David Cypress, a former leader of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, will be sentenced today for filing a false tax return.

While he sat on the council, Cypress, 61, accepted a salary and doled out million of dollars in discretionary funds. He pleaded guilty and agreed to pay nearly $5.5 million in taxes and penalties to the Internal Revenue Service.

Cypress faces 18 months to two years in prison. His attorneys are asking for three years of probation, including four months of house arrest with electronic monitoring, plus 300 hours of community service, The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported.

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Former tribe leader's tax conviction linked to challenges facing Seminoles (The South Florida Sun-Sentinel 8/9)