Two former lawmakers from the Navajo Nation have pleaded guilty in a case involving a so-called slush fund scheme. The men said the scheme was an attempt to go around tribal law.
Raymond Joe and Harry Williams Sr. pled guilty to a single count of conspiracy to commit bribery. In exchange, prosecutors dropped the six counts of bribery each was facing. This is the first time tribal officials have acknowledged misusing funds meant to aid tribal members in need.
The case concerns officials authorizing payments to colleagues' families with the understanding their own families would benefit in return. Joe and Williams could avoid jail time if they cooperate with prosecutors in similar cases. They also could be ordered to pay back tens of thousands of dollars.
