Four members of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe filed a lawsuit to account for $15 million the tribe received from outside investors.

Herb Strather, a real estate and casino developer, financed the tribe's successful federal recognition petition. But Amelia Bingham, one of the original signers of the petition, and three others want to know where the money went.

The lawsuit, filed in state court, alleges some of the money was used by tribal leaders for their own benefit. As part of their recognition effort, tribal leaders made campaign contributions to federal politicians.

The tribe's recognition will be finalized in March 2007.

Get the Story:
Tribe members: Where's the $15M? (The Cape Cod Times 12/19)

Relevant Documents:
Summary of Acknowledgment Cases | R. Lee Fleming Declaration

Only on Indianz.Com:
Federal Recognition Database V2.0 (May 2005)

Relevant Links:
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe - http://mashpeewampanoagtribe.com

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