The former chairman of the newly recognized Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts agreed to plead guilty on Monday and to cooperate with federal investigators in an "ongoing" probe.
Glenn A. Marshall, 59, admitted to violating campaign finance laws, embezzling funds, filing false tax returns and fraudulently receiving Social Security benefits. He could be sentenced for up to 33 years in prison but his lawyer said he will probably do 41 months due to his cooperation, The Boston Herald reported.
According to court documents, Marshall embezzled $380,000 in tribal funds for personal use. He orchestrated $47,000 in illegal campaign contributions to various members of Congress and to political action committees.
The charge of information repeatedly references jailed lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who represented the tribe during its quest for recognition. The Bureau of Indian Affairs finalized the tribe's status in May 2007 -- a few months later, Marshall was ousted as chairman after admitting he lied about his military past and that he hid a prior sexual assault conviction.
Get the Story:Ex-tribal leader Marshall admits embezzlement, fraud (The Cape Cod Times 12/16)
Tribe shaken by charges (The Cape Cod Times 12/16)
Glenn A. Marshall to admit engaging in fraud (The Boston Herald 12/16)
Former tribal leader faces charges (The Boston Globe 12/16)
Marshall pleads guilty to campaign finance violations, fraud (Cape Cod Today 12/15)
Ex-tribe head in Mass. to plead guilty to fraud (AP 12/15)
Wampanoag official charged with fraud (The Boston Business Journal 12/15) Court Documents:
Charge of Information | Plea Agreement