Tribe chief in Oklahoma faces impeachment over finances

(Information from: Tulsa World, http://www.tulsaworld.com)

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) – An Oklahoma tribal chief is facing removal from office over questions regarding his tribe’s finances.

The Tulsa World reports that impeachment charges were filed Tuesday against George Wickliffe, principal chief of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma.

Tribe Treasurer Ella Mae Worley filed the three counts. The impeachment documents say Wickliffe violated the tribe’s constitution by restricting Worley and her predecessor from having full access to the tribe’s financial records and shuttered casino.

The documents also accuse Wickliffe of mishandling more than $1 million in tribal contracts and funds, and of violating the tribe’s corporate charter by failing to provide for citizens’ general welfare.

A hearing is scheduled for May 24. At least two-thirds of the council must vote for impeachment for it to be successful.