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Chippewa Cree Tribe yet to emerge from wide-ranging scandal






A view of the Rocky Boy's Reservation in Montana. Photo from Chippewa Cree Tribe / Facebook

A massive corruption investigation on the Rocky Boy's Reservation, home to the Chippewa Cree Tribe, continues to generate indictments, convictions and prison sentences.

Since the U.S. Attorney's Office in Montana started the Guardians Project in 2011, more than 80 people have been indicted on theft, bribery, conspiracy and other charges for crimes in Indian Country. A large portion of the cases originated from the Chippewa Cree Tribe, whose leaders, employees and associates have been ensnared by authorities.

The latest indictments include Brian Kelly Eagleman and Kevin David McGovern, The Havre Daily News reported, along with Jonathan Jay Eagleman. The latest prison sentences were handed down against Neal Rosette and Billi Anne Morsette for their roles in an online lending operation started by the tribe.

Rosette was sentenced to 38 months in prison and restitution of $1,488,472, according to a press release. Morsette received a sentence of 41 months and was ordered to pay $1,421,045 in restitution.

Rosette and Morsette served as as executives for First American Capital Resources and, later, Plain Green Loans. An associated firm that allegedly participated in a scheme in which the pair received millions of dollars just settled a lawsuit with the tribe, the Associated Press reported.

The terms of the settlement were not disclosed but the tribe at one point sought $13 million from Encore Service of Nevada.

Get the Story:
New indictments on Rocky Boy embezzlement (The Havre Daily News 3/29)
Tribe makes deal to drop lawsuit against lending partner (AP 3/29)

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