SD tribal leader Duane Big Eagle to be sentenced for bribery

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- Former Crow Creek Tribal Chairman Duane Big Eagle is being sentenced Wednesday on bribery and conspiracy convictions for his role in a scheme that rewarded tribal officials for giving construction companies contracts for new buildings at the tribe's school in central South Dakota.

A federal jury in August found the 62-year-old guilty on two counts of conspiracy to bribe a tribal official and one count of bribery.

The charges relate to tribal officials' actions in awarding a $3.5 million contract to build a new dorm and kitchen facility after a 2005 fire at the tribal school and other contracts to build housing at the school.

In documents filed in court, Big Eagle has asked for a year of home confinement, 2,000 hours of community service and repayment of $21,500.

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