Former Tribal Employee to serve five years probation; embezzlement and theft

Also Ordered to Pay Restitution of $194,573

OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, CAYLE LEIGH KLINEKOLE, 48, of Elgin, was sentenced to serve five years of probation for embezzlement and theft from an Indian tribal organization, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

On October 30, 2020 Klinekole pleaded guilty to a single-count felony Indictment charging her with embezzlement and theft from an Indian tribal organization.

According to court documents and public record, Klinekole worked at the Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache Intertribal Land Use Committee (“KCA”) as the Executive Director from 2016 to 2017.  The KCA is a designated representative body of each of the three tribes authorized to manage and conduct business regarding jointly owned lands.  During the time of her employment, Klinekole stole funds by forging checks, entering into labor agreements with companies without proper authorization, and making unauthorized purchases on credit accounts at different vendors.

On April 15, 2021, U.S. District Judge Charles Goodwin sentenced Klinekole to serve 5 years of probation, including home confinement for the first year, and 50 hours of community service.  Judge Goodwin also ordered Klinekole to pay $194,573.18 in restitution to the Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache Intertribal Land Use Committee.  In announcing the sentence, Judge Goodwin noted the nature and circumstances of the offense and the need for the sentence to reflect the seriousness of the offense.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Comanche Nation Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Cárdenas prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to public filings for more information.