NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) – A prosecutor says a former chairman of the tribe that owns the Foxwoods Resort Casino improperly charged more than $100,000 to a tribe-issued credit card for personal expenses including limousine rides to doctor's appointments for his mother.
A theft trial opened Monday for Michael Thomas, who was chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation from 2003 to 2009.
Prosecutor Christopher Mattei said Thomas was in financial distress when he used the card for expenses such as television and satellite radio services.
Defense attorney Paul Thomas, who is not related to his client, said the jury will have to decide whether the credit card usage was permissible or not.
Thomas has pleaded not guilty to theft from an Indian tribal organization and theft concerning an Indian tribal government receiving federal funds.