Oklahoma tribal chief impeached over financial improprieties

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) — An Oklahoma tribal chief has been impeached after he faced questions regarding the use of his tribe's finances.

The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians' Tribal Council voted 8-3 to impeach Principal Chief George Wickliffe on Tuesday, the Tulsa World (http://bit.ly/1Tznnz7 ) reported.

Tribe Treasurer Ella Mae Worley had filed three charges of impeachment against Wickliffe earlier this month.

"I didn't do this because I wanted to," Worley said. "I did this because it is the right thing to do. This is the people's money."

Wickliffe was accused of making unauthorized cash advances and disbursements out of the tribe's general fund to some council members in an effort to sway their votes. He also allegedly signed off on multiple contracts without council approval and gave himself $5,000 in scholarship funds after the tribe cut back its higher education program.

Wickliffe was also accused of violating the tribe's constitution by restricting Worley and her predecessor from having full access to the tribe's financial records and shuttered casino.

The vote bans Wickliffe from holding an elected office or appointed position within the tribe. He has seven days to file an appeal with the tribe's judiciary.

"I don't owe the tribe anything," he said, eliciting jeers from the large crowd at a community center. "Neither does the council."

He did not speak to reporters after the hearing.

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