Another former leader of Winnebago Tribe sentenced for theft of gaming funds

Monday, November 6, 2017

The Winnebago Tribe owns and operates the WinnaVegas Casino Resort in Sloan, Iowa. Photo: WinnaVegas Casino

Another former leader of the Winnebago Tribe has been sentenced in connection with the theft of gaming funds.

Thomas Snowball, 56, was sentenced to five years probation, The Sioux City Journal reported. He also was ordered to pay $36,500 in restitution. to the tribe, the paper said.

Snowball pleaded guilty to one count of theft from a gaming establishment on Indian lands. He admitted that he received funds from the WinnaVegas Casino Resort without proper authorization.

According to federal authorities, the funds were placed on pre-paid debit cards and distributed to council members, essentially acting as a supplement to their salaries.

A total of nine former leaders were indicted in connection with the scheme. Of those, six people -- including John Blackhawk, the tribe's former longtime chairman -- pleaded guilty.

One other person has secured the dismissal of charges while another is undergoing a mental health evaluation. The last defendant has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.

The cases have been prosecuted in Nebraska, where tribal headquarters are located. WinnaVegas is on trust land in neighboring Iowa.

Read More on the Story:
Ex-Winnebago tribal council member gets probation for theft (The Sioux City Journal November 6, 2017)
Tribal leader sentenced to probation in WinnaVegas bonus case (Radio Iowa November 6, 2017)
FORMER WINNEBAGO TRIBAL COUNCIL MEMBER RECEIVES PROBATION (KSCJ November 6, 2017)
Judge Sentences Former Winnebago Treasurer to Probation (The Associated Press November 6, 2017)