10 ex-Navajo Nation lawmakers sentenced for slush funds case

FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — Ten former Navajo Nation lawmakers have been sentenced for their involvement in misusing the tribe's discretionary fund.

Former Navajo Nation Council Speaker Johnny Naize, who served as speaker from January 2011 to September 2014, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery in official and political matters for issuing $36,550 to other delegates in exchange for the same amount being given to his family. On Wednesday he was ordered to pay the full amount in restitution, The Daily Times reported (http://bit.ly/2biya1E).

In lieu of jail time, Naize has been ordered to make presentations in the chapters he represented and to write an apology.

http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/10-ex-Navajo-Nation-lawmakers-sentenced-for-slush-9183859.php