Former SD tribal chairman appeals fed convictions

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MITCHELL, S.D. (AP) – The former chairman of the Crow Creek Sioux tribe in South Dakota is appealing his federal convictions on conspiracy and bribery charges.

Sixty-two-year-old Duane Big Eagle last November was sentenced to three years in prison for a scheme in which tribal officials were rewarded for giving contracts to construction companies for buildings at the tribe's central South Dakota school.

The Daily Republic newspaper reports that Big Eagle and his attorney have until Feb. 8 to file a brief outlining the reasons for their appeal. Defense attorney Dana Hanna contended during the trial that prosecutors didn't provide enough evidence that Big Eagle knew payments from a contractor were bribes.

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Information from: The Daily Republic, http://www.mitchellrepublic.com