Former chairman of Mashantucket Tribe seeks new trial for theft

Thursday, April 3, 2014  

Michael Thomas, the former chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut, is asking for a new trial on theft charges.

In July 2013, a federal jury found Thomas guilty of one count of theft from an Indian tribal organization and two counts of theft concerning an Indian tribal government receiving federal funds. Prosecutors said he used a tribal credit card to make $100,000 in unauthorized purchases.

Thomas is now serving an 18-month sentence in federal prison. But he's asking the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals to grant him a new trial, saying evidence was excluded from the original proceedings.

Thomas has been banished from the reservation as a result of his case. His brother, former treasurer Steven Thomas, was banished for a year after pleading guilty to theft. He was sentenced to home confinement and ordered to pay restitution.

Get the Story:
Michael Thomas appealing theft conviction (The New London Day 4/3)

Mashantucket Tribe banishes brothers after theft convictions (3/17)
Former treasurer of Mashantucket Tribe spared prison for theft (2/27)
Former treasurer of Pequot Tribe seeks no prison time for theft (02/20)
Sentencing delayed for former Mashantucket Tribe treasurer (2/11)
Former treasurer of Mashantucket Tribe due for sentencing (2/10)
Former leader of Mashantucket Tribe files appeal in theft case (12/11)
Former Mashantucket chair sentenced to 18 months over theft (11/20)