Made In A Case Involving An Unrecognized Indian Tribe

KRMG Local News

By Don Bishop - July 25, 2008

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) - With trial just days away, many defendants in the federal case involving a Kansas group that claims to be an American Indian tribe are making deals with prosecutors.

Prosecutors contend the Kaweah Indian Nation defrauded legal and illegal immigrants across the nation by claiming tribal membership conferred U.S. citizenship.

The U.S. government says the tribe is fake. Even if it were real, tribal membership would not make someone a citizen.

The latest deal in the case came yesterday, as Chuck Flynn, one of the so-called tribal chiefs, pleaded guilty to harboring illegal immigrants.

The trial for any remaining defendants, including the tribe's so-called grand chief, is scheduled for August 5th.

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