The Bureau of Indian Affairs warned officials in California nearly 10 years ago of potential conflicts of interest with a tribe now at the center of several federal investigations, the Associated Press reports.

Former assistant secretary Ada Deer wrote a letter in 1994 recognizing the "potential for a conflict of interest" in the BIA's Pacific Region office in Sacramento. The letter said that Amy Dutschke, a BIA official, was restricted in her actions affecting the Ione Band of Miwok Indians.

But some members of that tribe now accuse Dutschke of opening up the rolls to include herself, her family and BIA employees and their relatives. As acting director for the Pacific Region, Dutschke allegedly oversaw the growth of the tribe from 70 members to more than 500.

The chairman of the tribe, Matt Franklin, denies any wrongdoing. He said he is cooperating with probes by the FBI, the Interior Department's inspector general and the General Accounting Office.

Get the Story:
Tribal chair denies conflict of interest by BIA employees (AP 3/5)
Joan Villa: There is no �Act of Congress� (The Amador Ledger Dispatch 3/5)

Related Stories:
Tribal chair denies wrongdoing over enrollment (2/26)
Controversy swells over BIA actions on Calif. tribes (2/25)
GOP Congressman wants probe into tribal enrollment (2/24)
BIA opens rolls of Calif. tribe to employees (2/23)
Landless tribe in Calif. faces obstacles for casino (02/03)
Faction accuses 'imposters' of promoting casino (05/02)