The leader of the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians in California claims more than $1.5 million has been stolen from the tribe.

Chairman Andy Freeman accused members of the Pata family of stealing the money. He said an internal audit revealed hundreds of thousands of dollars in unauthorized checks and purchases using tribal funds.

“Unfortunately, this appears to be just the tip of the iceberg,” Freeman said in a press release. “We want to be thorough in our investigation, but these initial findings are extremely disturbing.”

Some 76 members of the family, or nearly a quarter of the tribe, have been suspended amid the allegations. They face disenrollment from the tribe.

Freeman has claimed that the remaining four members of the council stepped down when the allegations came to light. But those four say they still remain in power.

Get the Story:
Henthorne family member speaks out against Pata family (Action News Now 5/6)
Tribe shuns members over lineage dispute, missing $1 million (The Corning Observer 5/6)

Related Stories:
Leaders of Paskenta Band raise questions about chair's actions (5/2)
Paskenta Band accuses suspended family of misappropriation (5/1)
Paskenta Band suspends family during contentious meeting (4/23)
Paskenta Band says leadership issues won't affect casino (4/22)