A view of the Rocky Boy's Reservation in Montana. Photo from Chippewa Cree Tribe / Facebook
A former council member for the Chippewa Cree Tribe of Montana reached plea agreements to resolve three criminal cases against him. Brian Kelly Eagleman, 53, pleaded guilty to one count of theft, one count of embezzlement and one count of income tax evasion. He could be ordered to pay up to $683,000 in restitution to the tribe and to the Internal Revenue Service, the Associated Press reported. According to an offer of proof filed by federal prosecutors, the case stems from the tribe's purchase of a "hot plant" from an off-reservation business. Eagleman supported the deal when he served on the tribal council and received a $50,000 check through a series of transactions involving a tribal associate who has been sentenced to 41 months of prison for his role in the corruption scandal. Prosecutors also say he failed to pay federal taxes on his income for several years and took advantage of a tribal loan program. According to the offer of proof, he owes $245,989.28 to the tribe, a sum that would take him more than 185 years to pay off. About two dozen people -- former tribal leaders, tribal executives and associates who did business with the tribe -- have been indicted as part of the wide-ranging investigation. Get the Story:
Former tribal council member pleads guilty to fraud, theft (AP 7/1)
Former Chippewa Cree tribal official admits theft, income tax evasion charges (The Billings Gazette 7/1)
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