Law | Politics

Chairman of Tunica-Biloxi Tribe indicted on embezzlement charge

Monday, May 15, 2017

Chairman Joey Barbry is seen seated, center, in this 2014 photo of the then-council of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe. On the left, seated, is Vice Chairman Marshall Ray Sampson, Sr., who is now serving as co-administrator of the tribe, along with Secretary-Treasurer Beverly Chapman Rachal, seated on the right. Photo: Tunica-Biloxi Tribe

Joey Barbry, the chairman of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe, has been indicted on a theft charge.

According to a May 11 indictment, Barbry allegedly wrote "non-sufficient fund checks" at the tribe's check cashing business between July 2014 and November 2014. An amount wasn't provided but he was charged under a section of federal law that addresses thefts of more than $1,000.

The period in question coincides with the Barbry's arrest on 21 drug charges in the state of Louisiana. In that case, he is accused of fraudulent prescription drugs from numerous doctors.

It's not whether the state has has been resolved. But through it all, Barbry has remained in office as chairman of the tribe.

Joey Barbry is seen in a November 2014 arrest photo after being indicted on drug charges in the state of Lousiana. Photo: Louisiana State Police

It wasn't until he was indicted on the federal charges that the tribal council stripped him of his duties as administration, according to a statement posted by KALB. Still, he remains in his elected position as chair.

The council has selected Vice-Chairman Marshall Ray Sampson and Secretary-Treasurer Beverly Chapman-Rachal as interim co-administrators until a permanent choice can be made, according to the statement.