Indians: Chief Offender

Chief Offender

Never had an Indian leader fallen more ignominiously. Last week, 18 months after being suspended as chairman of the 180,000-strong Navajo Nation, Peter MacDonald, 61, was convicted on dozens of bribery, ethics and conspiracy charges by a tribal court. MacDonald's son Peter Jr., 36, was also found guilty. Prosecutors convinced a jury that the two men had solicited more than $400,000 in bogus loans, consulting fees, plane rides and other favors from businesses seeking lucrative Navajo contracts. Tribal leaders expressed pride that the judgment had been rendered by a sovereign tribal court and relief that the controversial trial had finally come...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!