Stories:
Two former leaders of Kickapoo Tribe arrested (12/7)
Kickapoo Tribe sues former chairman, lawyer (12/02)
Kickapoo Tribe of Texas has come a long way (11/15)
Kickapoo Tribe hires manager to expand casino (11/11)
Kickapoo Tribe in Texas opens bigger casino (10/29)
Ex-Kickapoo official found guilty of stealing (10/28)
Trial into Kickapoo spending begins in Texas (10/20)
Kickapoo Tribe in Texas anxious to open new casino (07/06)