DURANT, Okla. – The Choctaw Nation reported discrepancies that led to the conviction of former employee Jason Merida on charges of conspiracy, bribery, theft and tax evasion in connection with defrauding the Choctaw Nation. 

Internal auditors for the tribe initially uncovered fraudulent billings for steel approved by Merida. The suspicions were immediately brought to the attention of former Chief Gregory Pyle and then Assistant Chief (now Chief) Gary Batton. The matter was then given to the tribe's legal counsel who turned their findings over to the U.S. Justice Department for further investigation with which the Choctaw Nation has fully cooperated. 

The Choctaw Nation has recovered approximately 87% of the loss of funds, and expects to recover the entire loss.

The tribe’s auditing procedures uncovered the crime, and the tribe has strengthened even further its internal auditing procedures in addition to its customary regular outside audit. 

The Choctaw Nation is also committed to strengthening the ethics policies dealing with gift-giving and is also working on campaign reform regarding donations and reporting guidelines.