"As governor of Santa Ana Pueblo and president of a corporation owned by the state’s 19 pueblos, Bruce Sanchez helped oversee more than $200 million in development, including a luxury hotel, casino expansion and office buildings.

Over the years, there have been questions about whether Sanchez used his positions to unjustly enrich himself. Now, we are going to get some answers.

Sanchez was arrested Oct. 2 on federal conspiracy, embezzlement and tax charges. He was indicted along with Santa Fe real estate broker Thomas Keesing, who also faces conspiracy and embezzlement charges.

Using fraudulent invoices, the two allegedly diverted at least $3.6 million from the Indian Pueblos Federal Development Corp. to a Keesing company, with $1.7 million of that funneled back to Sanchez."

Get the Story:
Thomas J. Cole: Upfront: Prosecutor: Ex-Pueblo Gov. ‘Betrayed’ People (The Albuquerque Journal 10/17)

Related Stories:
Native Sun News: Indian school development scheme backfires (10/15)
Former Pueblo leader accused of embezzling $3.6M from tribes (10/3)