US appeals court OKs conviction of former Choctaw Nation official

MUSKOGEEE, Okla. (AP) — A federal appeals court has upheld the conviction and 12-year prison sentence of a former Choctaw Nation construction director.

A three-judge panel of the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied a motion for a mistrial Tuesday sought by Jason Merida, who was convicted in November 2014 on two counts each of theft and tax fraud and one count each of conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to commit bribery.

Prosecutors alleged contractors used false billing practices between 2008 and 2011 during construction of the tribe’s Durant and Pocola casinos. Money generated from the false billings was used to make campaign donations and purchase gifts.

Merida testified he received gifts from vendors but claimed it didn’t affect his decisions because he did not have the authority to select contractors.