OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A former Omaha Tribal Council member has pleaded guilty to misusing federal funds.
The Sioux City (Iowa) Journal reports that Forrest Aldrich entered the plea Thursday in U.S. District Court in Omaha. The charge: misapplication of health care benefit program funds. His sentencing is set for Sept. 20.
Other federal charges were dropped in exchange for his plea.
Morris was one of nine tribal officials charged in a case that accused the officials of misusing federal funds by awarding nearly $389,000 in bonuses to themselves.
Officials say the bonuses were paid from Indian Health Service funds meant to provide health care to members of the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska who reside on the
Omaha Reservation in Macy in northeastern Nebraska and in western Iowa.