The Western Mohegan Tribe of New York is trying to avoid paying taxes on a 203-acre resort property it owns.

The group doesn't have state or federal recognition. Its former chief, Ronald Roberts, is due to be sentenced today for falsifying documents in an attempt to claim Indian ancestry.

The Tamarack Lodge was purchased in 2001 for $900,000. The Western Mohegans signed a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement with Ulster County but it was dependent on the group receiving federal status, the county attorney said.

Get the Story:
Tribe rejected by feds claims tax immunity (The Kingston Daily Freeman 6/17)
Man faces prison over documents in claim he's Indian chief (AP 6/17)

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