Tony Belcourt, a former Montana state lawmaker, pleaded guilty in connection with the theft of federal funds from the Chippewa Cree Tribe.

Belcourt pleaded guilty to theft, bribery and tax-evasion charges. He admitted that he accepted kickbacks and bribes from consultants and contractors who did business with Chippewa Cree Construction Corp., a tribal entity that received federal funds in the wake of a disaster.

"I admit mistakes were made," Belcourt, who served as CEO of the corporation, said in federal court, The Havre Daily News reported. "But I want the full truth to come out at my sentencing hearing."

Belcourt’s wife, Hailey, also has been indicted in connection with the case. She has pleaded not guilty.

Including Belcourt and his wife, at least seven people have been indicted in various corruption schemes involving the tribe.

Get the Story:
Ex-lawmaker Belcourt pleads guilty to corruption charges (AP 4/3)
Belcourt pleads guilty: 'Mistakes were made' (The Havre Daily News 4/3)
A paper trail of embezzlement at Rocky Boy (The Havre Daily News 4/3)

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Group forms to battle corruption on reservations in Montana (10/4)
New indictment in theft case involving Chippewa Cree Tribe (10/2)
Chippewa Cree Tribe delays swearing-in of chair amid challenge (08/08)