Seminole chief said targeted in probe

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2001

A former employee of the Seminole Tribe of Florida on Thursday told a federal judge he was part of a federal investigation whose ultimate target was Chief Jim Billie.

Charles Kirkpatrick was employed as a pilot for the tribe. He plead guilty to tax evasion and agreed to provide information to federal authorities about the alleged criminal activities of the Seminole Tribe.

Kirkpatrick is now seeking to withdraw the plea, saying he was misled into thinking he would not receive prison time.

Billie has been suspended by the tribal council pending outcome of an investigation into charges of sexual harassment. The dispute is currently mired in internal politics.

The tribe has subsequently sued him for alleged misuse of funds in Latin and South America.

Get the Story:
Ex-pilot says U.S. inquiry targeted tribal chairman (The Sun-Sentinel 10/5)

Relevant Links:
The Seminole Tribe - http://www.seminoletribe.com
Chief Jim Billie - http://www.chiefjimbillie.com

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