Seven people who were charged with stealing more than $900,000 from the Kickapoo Tribe of Texas pleaded guilty to far lesser crimes, The San Antonio Express-News reports.

Former tribal chairman Raul Garza, the only Indian person who was charged, pleaded guilty to one count related to the purchase of an engagement ring with a casino credit card. "It's funny how things started out and how they finished. It took them three years to get Raul Garza on a $900 ring. And they started out at $900,000," said a local politico.

Of the six others, five pleaded to relatively minor charges, mainly involving tax evasion. The last one had charges dropped altogether.

The deals have people speculating that the government's case collapsed. But it's hard to tell what happened because none of the lawyers involved will talk on the record, citing a gag order imposed by the judge.

Get the Story:
Stunning Kickapoo plea deals stay quiet (The San Antonio Express-News 10/28)
pwpwd $ad1 Related Stories:
Guilty pleas in Kickapoo corruption scheme (10/25)
Ex-Kickapoo officials suggest Abramoff behind ouster (03/10)
Bush, other Republicans, quick to forget Abramoff (03/09)
Kickapoo corruption case moves forward in Texas (02/15)
Bush in photo with ex-Kickapoo chief and Abramoff (02/13)
Trial delayed for judge who took Kickapoo cash (02/08)
Judge indicted for accepting Kickapoo cash (10/28)
Ex-Kickapoo official sentenced 15 years for theft (07/19)
Ex-Kickapoo chairman wants release pending trial (02/02)
More charges filed in Kickapoo corruption scandal (01/27)
Kickapoo Tribe's money funneled to judge (12/17)
Former Kickapoo chairman still in federal custody (12/15)
Former Kickapoo business manager free on bond (12/14)
Five charged in Kickapoo Tribe theft remain jailed (12/13)
Six indicted for stealing from Kickapoo Tribe (12/10)
Jailed Kickapoo leader claims no knowledge of English (12/9)
Criminal charges laid against ex-Kickapoo leaders (12/8)
Two former leaders of Kickapoo Tribe arrested (12/7)
Kickapoo Tribe sues former chairman, lawyer (12/02)
Kickapoo Tribe of Texas has come a long way (11/15)
Kickapoo Tribe hires manager to expand casino (11/11)
Kickapoo Tribe in Texas opens bigger casino (10/29)
Ex-Kickapoo official found guilty of stealing (10/28)
Trial into Kickapoo spending begins in Texas (10/20)
Kickapoo Tribe in Texas anxious to open new casino (07/06)