Jason Brett Merida, Stealing Federal Funds, OK, 2014

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – A former high-ranking official within the Choctaw Nation is facing a slew of federal charges after allegedly pilfering funds intended for tribal programs. JASON BRETT MERIDA, 41, of Rattan, Oklahoma, was arraigned on March 6, 2014, in federal court, accused of a scheme that reached deep into the pockets of federal funding.

Merida, formerly the Executive Director of Construction Administration for the Choctaw Nation, is charged with CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT THEFT OR BRIBERY OF PROGRAMS RECEIVING FEDERAL FUNDS, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. But the alleged wrongdoing doesn’t stop there. He’s also accused of THEFT BY AN EMPLOYEE OR OFFICER OF A TRIBAL GOVERNMENT RECEIVING FEDERAL FUNDS (Title 18, United States Code, Sections 666(a)(1)(A) and 2), CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT MONEY LAUNDERING (Title 18, United States Code, Section 1957), and TAX FRAUD (Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(1)). The charges suggest a calculated effort to divert funds and conceal the illicit activity.

The investigation, spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigative Services, paints a picture of a betrayal of trust. The details of the alleged scheme remain under wraps, but the charges indicate a deliberate attempt to defraud programs supported by federal dollars. The Grimy Times will continue to dig for more information as this case unfolds.

Magistrate Judge Steven P. Shreder presided over the arraignment hearing in Muskogee. Merida was released on a $10,000.00 unsecure bond, meaning he’s free pending further court proceedings. This isn’t a simple slap on the wrist; if convicted, Merida faces a potentially lengthy prison sentence. The statutory penalties are significant: up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine for Conspiracy, up to 10 years imprisonment and/or up to a $250,000 fine for both Theft and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, and up to 3 years imprisonment and/or up to a $250,000 fine for Tax Fraud.

First Assistant United States Attorney Douglas Horn and Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wilson are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. It’s crucial to remember, as the DOJ reminds us, that an indictment is not proof of guilt. Merida is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Federal Sentencing Guidelines will be considered if a conviction is secured, and federal prison sentences offer no parole.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case closely, exposing the underbelly of federal crime and holding those who abuse their positions of power accountable. This case highlights the need for rigorous oversight of funds allocated to tribal governments and the importance of swift prosecution when corruption is uncovered. We’ll be watching to see if other individuals are implicated in this alleged scheme.”