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MAY 31, 2001

A former employee of the Seminole Tribe of Florida told an area newspaper that she has been questioned by the FBI about gifts Chief Jim Billie reportedly gave her.

Maria Santiago, 23, said the FBI wanted to know where Billie got the money to pay for the gifts, which included $1,100 in rent, Rolex watches, jewelry, a truck and a car. Santiago also said the FBI asked her about trips she made in the tribe's corporate jet.

In a police report, Billie's wife Lesley is accused of threatening Maria last October.

An attorney for a former tribal employee who is suing Billie for sexual harrassment on Wednesday said she has been questioned as well.

The tribal council has suspended Billie indefinitely.

Get the Story:
FBI looks into gifts Billie gave to woman (The SSt. Petersburg Times 5/31)

Relevant Links:
Seminole Tribe - http://www.seminoletribe.com
Chief Jim Billie - http://www.chiefjimbillie.com

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Chief Jim Billie says not finished (5/30)
Chief Jim Billie suspended (5/25)
Seminole Tribe elects council (5/17)
Tribe fires business manager (5/11)