Muscogee Creek Nation Second Chief Charged With Embezzlement

Muscogee Creek Nation Second Chief, Roger Dana Barnett, was arrested Wednesday in relation to federal charges of embezzlement.

A news release says Barnett, 53, is accused of embezzling approximately $150,000 from the Tribe. Documents say Barnett embezzled, misapplied and converted tribal funds to personal use between April 2013 and April 2014.

The investigation began after Muscogee Creek Nation officials contacted federal authorities to report the possible misuse of funds, the release says.

If convicted, Barnett could face up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

Barnett appeared in a federal court Wednesday, according to the release.

In a statement, the office of the Principal Chief of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation said:

"As elected officers of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation we hold a great responsibility to our government and a legal duty to the citizens of our Nation. Our Nation will continue to exercise fiscal responsibility and adhere to all financial rules, policies, accounting principles, and laws our Nation has adopted to protect the integrity of our tribal funds."

"The Nation will fully cooperate with the federal authorities with the message that all charges are allegations at this point and Second Chief Roger Barnett is innocent until proven guilty. My thoughts and prayers go out to Second Chief Barnett and his family during this difficult time, and I hope and pray for a quick resolution to this matter."