Leon Bear, chairman of the Skull Valley Goshute Tribe of Utah, pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to charges that he stole tribal and federal funds.

Bear is accused of stealing more than $190,000 while pursuing a high-level nuclear waste facility on the reservation. He allegedly failed to report income while serving as chairman and as head of the tribe's economic development office.

Three tribal members who are political opponents of Bear were also indicted on separate counts of bank fraud. Along with their lawyer, they pleaded not guilty to the charges earlier this month.

All remain free pending trial. Bear's case may be postponed because he might switch lawyers.

Get the Story:
Goshute leader pleads innocent (The Salt Lake Tribune 1/21)
Goshute leader pleads innocent (The Deseret News 1/21)

Relevant Documents:
Federal Indictment (December 17, 2003)

Relevant Links:
Skull Valley Goshute Tribe - http://www.skullvalleygoshutes.org

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