Audit reveals millions misspent by tribal legislator
Man behind inquiry comes under scrutiny.
Audit reveals millions misspent by tribal legislator

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By Tony Thornton
Published: June 25, 2008

CONCHO — A Cheyenne and Arapaho legislator improperly diverted $8.8 million to a bank account he controlled, a federal audit shows.

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Coincidentally, Robert Wilson also was among the tribal legislators who requested the audit by the National Indian Gaming Commission, hoping it would uncover wrongdoing by the tribes' governor.

Instead, the audit found money was misspent only by the two tribes' legislative branch.

Although the $8.8 million wasn't spent according to a federally approved revenue allocation plan, it ultimately went toward tribal government programs, auditors found. At the time, Wilson was the tribes' interim treasurer.

Gov. Darrell Flyingman said the audit report proved that the tribes' executive branch "is running an honest government, that we're accountable and following federal guidelines.”

Flyingman said when he heard last August that some political rivals wanted the audit, he made the same request.

"I welcomed it,” he said.

So why would legislators seek an audit that would expose their own apparent misdeeds?

"They're idiots,” Flyingman said Tuesday. "I'm baffled.”

Wilson said he asked the National Indian Gaming Commission for a copy of the audit report but was told they would send one only to Flyingman. He said Flyingman hasn't responded to his request for one.

As for Flyingman's statement that some legislators are "idiots,” Wilson said: "I don't think that's true.

"I still believe to this day that there's wrongdoing. He knows it and I know it,” Wilson said.

What the audit found
The National Indian Gaming Commission regulates casinos owned by American Indian tribes. The Cheyenne and Arapaho audit, released in late May, covers fiscal years 2006 and 2007. Among its findings:

•The two tribes received $26.6 million in 2006 and $26.8 million in 2007 from their three casinos. The vast majority came from the tribes' Lucky Star casinos at Concho and Clinton.

•The tribes' Feather Warrior casino at Watonga had no formal policy for distributing revenue. As a result, the casino made sporadic distributions to the tribes, ranging from $75,000 to $500,000.

An attorney hired by the tribes' legislative branch was paid $127,296.74 directly from one of the two Lucky Star casinos. The tribes' constitution allows the governor to negotiate and sign attorney contracts. Because Flyingman never signed the contract, the attorney payments were improper, auditors said.

The former tribal council coordinator made unauthorized credit card purchases totaling $4,030 and kept the merchandise for his own use.

Flyingman said the former employee, David Bearshield, faces criminal charges in tribal court over the purchases, which Flyingman said included a lawn mower and a vacuum cleaner.

"He's on the run,” Flyingman said, adding that Bearshield's last known location was in Montana.

Power feud to blame?
A power struggle between Flyingman and a majority of the tribes' eight legislators caused a nearly two-year governmental stalemate.

A separate audit, ordered by the tribes' court system, is due for release in August. That one, performed by a public accounting firm, focuses on actions involving the Lucky Star's former management company, Southwest Casino and Hotel Corp.


 

Related Topics: Special Interest Groups, Gambling, Native American Issues

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My oldest son is an Engineer major at the University here in Florida and our Tribe has paid for his books.
It costs almost $25,000 a semester so he has to find funds available through other scholarships and grants or student loans. It has been very difficult lately to keep him going to school with only 1 more year to go. Not all Native Tribes pay the same for college.
Candace, Lakeland - Jul 11, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Sean, I'm 3/4 Native...I didn't receive college tuition, our tribal tags are pretty expensive these days, I didn't get school clothing or school supplies....benefits? Those benefits were earned by bloodshed because of our past...our people who wouldn't back down...nor give up...those were earned through death...my family paid for those "benefits" with their lives...I agree with you being agree for the ignorant comments made, but do not ever say that TRIBAL MEMBERS enjoy benefits.....you're making the claim that we all enjoy those benefits...I have a college education, a good paying job and take care of myself...so be mad and irritated with the ignorant uneducated comments being made...but please don't critize what my past tribal members died for...respect, and payment for the wrong doings...there is more history than high school history books entail...Tribal Gov't is very corrupt...jealousy, greed...ect...will always be the downfall of our people...money is and will always be the core issue....it's sad but true....
maygan, ponca city - Jul 8, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Gosh Johnny, I'm so sorry. I didnt realize how much suffering you have had to endure. It must be so hard to have free health care, college tuition, reduced prices on car tags, school clothing and supplies for your kids and many other benefits that tribal members enjoy that us "chosen whites" do not. Its been generations ago since those atrocities happened to the Native American people. I'm sure your great great grandpa had things pretty rough, but i'm fairly certain that your life sir is all the better because of it. I'm sorry that you seem to hate all white people, but my family didnt come here until 1930 and had nothing to do with gen. Custer, so save me your sob story. You enjoy a LOT more benefits than I do. A LOT more. You and Chris should be ashamed of youselves. Why do you still feel like blaming me instead of focusing your anger at the many corrupt tribal officials who time after time are caught stealing from their own people? Talk about "THE POT CALLING THE KETTLE BLACK". I guess your next in line to be elected for the top theif... I mean tribal leader position. Vote for Chris and Johnny everyone! Kickbacks for all!
Sean, Shawnee - Jul 5, 2008 at 1:08 am
Report as inappropriate or
Ignore Sean
In my opinion which realize it is an opinion....the legislators did make an idiotic move. I guess I have is, did they not think or realize that if one person's information or back ground is searched that they wouldn't all be searched. Corruption is contagious and it's only smart to audit those who accuse as well as thee accused. I don't think idiot should have been the term used...but then you have to question their thought process....hmm..what was their goal? Did they sacrifice their reputation and future to bring down someone they disagree with...doubt it but it's possible....
maygan, ponca city - Jul 2, 2008 at 3:06 pm
EyeSpy, All Over The Place - Jun 27, 2008 at 11:17 am
One last comment. It disappoints me that Lyingham calls the Legislators "Idiots." In a sense, he is calling all tribal members that since we are the ones who elected them into office and a reflection of our will. Perhaps our decision making is in need of examining since we "elected" him as well....
EyeSpy, All Over The Place - Jun 27, 2008 at 11:17 am
Tony Thorton, why don't you write about the fact that the Tribal Supreme Court appointed Lyingham the SOLE SIGNATURE authority? NO money can be expendeded without his "stamp" of approval. Or the fact that they issued an order saying that he cannot be put up for charges of embezzlement and may expend tribal monies as he sees fit. He's appointed the supreme court judges, the executive directors, election board, decides who gets hired and / or fired, can carry a handgun into the tribal headquarters (illegal according to federal policy) and NOT BE CHARGED. Think about those things and WRITE ABOUT THEM!
EyeSpy, All Over The Place - Jun 27, 2008 at 9:23 am
Tony Thornton is a masterpiece. Give him a story about $9 million being held hostage by a rogue legislator, and he spins the story into tribal offials have "misspent" a fortune. Nothing was "misspent", Tony - those funds were spent properly under Darrell Flyingman once Robert coughed them up. The real issue here is how a rogue legislator can seize that much money and attempt to shut tribal government down by shutting off it's revenue source. Tony, you need to give your crusade against what you perceive as the corrupting influence of tribal gaming moneys a rest, and focus more on the corruption in your own state government, which makes tribal officials look like saints in comparison.
Indianz, Winnebago - Jun 26, 2008 at 10:32 am
in response to Edward, why should the government shut the tribes down? Isn't that the POT CALLING THE KETTLE BLACK. The difference is the tribes "take care of thier people" even if there are some greedy people, theres always a sour apple in every bunch but for the most part the tribes pretty much handle thier own business thier way even if it isn't like the dominant society. Lets look at the "GOVERNMENT" your saying should shut down the tribes and analyze all thier wrong doing and compare. The tribe is its own sovereign entity and government. If your not a tribal member then I don't think it should be any of your concern because it doesn't affect you at all. The reason it makes the news is because the media is trying to sell papers, thats a company. The tribe has its own paper which tells of the good things.
American Indians have a WHOLE different life and world and way of life, thoughts and culture that you don't know about. They are different but not bad.
Indianz, Winnebago - Jun 26, 2008 at 10:29 am
Government = corruption; no matter the venue. It is obvious that the media tends to only report the negative goings on within tribal governments. But that's what sells papers. At least the media doesn't discriminate when it comes to reporting the negatives within society as a whole. The warm-fuzzy stories are rare in the media. It's a shame that tribal program directors and their employees can't receive the recognition that they deserve. They are the force that really powers the tribes. They are typically dedicated to the advancement and well-being of the people. Tribal employee's must contend with characters that try to pass themselves off as politicians who's only concern is their personal gain. Tribal employee's must also contend with tribal members who believe that they are owed something for nothing. The tribes have social services and they are pushed to the limit. The social services are designed to help those who have fallen on hard times. Not to continually hand out check after check to individuals who aren't motivated enough to stand on their own. The tribes owe you nothing; you know who you are. Our young people is our future. That's where the bulk of our funds should be going. To educate the young people that have the talent and motivation to realize our potential as a people. We've made great strides in the last 30 years. Let's not blow it now. Stand tall and proud.
charles, Bixby - Jun 26, 2008 at 10:00 am
It is a good thing that Gov. Darrell Flying knows his own way. Standing up to crooks and Idiots, whoever they are or claim to be is the only thing to do,keep them on the run ,they have no shame,there time is up,Idiots,Greed,Arrogance,Ignorace,cowardice,disgrace the greatest punishment. Keep them on the run Gov.Darrell Flyingman.
Indianz, Winnebago - Jun 25, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Thank you Johnny. Yeah, did you know CHEYENNES kicked Custer's white-behind!!! Say hello to LITTLE BIGHORN VICTORY DAY!
EyeSpy, All Over The Place - Jun 25, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Indian tribes have successfully survived 500 years of murder at thier own hands and the American people by wit and intuition. Only recent history has shown that money and material wealth, Anglo inventions, have surfaced corruption through casino trends. It is ridiculous and comical how Anglos THINK it is their tax money when they actually have reaped lands and resources stolen from Indians and Edward of Tualatin wants to shut down a tribe? I have another solution. Since the intrusion of white settlers in Indian Territory, both the people and the lands have suffered with a minimal amount of prosperity to the chosen whites, therefore, the State of Oklahoma should be shut down for corruptions at every level of government from the smallest hamlets to OKC? Sounds stupid, but tribal governments deserve a little corruption as well! The Oklahoman newspaper jumps at every opportunity to exclude Natives from the good that is done here and likes to lick her chomps at Indian problems. What kind of paper does that except an Aryan publication written by Hitler or Custer, and by the way, Happy June 25th, 1876! Custer died for your sins Oklahoma!
Johnny, Mountain Park - Jun 25, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Lyingham.... Keep in mind,those you call "Idiots" are the ones who took you in when you didn't know your people and showed you your way... Now you turn on them? You're going against your people... I'll pray for you and hope you find your way, hopefully it'll be AWAY!
EyeSpy, All Over The Place - Jun 25, 2008 at 11:51 am
Shut the tribe down and have another tribe administer the programs. When is the government going to say "enought is enough" and shut them down.
Edward, Tualatin - Jun 25, 2008 at 9:50 am

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