The Ute Tribe of Utah sued its non-Indian former financial adviser in federal court on Wednesday.

The lawsuit accuses John Jurrius and his companies of fraud. The tribe claims Jurrius breached a contract in which he was paid $600,000 a year to advise the tribe on economic development and energy.

Jurrius worked for the tribe for six years, earning a reported $62,500 a month, plus a cut of every deal he negotiated. Some tribal members criticized the arrangement but others say he led the tribe to financial success.

Jurrius was the subject of a somewhat glowing three-part Indian Country Today series that ended last month. It promoted Jurrius's efforts to reach out to other tribes and develop their energy resources.

Get the Story:
Ute Indian tribe sues financial adviser (AP 9/3)

ICT Series:
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

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