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WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The former Navajo Nation Council speaker has pleaded guilty in a scheme to funnel nearly $37,000 in tribal funds to his family.
Johnny Naize (nayz) entered the plea Tuesday to conspiracy to commit bribery. His original 11 charges of bribery and conspiracy were dropped in an agreement with prosecutors.
Naize will be sentenced to probation, community service and possibly jail time. He could be called to testify against former colleagues and could be ordered to pay restitution.
The tribe's elections office says the guilty plea would have forced Naize from his position as speaker and a tribal lawmaker had he not resigned Monday.
Navajo lawmaker David Tom also pleaded guilty Tuesday to conspiracy to commit bribery Tuesday.
Both Naize and Tom had been scheduled to go on trial in October.
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