Trial date set for MCN second chief

TULSA, Okla. – A trial date has been set for Muscogee (Creek) Nation second chief Roger Barnett.

Barnett, who is facing federal embezzlement charges, will go before a jury starting at 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 22 in the Northern District of Oklahoma.           

According to court documents, Barnett "stole, knowingly converted to his use, and willfully misapplied” $150,000 in tribal funds between April 3, 2013, and April 29, 2014. He entered a not guilty plea at his arraignment Monday.

If convicted, the maximum penalty is five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. The federal system does not offer parole.

Elected to a four-year term as second chief in 2011, Barnett was a member of the Muscogee (Creek) National Council for 12 years and had served the tribe in various capacities since 1991.

Headquartered in Okmulgee, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation has more than 70,000 enrolled citizens.