Michael Thomas, the former chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut, went on trial in federal court on Monday on theft charges.

Thomas is accused of charging more than $100,000 to a tribal-issued credit card. He allegedly failed to file reconciliation reports and did not reimburse the tribe for personal expenses.

Thomas pleaded not guilty to one count of theft from an Indian tribal organization and two counts of theft concerning an Indian tribal government receiving federal funds. The charges stem from his use of the credit card between 2007 and 2009, when he was ousted as chairman amid a tribal financial crisis.

Federal prosecutors expect to wrap up their case today, according to news reports. Thomas has not said whether he will testify in his defense.

Treasurer Steven Thomas, who is Michael's brother, also has been charged with stealing from the tribe. He is due to go to trial in November.

Get the Story:
Theft trial opens for ex-chairman of Pequots (AP 7/22)
Prosecutor: Ex-chairman of Mashantucket Pequots improperly charged $100K to tribal credit card (AP 7/22)
Trial under way for former Mashantucket Pequot tribal chairman (The New London Day 7/22)

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