Federal lawsuit accuses Kaw Nation officials of misusing funds

<br>OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ The Kaw Nation has filed a federal lawsuit accusing the director of the tribal housing authority of misusing federal money. <br><br>The lawsuit, filed March 15 in Oklahoma City

Saturday, March 30th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ The Kaw Nation has filed a federal lawsuit accusing the director of the tribal housing authority of misusing federal money.

The lawsuit, filed March 15 in Oklahoma City federal court, accuses Marilyn Springer of authorizing construction of homes costing more than $100,000 for her daughter and niece and for frequent use of the authority credit card for personal items.

The tribe's executive council authorized the lawsuit in an effort to stop the alleged mishandling of funds, said Michael Minnis, attorney for the nation.

``It's a matter of trying to get back money that has been misused,'' Minnis said. ``The executive council is trying to execute its authority.''

The authority cannot spend more than $74,908 for a three-bedroom house.

But Springer authorized the construction of homes exceeding that limit for her daughter, Marcie Meyer, and her niece, Julia Logsdon, the lawsuit states. Springer also inappropriately spent $10,000 with the housing authority credit card, the lawsuit says.

Tribal Chairwoman Wanda Stone is named as a defendant because she is the person responsible for signing the checks, Minnis said.

The suit also names Logsdon and Meyer.

Tribal officials also accuse Springer of using $10,000 in federal funds to hire attorney Jess Green to represent the housing authority in a case to keep Springer employed.

The tribe's executive council fired Springer in November, but she has since filed a wrongful termination lawsuit in Kay County District Court.

A judge has taken the case under advisement.

Springer remain as director of the housing authority, Green said.

Green said since the authority is governed by state law and not tribal law, the executive council has no say over who the authority employs or how it spends money.

None of the defendants could be reached for comment.