URL: http://www.indianz.com/news/2003/002161.asp

Ex-Crow chairman files motion to withdraw guilty plea
Wednesday, May 14, 2003

The attorney for Clifford Bird in Ground, ex-chairman of the Crow Tribe of Montana, filed a motion in federal court to withdraw his guilty plea.

Bird in Ground was scheduled to be sentenced for bribery but his attorney says he can barely understand English and had trouble comprehending the case, was handled by another lawyer. He says he thought he was going to receive probation instead of a jail sentence.

Bird in Ground also says he feared that federal prosecutors were going to indict his wife.

Bird in Ground had pleaded guilty as part of a scheme where tribal funds were used to buy cars at a car dealership. A federal judge dismissed charges against one non-Indians who was indicted while another non-Indian is going to trial.

Bird in Ground's brother pleaded guilty and was given probation.

Get the Story:
Plea dispute to delay Crow sentencing (The Billings Gazette 5/14) <

Related Stories:
Ex-Crow chairman can barely read, attorney says (04/11)
Brother of ex-Crow chairman given probation (02/06)
Dismissal in Crow Tribe theft case (11/14)
Guilty plea in tribal theft case (11/13)
Former Crow chairman pleads guilty (10/07)
New indictments in Crow Nation scandal (9/18)
Ex-Crow chairman 'mental' state relevant (9/13)
Crow chairman resigns from post (9/10)
Crow chairman can't handle funds (5/14)
Crow chairman pleads innocent (5/13)
Crow chairman indicted (5/6)

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