Former Lone Butte Industrial Development Corp Members Indicted for Embezzlement

PHOENIX - A federal grand jury in Phoenix returned separate one-count indictments today against Gila River Indian Community members Franklin Joseph Jackson, Sr., 62, of Bapchule, Ariz., and Lloyd Notah, Jr., 63, of Sacaton, for Embezzlement From a Tribal Organization. Jacksons indictment alleges that from September 15, 2007, through March 4, 2009, Jackson served as a Board Member on the Board of Directors for the Gila River Indian Communitys Lone Butte Industrial Development Corporation. During that time, Jackson embezzled and converted to his own use approximately $16,879.50 that belonged to the Tribal Organization. Notahs indictment alleges that during the period of September 26, 2007, through March 7, 2009, while also serving as a Board Member on the Lone Butte Industrial Development Corporation, he embezzled and converted to his own use approximately $15,420.26 that belonged to the Tribal Organization. Notah is also alleged to have used fraudulent expense and stipend claims. A conviction for Embezzlement From a Tribal Organization carries a maximum penalty of 5 years, a $250,000 fine or both. In determining an actual sentence, the judge will consult the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide appropriate sentencing ranges. The judge, however, is not bound by those guidelines in determining a sentence. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the FBI with the assistance and cooperation of the Gila River Indian Community.