Clifford G. Birdinground, the former chairman of the Crow Tribe of Montana, was ordered to begin serving his 37-month prison sentence.

Birdinground was sentenced in September 2003 after being convicted of bribery. But he has remained free while pursuing appeals of his case.

Birdinground plans to continue fighting the conviction but he must report to a federal prison in Colorado on January 4, 2007.

The conviction resulted from Birdinground's acceptance of kickbacks for vehicles purchased by the tribe. Five others were indicted in connection with the scheme and a second scheme in which tribal contracts were faked to pay for Birdinground's legal fees.

Get the Story:
Ex-tribal chairman ordered to jail (The Billings Gazette 12/13)

Relevant Links:
Crow Tribe - http://www.crownations.net

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