IRS accuses trio of bilking Auburn Community out of millions

Thursday, March 22, 2012  

The Internal Revenue Service says three people, including a tribal administrator, bilked the United Auburn Indian Community of California out of more than $18 million, although no criminal charges have been filed.

The tribe placed administrator Gregory Baker on leave yesterday as the IRS moved to seize 23 properties that he and two other men allegedly purchased through illegal means. However, a tribal spokesperson didn't appear to be concerned about the apparent scheme.

"No wrongdoing has been proven," spokesperson Doug Elmets told The Sacramento Bee. "If the United Auburn Indian Community has been the victim of fraud, we expect any assets seized to be used as full restitution."

The IRS accuses Baker, Bart Volen and Darrell Hinz, a former tribal consultant, of over-billing the tribe. Volen was hired to manage construction of four buildings, including the tribal headquarters.

According to news reports, Volen inflated invoices and bills for the project. He allegedly gave kickbacks to Baker and Hinz.

Get the Story:
Feds allege construction fraud cheated Thunder Valley tribe (The Sacramento Bee 3/22)
IRS: Kickback scheme defrauded tribe (AP 3/22)