Environment | Law

Yurok Tribe outraged at theft of nearly $1M from program





Authorities in California made two arrests and are looking for a third person in connection with the theft of nearly $1 million from the Yurok Tribe.

Roland Raymond, the former forestry director for the tribe, and two biologists -- Ron LeValley and Sean McAllister -- are accused of submitting false invoices related to spotted owl research on the reservation. The tribe said the money for the program came from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

"The Tribal Council understands the outrage that we all may feel as the victims of these alleged crimes. The tribe will provide more information shortly and will continue to ensure that these alleged crimes are subject to the fullest prosecution under the law,” Chairman Thomas O'Rourke Sr. said in a letter to tribal members, The Eureka Times-Standard reported.

LeValley and McAllister were arrested last week. Raymond, who was fired by the tribe last October, is still wanted on a $1 million warrant.

Get the Story:
Letter from Yurok Tribe says it's outraged by alleged embezzlement; will add additional positions to oversee finances (The Eureka Times-Standard 2/28)
3 Biologists Accused Of Embezzling $900K From Tribe (AP 2/28)
$900K embezzlement alleged (The Triplicate 2/28)

An Opinion:
Dan Bacher: Arrest of MLPA science team co-chair should be no surprise (Indaybay 2/26)

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