Prosecutors: Settlements near in Navajo fraud case
Jun 9, 2012, 9:39 AM | Updated: 10:39 am
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Prosecutors reviewing a civil case that accuses
dozens of Navajo Nation officials of fraud say they’re looking to dismiss
charges against some of the defendants.
The Rothstein Law Firm wrote in a May status report to the Window Rock
District Court that those dismissal pleadings could come within the next few
weeks.
A civil complaint filed by a previous special prosecutor alleges that 85 current
and former Navajo officials defrauded the tribal government in the use or
management of $36 million in discretionary funds.
The law firm says it is negotiating settlements with several defendants, which
are expected to be finalized soon.
Anyone found guilty of the civil charges wouldn’t be jailed but could face
financial penalties.
Prosecutors say they’re also close to wrapping up investigations into the
tribe’s dealings with two companies that operated on the reservation.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
