The Twenty-Nine
Palms Band of Mission Indians in California welcomed a prison sentence for a politically-connected Republican who admitted stealing from the tribe.
David Alan
Heslop, a former adviser to Ronald Regan and George H.W. Bush, pleaded
guilty to one count of felony conspiracy to commit bribery. He was sentenced to 21 months and ordered to pay $300,000 in restitution.
"We are pleased that Judge Fitzgerald imposed nearly two years in prison and a financial judgment as well," Chairman Darrell Mike said in a press release. "This decision reinforces the notion that if someone takes advantage of Native Americans, they will be held accountable."
Heslop and two others -- including Gary Kovall, the tribe's former general counsel -- pleaded guilty to bribery and tax evasion charges. They
admitted that they steered contracts at the Spotlight 29 Casino to
companies they controlled.
According to the U.S.
Attorney's Office, the trio enriched themselves of contracts worth $2.8
million. The tribe, however, put the damages at $20 million.
Get the Story:
Former presidential advisor sentenced for defrauding local tribe
(KESQ 7/10)
David Heslop sentenced for defrauding Indian tribe
(The Palm Springs Desert Sun 7/11)
TWENTYNINE PALMS: Ex-professor gets 21 months for scheme to siphon tribe's funds
(The Riverside Press-Enterprise 7/11)
Related Stories:
Man gets 21 months for stealing from
Twenty-Nine Palms Band (7/1)