8th Circuit affirms conviction of ex-Crow Creek Sioux leader

Friday, January 11, 2013  

The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction of Duane Big Eagle, the former chairman of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe of South Dakota.

Big Eagle was convicted of accepting bribes from contractors who were hired to build a new school for the tribe. The dollar amount wasn't specified but one architect said he gave between $80,000 and $120,000 for kickbacks that were distributed to tribal leaders.

Big Eagle sought to exclude the testimony of the architect, Craig McClatchey, who believed his 11-year-old daughter was threatened at a meeting with the chairman. The 8th Circuit, however, said BIg Eagle failed to object during the trial.

Big Eagle also challenged the admission of evidence of alleged bribes that weren't listed in his indictment. The 8th Circuit said the information was "necessary to explain the relationship, motives, and scheme among Big Eagle" and others involved in the crime.

Big Eagle was sentenced to 36 months in fedearl prison.

Turtle Talk has posted documents from the case, US v. Big Eagle.

Get the Story:
Big Eagle, former Crow Creek chairman, loses appeal in bribery case (The Mitchell Daily Republic 1/11)

8th Circuit Decision:
US v. Big Eagle (January 10, 2013)