The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts says three former leaders stole at least $400,000 in funds that were provided by an investor who bankrolled the federal recognition effort.

Former chairman Glenn Marshall, former vice chairman Shawn Hendricks and former secretary Desiree Hendricks-Moreno allegedly controlled the money through a non-profit called the Mashpee Fisherman's Association. The tribe says the officials used the funds for personal gain and to make bribes to tribal members between 2001 and 2007, when the tribe gained recognition.

"We have an obligation to our constituents, and part of that has to do with trust," Vice Chairman Aaron Tobey told The Cape Cod Times. "We're putting closure on something that is out there and has been lingering."

Herb Strather, a Detroit businessman, reportedly spent $25 million on the tribe's recognition effort. But he doesn't think the former officials should be facing charges in tribal court.

"That's ridiculous," Strather told the Times. "I'm the one who put up the money and I'm not objecting to how it was used."

Get the Story:
Mashpee Wampanoag tribe seeks pilfered money (The Cape Cod Times 1/13)

Related Stories:
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe charges former officials for theft (1/12)