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TULSA, OKLAHOMA - Three defendants arrested by Cherokee Nation Marshals last September pled guilty to federal embezzlement charges for taking money from the Cherokee Casino in West Siloam Springs.

Kendall Whaler, Jase Mouse, and David Russell all entered plea bargains. Whaler, a former employee of the Cherokee Casino in West Siloam Springs, pled guilty to conspiracy to defraud, and both Mouse and Russell pled guilty to aiding and abetting. Two further charges were dropped, in accordance with the plea bargain.

"We police our selves", said Jim Frazer, investigator for the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service. "We’re taking the necessary steps to make sure that the games at the casinos are fair for all people."

Whaler admitted that he had credited $1000 on a plastic electronic gaming card and gave them to an accomplice on two separate occasions. Both Mouse and Russell received gaming cards with a credit of $1000. After playing a small amount they cashed out the cards and left the premises.

"This is the first time a case from a (Cherokee) casino has reached the federal level", Frazer said. "It’s not so much about the $2000, it’s about right versus wrong."

The defendants are currently out on bond, pending sentencing, which is scheduled June 9 and 10. The three men could each face five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and restitution.

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma Attn: (Department Name) P.O. Box 948, Tahlequah, OK 74465 Telephone: 918-456-0671 (Toll Free OK) 1-800-256-0671