Ex-Navajo lawmaker faces jail time at sentencing hearing

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) – A former Navajo Nation lawmaker convicted in a scheme to divert tribal funds to his family members will be sentenced Tuesday.

Mel Begay was convicted on 10 criminal counts in the investigation of the Navajo Nation Council's use of a now-defunct discretionary fund.

About two dozen other former lawmakers reached plea agreements with prosecutors to resolve criminal or ethics charges.

Prosecutors say Begay has shown no remorse. They're asking a tribal judge to sentence him to three years in jail followed by a year of probation. They're also seeking nearly $34,000 in restitution, $50,000 in fines and 1,000 hours of community service.

Begay's attorney, Jeffrey Rasmussen, says jail time is not appropriate. He's confident the conviction will get overturned on appeal but cannot challenge it until after the sentencing hearing.