Corruption in Indian Country: What Counts as Corruption?
Day 1 of a 5-Part Series
When people hear the word “corruption,” they often think of big city scandals or high-level politics. But corruption cases also arise in Indian Country, and when they do, they can have devastating consequences for tribes, leaders, and communities.
During my time as an Assistant United States Attorney, I prosecuted corruption cases involving tribal officials and employees. That experience gave me a first-hand look at how the federal government investigates, charges, and tries to prove these cases — and also where the government sometimes overreaches.
What Types of Cases Are Considered “Corruption”?
Federal prosecutors in Indian Country focus on cases where they believe someone in a position of trust misused funds or influence. The most common include:
Embezzlement of tribal or program funds
Bribery or kickbacks involving contractors or vendors
Misuse of federal grant money (housing, healthcare, education)
Conflicts of interest and abuse of office
These cases can arise in tribal programs funded directly by the federal government or in situations where federal money passes through tribal governments to local projects.
Why the Federal Government Gets Involved
Tribal nations are sovereign governments, but when federal funds are at issue, the U.S. government almost always asserts jurisdiction. Agencies like the FBI, the Department of Interior’s Office of Inspector General, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services often lead the investigations.
That means even disputes that begin as tribal governance issues can escalate into federal criminal cases.
The Stakes for Tribal Leaders and Communities
Corruption cases in Indian Country are about more than money. They strike at the heart of trust in leadership and tribal sovereignty. A single allegation can:
Disrupt tribal governance
Damage community confidence
Bring heavy federal scrutiny to tribal programs
Because of these high stakes, federal prosecutors tend to pursue these cases aggressively — sometimes too aggressively. That is why it is important to understand not only what “corruption” means under federal law, but also how tribes and individuals can defend against unfair or politically motivated charges.
Key Takeaway
Corruption in Indian Country covers a wide range of conduct, but the common thread is the intersection of tribal authority and federal oversight. As someone who has prosecuted these cases, I know how the government frames them. And as a defense attorney today, I know how important it is to push back when the government oversteps.
Tomorrow’s post in this series will look at how corruption cases in Indian Country begin, including the role of whistleblowers, audits, and federal investigators.