United States Attorney John C. Richter

Western District of Oklahoma

November 24, 2008

CONTACT: Bob Troester

405/553-8999

26-COUNT INDICTMENT UNSEALED CHARGING TWO FORMER ELECTED CHEYENNE-ARAPAHO
TRIBAL OFFICIALS WITH CONSPIRACY AND EMBEZZLEMENT FROM THE TRIBES

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – This afternoon, a federal grand jury indictment was unsealed charging two former representatives elected to the Business Committee of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma (“Tribes”) with 26 counts involving conspiracy and embezzlement of more than $200,000 of Tribal funds including net gaming revenues of the Lucky Star Casinos, announced John C. Richter, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.

According to the indictment, WILLIAM F. BLIND, JR. (a/k/a “Bill Blind”), 67, and his wife, VINITA H. SANKEY, 59, both of Canton, Oklahoma, were elected to the Business Committee as representatives for the Arapaho District (A-1) of the Tribes in 1998. They served on the Business Committee until 2006. The indictment alleges that between 2000 and 2006, Blind and Sankey conspired to embezzle tribal funds entrusted to them by virtue of their elected positions through various travel claims for expenses related to conferences they did not attend, improper reimbursements, and payment for expenses of relatives to which they were not entitled. In addition, it is alleged that tribal funds were used to purchase cashiers’ checks from which cash was retained for personal use, and that checks were improperly drawn on the Tribal operating and tax accounts for personal use.

Also, the indictment alleges that tribal funds were used to purchase various vehicles (including a 2001 Dodge Pickup, 2002 Lincoln Town Car, Chrysler 300 M, and a 2003 Dodge 1500 Quad Cab Pickup), a riding lawn mower, a portable storage building, and a computer, scanner, printer and software, which were not returned to the Tribes upon leaving office. In total, the indictment alleges that more than $200,000 of Tribal funds have been embezzled or converted. If convicted, Blind and Sankey each face up to five years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, and restitution on each count.

The public is reminded that the indictment is merely an accusation and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Reference is made to the indictment for further information. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jim Robinson and Arvo Mikkanen.