Investigation of Falsification of Approval of Oil and Gas Leases

We investigated allegations that Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) employees falsified oil and gas lease extension documents related to an oil and gas exploration company on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.  

 

We found that a BIA Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent backdated two National Environmental Policy Act documents, and the 20 leases covered by those two documents, to reflect approval prior to the exploration company’s withdrawal notice. We also found discrepancies in the Deputy Superintendent’s affidavit submitted to the BIA Director’s Office explaining why she had changed the dates on 19 of the lease extensions. 

 

This matter was declined for prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Montana.