The former housing director for the Tulalip Tribes of Washington was sentenced to three years of probation for embezzling $23,500.

Dale Jones, 62, will spend six months of his sentence in home confinement. He was ordered to perform 200 hours community service, repay the money he took and was given a $100 fine.

The charges stemmed from the housing authority's use of federal funds. An audit by the Housing and Urban Development showed the money was used for first-class travel, Palm Pilots, cellphones, expensive meals and drinks, laptops, night-vision goggles and whale-watching trips.

HUD has imposed sanctions on the tribe, which the tribe has appealed. The tribe has made changes to improve its housing program.

Get the Story:
Tulalip housing official is sentenced (The Seattle Times 6/4)
Tulalip figure avoids jail time (The Everett Herald 6/4)

Relevant Links:
Tulalip Tribes - http://www.tulaliptribes.com

Related Stories:
Tulalip Tribes hit with sanctions for housing woes (04/28)
Tulalip Tribes face punishment in housing case (01/26)
Tulalip Tribes to repay misspent houding funds (12/06)
Former Tulalip housing official admits embezzlement (11/01)
HUD money used for Palm Pilots, night goggles (10/18)
HUD warns Tulalip Tribes about misuse of housing funds (08/25)