PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - A federal court jury has convicted Crow
Creek Sioux Tribal Chairman Duane Big Eagle on bribery and
conspiracy charges in a scheme that rewarded tribal officials for
giving construction contracts for new buildings at the tribe's
school in central South Dakota.
The jury convicted the 61-year-old Big Eagle on two counts of
conspiracy and one count of bribery. It acquitted him on one count
of bribery.
Big Eagle declined to comment after the verdict Thursday. His
lawyer, Dana Hanna, says Big Eagle will appeal the convictions.
Big Eagle could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison when he
is sentenced Oct. 24.
The charges relate to awarding contracts to build a new dorm and
kitchen facility after a 2005 fire and 2008 contracts for housing
at the school.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
AP-NY-08-04-11 1730EDT
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