GREAT FALLS, Montana – A former high-ranking official at the Blackfeet Tribe has admitted to stealing more than $78,000 in federal COVID-19 relief funds meant to combat the pandemic in the tribe’s community.
James Cameron McNeely, 43, pleaded guilty to theft from an Indian tribal government receiving federal funding. McNeely could face a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
The crime, which occurred from about October 2021 until October 2022, involved McNeely submitting requests for repayment to the tribe, and receiving such payments, after falsely claiming to purchase COVID-19 supplies on behalf of the tribe from Amazon. In reality, McNeely never purchased the supplies, and he was not entitled to the money he claimed and received.
The tribe reimbursed McNeely with checks issued from the bank account containing American Rescue Plan Act funds, which were allocated to the tribe following a $1.9 trillion stimulus bill as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
McNeely’s scheme resulted in the theft of approximately $78,415. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for June 6.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Weldon is prosecuting the case. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.
The former operations manager’s release was continued pending further proceedings.
The case highlights the importance of oversight and accountability in the distribution of federal funds, particularly during times of crisis.
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Key Facts
- State: Montana
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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