Former MCN Second Chief sentenced for embezzlng tribal funds

TULSA, Okla. – Roger Dana Barnett, 53, of Bristow, the former Muscogee (Creek) Nation Second Chief, was sentenced to serve 33 months in prison and ordered to pay $211,880.76 in restitution for embezzling from the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, announced United States Attorney Danny C. Williams Sr. for the Northern District of Oklahoma. In addition to the prison incarceration and restitution, Barnett was sentenced to three years of supervised release. During the time of release, Barnett will be banned from gambling facilities and is required to attend gambling addiction counseling.
 
“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.