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Ex-Police Officer Accused of Spending Tribal Funds at Bars

Willard Wilson White faces charges of wire fraud, theft from an Indian tribal organization and income tax evasion

By Associated Press

BILLINGS – Federal prosecutors say a former tribal police officer in Montana who was supposed to be running a program to keep young Native Americans out of trouble spent tribal money at casinos, a strip club, bars and other places.

The Billings Gazette reported Thursday that 44-year-old Willard Wilson White faces charges of wire fraud, theft from an Indian tribal organization and income tax evasion.

No one answered a phone number listed for White on Thursday. He pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors say the Fort Peck Assiniboine (uh-SINN’-uh-boyn) and Sioux tribes provided White with $40,000 to run the program when he was a temporary officer for the two tribes.

If convicted of all charges, White faces up to 30 years in prison and $600,000 in fines and would be required repay the $40,000.

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