Chairman Paul Brooks of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina explained why he purchased a housing lot, an acquisition that that has generated controversy.

Brooks said $36,000 purchase was financed by a loan from a local bank. He said he wanted to take advantage of the Section 184 Home Loan Guarantee Program.

"The property was not purchased with NAHASDA funds," Brooks told The Robesonian, referring to the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act.

Tribal council members believe Brooks had used NAHSDA funds for the property. But he has refused to provide a copy of the check ledger for examination.

Get the Story:
Brooks defends Pinecrest purchase (The Robesonian 7/25)
Lumbee Tribal Council votes to override budget veto disputed (The Fayetteville Observer 7/25)

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Chairman of Lumbee Tribe denies using housing funds for site (7/24)
Chair of Lumbee Tribe questioned over use of housing funds (7/23)