An aerial view of Healy Lake in Alaska. Image from Google Maps

The disputed leader of the Mendas Cha-ag Tribe of Alaska is facing theft and embezzlement charges.

Joann Polston is accused of stealing up to $56,000 from the tribe. Federal authorities said she took the money while serving as first chief and administrator.

The tribe is located in remote Healy Lake and is only accessible by boat or snowmobile. Polston, however, has been running operations from her home in Fairbanks.

Other tribal members say Polston has left the village in shambles. They have been trying to remove her from power but they say they have seen little help from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Get the Story:
Healy Lake chief charged with theft of tribe's funds while abandoning village (The Alaska Dispatch 6/18)

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