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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2002

Update: A federal judge today threw out all the charges against the three men.

Ousted Seminole chairman Jim Billie testifed in federal court on Monday about his role in the Florida tribe's risky business deals.

Billie testified that he was behind a controversial Internet gambling venture. He said he set it up in secret and authorized millions of dollars to be spent.

Federal prosecutors allege three former associates of Billie stole that money, about $2.7 million. The defense hopes Billie's testimony shows that no theft was involved.

Get the Story:
Billie: I OK'd Internet gambling (The Miami Herald 12/17)
Tribe leader: I approved all spending (The South Florida Sun-Sentinel 12/17)
Billie says he okayed gambling project (The St. Petersburg Times 12/17)
Update: Trio cleared as judge tosses Seminole fraud case (The South Florida Sun-Sentinel 12/17)

Relevant Links:
Seminole Tribe - http://www.seminoletribe.com

Related Stories:
Billie to show up for Seminole trial (12/13)
Lawyer: Billie offered to be questioned (12/11)
Trial: Seminole business documents faked (12/10)
Trial: Seminole worker tried to cut spending (12/6)
Seminole Tribe spent millions freely (12/5)
Seminole lawyer testifies in fraud case (12/4)
Trial: Billie oversaw tribal theft (12/3)
Seminole Tribe alleges breach of trust (11/13)
Ousted Seminole chief to repay tribe (08/21)
Indicted ex-worker challenged tribe (06/26)
Ex-tribal workers indicted for theft (6/25)
Seminole Tribe files $4 million suit (6/13)
Prisoner rats on ex-Seminole chief (6/3)
Seminole Tribe goes Hard Rock (5/14)
Seminole Tribe strikes casino deal (5/3)
Seminole attorney plans return to work (4/26)
Shot Seminole attorney recovering (4/25)
Shot Seminole lawyer said in hiding (2/4)
Seminole lawyer in critical condition (1/14)
Seminole Tribe hires top official (1/9)
Suit against Seminole Tribe dismissed (11/6)
Seminole chief said targeted in probe (10/5)
Billie reported under investigation (9/18)
BIA: Chief Billie suspension was illegal (9/11)
Chief Billie sued by Seminole Tribe (9/6)
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Tribe's business deal questioned (6/19)
Jury orders Seminole Tribe to pay $2M (6/8)
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FBI probes Chief Jim Billie gifts (5/31)
Chief Jim Billie says not finished (5/30)
Chief Jim Billie suspended (5/25)
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