By AP
Muskogee, OK – 2 ex-Creek Nation workers face conspiracy charge
MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) A plea hearing is scheduled for later this month for two former Muscogee (Creek) Nation employees accused of bilking the government out of more than $2.5 million in cigarette taxes.
Michael Wisner II and Ed Warrington were indicted last week on conspiracy charges. Federal prosecutors accuse the two of conspiring with a tobacco wholesaler to sell cigarettes in Creek Nation smoke shops at an illegally low tax rate.
Wisner served as the CEO of the Creek Nation's Department of Trade and Commerce Authority from 2007 until April 2010. Warrington is a former warehouse manager with the authority.
Wisner also faces perjury charges based on statements he made to a grand jury investigating the case. A plea hearing is set for Jan. 25 in Muskogee.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.