Loren Albert Goldtooth Sr., who had once overseen public housing funds for the Tohono O'Odham Nation, was found guilty of embezzlement and tax evasion charges Friday in federal court in Tucson.
From February 2000 through August 2002, Goldtooth served as executive director of the Ki:Ki Association, the nation's tribal housing entity. During that time he embezzled more than $200,000 while also failing to file personal and business tax returns.
Not only did Goldtooth charge more than $17,000 to an association credit card, he also took in more than $163,000 in unauthorized payments and more than $34,000 in overtime that he wasn't entitled to, according to his indictment.
Goldtooth, who was originally hired in 1998 by the tribe to do consulting work as a certified public accountant, didn't file his personal tax returns from 2000 to 2002 as well as income tax returns for his accounting firm in 1999 and 2000.
People are also reading…
After consulting, Goldtooth was appointed as the association's executive director. But he was fired after allegations of sexual harassment, according to an association press release.
An audit followed, uncovering numerous dubious accounting practices ranging from unnecessary bills to unfinished financial reports and unauthorized payments, among others.
U.S. District Judge David C. Bury presided over the trial. Sentencing is scheduled for July 25.
