The tribal-issued license for First Green Loans. Image from Chippewa Cree Tribe

An arbitrator awarded $1.1 million to the Chippewa Cree Tribe of Montana in connection with an Internet loan business that is the subject of a lawsuit in federal court.

The arbitrator found that a group known as Encore Services funneled revenues from Plain Green Loans to three tribal members. The fee agreement was concealed in order to prevent other tribal members from learning about them, the Associated Press reported.

The $1.1 million went to Neal Rosette, Billi Anne Morsette and James Eastlick Jr., according to documents filed in federal court. But the tribe wants $13.1 million from Encore Services, claiming fraud.

"The arbitrator’s final award found that the fee agreement was a fraudulent and material misrepresentation by Encore Services," the tribe's complaint states.

Turtle Talk has posted the complaint from the case, Chippewa Cree Tribe v. Encore Services.

Get the Story:
Chippewa Cree Tribal Members Funneled Cash from Lending Company (AP 9/9)

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