A former Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma official who embezzled nearly $200,000 from the tribes' Lucky Star casinos was sentenced Wednesday to the stiffest prison term recommended under federal guidelines.
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James Wayne Pedro Sr., former head of the tribes' powerful business committee, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for misusing tribal gaming revenue. He also was ordered to pay restitution.
Pedro's former secretary, Peggy BigPond of Concho, was sentenced to 16 months in prison.
Pedro, 67, said he is embarrassed and sorry anyone suffered because of it. His raspy voice cracked with emotion as he tried to explain his actions.
"Something evil came over me," Pedro said. "I pray to the creator every day asking him for forgiveness."
As an elected member of the tribes' business committee, Pedro had unlimited access to gaming revenue meant to operate various tribal programs, authorities said.
The El Reno resident was accused of taking about $193,000 between October 2001 and April 2004, when he was voted off the committee.
Several tribal elders denounced Pedro for his greed Wednesday, asking U.S. District Judge Ralph Thompson to give them justice.
"He violated our trust," Jo Ann Williams said. "He conned us."
Pedro's niece, Teresa Murray, said his actions deprived tribal members of needed services, forcing officials to turn away those in need.
Pedro pleaded guilty in December to embezzlement and lying on an application by his wife, Lea A. Schantz, for federal rent subsidies. Schantz confessed to similar charges and will be sentenced Friday.
Pedro's attorney argued for leniency Wednesday, saying he was the first of what could be many tribal officials to admit to such wrongdoing.
Prosecutors confirmed the investigation that began in 2004 with a tip from the National Indian Gaming Commission is ongoing, but declined further comment.
