Ho-Chunk member convicted of bribery, tax crimes

MADISON -- A Ho-Chunk tribal member has been convicted in federal court of bribery and tax crimes after receiving more than $3 million from companies wanting to do business with the Ho-Chunk Nation.

Timothy Whiteagle, 60, of Black River Falls, was convicted following an eight-day jury trial.

According to United State Attorney John Vaudreuil, Whiteagle worked as a covert lobbyist for the companies that provided check cashing and ATM services at Ho-Chunk casinos, and a company that sought to provide mortgages and housing for tribal members.

Whiteagle and others gave Clarence Pettibone -- an elected official in the Ho-Chunk Nation -- cash and gifts, including campaign contributions, a job for a Pettibone relative and vacations, in exchange for Pettibone's vote on tribal contracts from 2002-2009.

Whiteagle was convicted on eight counts of bribery, each punishable by up to 10 years; two counts of filing false tax returns, each punishable by up to three years; and one count of obstruction, punishable by up to 20 years.

Whiteagle is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 24.

(c)2012 The Wisconsin State Journal (Madison, Wis.)

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