Former tribal leader headed to prison

(TULSA) - Roger Dana Barnett, the former Muscogee (Creek) Nation Second Chief, was sentenced to 33 months in prison Tuesday.

Barnett will also have to pay $211,880 in restitution for embezzling from the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.

United States Attorney Danny Williams Sr. says Barnett will serve three years of supervised release once released from prison.

“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.”

Barnett’s also banned from gambling and is required to attend gambling addiction counseling.

A grand jury charged Barnett with embezzling tribal funds in excess of $1,000. He pleaded guilty to the charge on October 9, 2014.