Navajo Lawmaker Ordered To Pay Back $10K in Slush Fund Case

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — A former Navajo Nation lawmaker has been ordered to pay $10,000 for his involvement in misusing the tribe's discretionary fund. The Gallup Independent reports (http://bit.ly/2bW0KAi ) that Navajo Nation Window Rock District Court judge has already sentenced the majority of the lawmakers involved in the case. Prosecutors say all 10 delegates abused a financial assistance program designed to help tribal members facing hard times. Judge Carol Perry on Tuesday ordered former Council Delegate Lean Manheimer to pay $10,000 in restitution to the tribe under a two-year payment plan. Manheimer pleaded no contest to conspiracy to commit bribery. Two former lawmakers are still awaiting sentencing.