Ex-Cherokee Nation Foundation Official Calls Embezzlement Charges Retaliation

The former director of the Cherokee Nation Foundation in Oklahoma says embezzlement charges against her are political retaliation.

Kimberlie Gilliland is charged with nine counts of embezzlement from the foundation and using the money for California vacations, computers, food, a Tulsa parking ticket, and an online master's degree.

Gilliland said in a statement to the Muskogee Phoenix that she has done nothing wrong and that the charges are because she supported a candidate other than Principal Chief Bill John Baker.

Gilliland was served as the nonprofit foundation's director from 2009 until 2013.

She is due in Cherokee Nation District Court for arraignment on Aug. 12.