Last of defendants enter pleas in Kickapoo corruption case

Thursday, March 15, 2012  

The last three defendants accused in a corruption case that victimized the Kickapoo Tribe of Texas entered guilty pleas.

Isidro Garza Jr., the tribe's former manager, his wife Martha, and his son Timoteo, a former state legislator, were among seven people charged in 2005. They were accused of stealing money from the tribe and its enterprises.

The Garzas, who are non-Indian, were tried and convicted but the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals set aside the verdicts after they were forced to defend themselves in a venue far from the reservation. They agreed to plead guilty to lesser charges on Wednesday.

Among those who were indicted were former chairman Raul Garza, who is not related to the Garzas. He served two years after pleading guilty.

Get the Story:
Long-running Kickapoo corruption case ends (The San Antonio Express-News 3/15)