TULSA, OK— A federal judge sentenced the former Muscogee Creek Nation to two years and nine months in prison for embezzling from the tribe, officials said.
Roger Dana Barnett, 53, of Bristow, was also ordered to pay $211,880.76 in restitution for embezzling from the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, said U.S. Attorney Danny C. Williams Sr. in Oklahoma.
When he is released from prison, Barnett will be banned from gambling facilities and is required to attend gambling addiction counseling, officials said.
“The defendant abused his position of trust,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “Muscogee (Creek) Nation officials reported the misuse of tribal funds after an internal audit. We will continue to work with tribal government and law enforcement partners to bring those who abuse the system to justice.”
On August 6, 2014, a grand jury charged Barnett with embezzling tribal funds in excess of $1,000 from April 3, 2013 to April 29, 2014. Barnett pleaded guilty to the charge on October 9, 2014.
The FBI conducted the investigation; Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Cozzoni prosecuted the case.