Former Chief Avoids Jail Time For TLE Misdeeds

Tuesday, September 06, 2005 at 14:57

 

 

Three former leaders at the Saulteaux First Nation — including a former chief — won’t have to go to prison for stealing Treaty Land Entitlement money from the band.

 

Instead, former chief Gabe Gopher, former councillor Mervin Night and former TLE trustee Archie Moccasin will serve two years of house arrest.

 

They’ve also been sentenced to perform 240 hours of community service.

 

As well, they will each have to repay anywhere from $150,000 to $200,000 if they manage to secure a job in the future.

 

Crown prosecutors had been calling for jail time, and might appeal the sentences.

 

During their trial, court heard the men stole $1 million of band TLE money and directed another $1.8 million to friends and relatives.

 

The trio were found guilty of criminal breach of trust this past May.