Jason Brett Merida Embezzles $500K, Muskogee OK, 2014

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – Jason Brett Merida, 42, of Rattan, Oklahoma, is facing serious time after a federal jury found him guilty on six counts stemming from a brazen scheme to siphon funds from the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. The former Executive Director of Construction was convicted Thursday, November 20, 2014, following a trial that began October 29, 2014. Merida was indicted in February 2014, and now faces the consequences for betraying the trust placed in him.

The charges were substantial: Conspiracy To Commit Theft Or Bribery Of Programs Receiving Federal Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371; two counts of Theft By An Employee Or Officer Of A Tribal Government Receiving Federal Funds, under Title 18, United States Code, Sections 666(a)(1)(A) and 2; Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1957 and two counts of Tax Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 7206(1). While acquitted on one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, the jury clearly saw through Merida’s attempts to conceal his actions.

Court testimony painted a damning picture of Merida’s greed. He allegedly demanded and received cash, lavish trips, a Cadillac Escalade, plumbing fixtures, even cattle guards – all exceeding $5,000 in value – from subcontractors angling for Choctaw Nation construction work. But the scheme didn’t stop there. Merida, along with accomplices, allegedly fabricated invoices, allowing him to embezzle over $500,000 in tribal funds. That stolen money wasn’t used for the Nation’s benefit; it lined Merida’s pockets and funded a life of luxury, including firearms, hunting gear, trips, and furniture.

The feds didn’t miss the tax implications either. Merida willfully failed to report the ill-gotten gains on his 2009 and 2010 federal income tax returns, adding tax fraud to his growing list of offenses. The investigation, a joint effort by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, meticulously pieced together the evidence needed for conviction.

“Greed can be a terrible vice!” stated United States Attorney Mark Green. “In this case, Jason Merida and his co-conspirators placed their personal gain above the interests of the Choctaw Nation and its members. This verdict is a prime example of justice served when officials abuse a public trust.” R. Damon Rowe, Special Agent in Charge for IRS Criminal Investigation, added a stark warning: “Bribery, conspiracy, money laundering and tax fraud are not acceptable business practices to gain contracts with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.”

James Finch, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, emphasized the broader implications. “The conviction of Jason Merida should serve as a reminder for all public officials to honor their respective offices…The FBI and its investigative partners will continue to pursue and bring to justice all who soil their office.” Judge James H. Payne, presiding over the case in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, has ordered a presentence investigation report. Merida was released pending sentencing, but his days of luxury are likely numbered. First Assistant United States Attorney Douglas A. Horn and Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wilson successfully prosecuted the case for the United States.