Duane Big Eagle, the chairman of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, was convicted on bribery and conspiracy charges on Thursday.

Big Eagle, 61, was convicted of accepting bribes from contractors who did business with the tribe. He faces up to 20 years in prison but his lawyer is planning to appeal.

Several former tribal officials and contractors have already been convicted in the scheme. It arose after a fire destroyed the school on the reservation and the tribe secured $3.5 million in federal funds to replace it.

The case was handled by the U.S. Attorney in Montana. For unexplained reasons, Brendan Johnson, the U.S. Attorney in South Dakota and his entire office were recused.

Get the Story:
Crow Creek chairman found guilty on three of four counts (AP 8/4)
Jury deliberates in Crow Creek tribal chairman's corruption trial (AP 8/4)

Relevant Documents:
Indictment: US v. Big Eagle (October 12, 2010)

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