Ex-sheriff says no one looking into Paskenta Band theft claims

Monday, May 19, 2014  

Theft allegations are behind a leadership and disenrollment dispute within the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians in California.

But a former sheriff who has been named chief of police by one faction said no one is investigating claims that more than $1.5 million was stolen from the tribe. Clay Parker reached out to his law enforcement contacts in the area.

“Each and every one of them said they gave us some information, but none of it justified opening a case," Parker, the former sheriff of Tehama County, told Action News Now.

Chairman Andy Freeman, however, has blamed a group of tribal members for stealing the funds. Some 76 members of the Pata family -- nearly a quarter of the tribe -- have been suspended and could be removed from the rolls.

Get the Story:
Tensions rise in Rolling Hills tribal dispute (Action News Now 5/16)

Leadership dispute within Paskenta Band appears to escalate (5/14)
Leader of Paskenta Band raises new claim about theft allegation (5/7)
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)