The OIG investigated allegations of theft of Federal funds by former Tribal Administrator Delia Commander from the Skagway Traditional Council, a federally recognized tribe in Skagway, Alaska.
We substantiated the allegation of theft and determined that Commander embezzled $297,731.58 from the tribe through unauthorized use of the tribal credit card. Commander embezzled the money by taking cash advances at casinos and other locations, and by making personal purchases with tribal funds. These expenditures included paying for personal travel that included a trip to Hawaii for herself and a family member, online university courses, personal credit card bills, personal vehicle maintenance, and personal shopping, among other things.
Commander resigned from her tribal position and pleaded guilty to one count in violation of 18 USC § 1163 - Embezzlement from an Indian tribal organization in U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska and was sentenced to 18 months of incarceration, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $297,731.58.