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Trust
Norton denies fraud or major problem with trust


Outgoing Interior Secretary Gale Norton says a review of the Individual Indian Money (IIM) trust has turned up few errors.

"We have found no fraud or major systemic problems. Yes, there are accounting errors here and there," Norton said in an interview with the Associated Press.

The Bush administration is spending more than $300 million to reconcile the IIM accounts. Interior Department officials claim they have found few errors and they say Indian beneficiaries don't deserve a huge payout. Associate deputy secretary Jim Cason once put the figure in the low millions.

Norton's last day is tomorrow. The department is holding a private going-away ceremony for her today. The public is not invited.

Get the Story:
Norton cites legacy of cooperative conservation (AP 3/29)

Relevant Links:
Indian Trust: Cobell v. Norton - http://www.indiantrust.com
Cobell v. Norton, Department of Justice - http://www.usdoj.gov/civil/cases/cobell/index.htm

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