MUSKOGEE, OK – Michael Anthony Houser, 36, formerly of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced for a brazen, years-long scheme to steal over $24 million from the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and then attempt to cover it up with tax fraud. Houser, a former accounts payable manager, was handed a 70-month sentence for Theft Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds and an additional 36 months for Tax Fraud – sentences to be served concurrently.
The scope of Houser’s greed is staggering. Between July 2016 and February 2024, while employed by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Gaming Operations Authority Board (later Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises, LLC), Houser systematically embezzled $24,907,436.07. This wasn’t a quick grab; it was a calculated, sustained drain on funds belonging to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, which receives federal funding. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma detailed the scheme following a joint investigation by the U.S. Secret Service and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation.
But the theft was only half the crime. Houser didn’t report a dime of the stolen money to the IRS. For tax years 2016 through 2022, he knowingly underreported his income, culminating in a failure to report $7,851,027.28 in income for the 2022 tax year alone. This deliberate evasion cost the U.S. Treasury $8,205,834.00, adding insult to injury for taxpayers funding the very programs Houser was stealing from. He pleaded guilty to both charges on February 20, 2025.
“I am proud of the work conducted by our special agents in this case to ensure that justice was brought to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation,” stated Special Agent in Charge Kyle Smith of the U.S. Secret Service Oklahoma Field Office. “The U.S. Secret Service at its origin was created to identify, monitor and bring to justice those who seek to defraud. Protecting our communities here in Oklahoma is a mission we take very seriously.” The agency, while historically known for protecting political figures, clearly demonstrated its commitment to combating financial crimes impacting tribal nations.
IRS Criminal Investigation echoed that sentiment. “Stealing from the community you are entrusted to serve is a serious betrayal,” said Christopher J. Altemus Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Dallas Field Office. “Mr. Houser’s crimes harmed the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and undermined trust in public and tribal institutions…The women and men of IRS-CI are proud to have worked alongside the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma to uncover this fraud and hold Mr. Houser accountable for his crimes.”
Judge Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge, ordered Houser to pay $17,337,949.50 in restitution to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and $8,205,834.00 to the IRS. Houser will self-report to a Bureau of Prisons facility on November 10, 2025, to begin serving his non-paroleable sentence. U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson affirmed the office’s commitment to prosecuting fraud against Tribal nations in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, stating they were “honored to join together with our partners in the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and federal law enforcement to promote the mutual protection of Tribal assets and resources.”
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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