George Ringwald, a California reporter whose work in uncovering abuses of Indian estates in Palm Springs earned him a Pulitzer and led to trust reform legislation, died on Sunday. He was 81.

In 1968, Ringwald won the Pulitzer for a series of investigative articles. He found that state judges and attorneys were using their positions to place members of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians under guardianships and conservatorships, allowing them to control viable pieces of property in Palm Springs.

The articles led to the passage of reform legislation in 1969 to prevent future abuses. In its official political history, the tribe says the law helped establish a positive relationship with the Bureau of Indian affairs.

Get the Story:
Reporter who found tribe was cheated dies (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 10/11)
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Relevant Links:
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians - http://www.aguacaliente.org

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