Former Indian Township Tribal Governor Robert Newell was found guilty Thursday on all but one of 30 charges, including misapplication of tribal and federal funds and making false statements to government agencies.
BANGOR, Maine — A federal jury Thursday found a former Indian Township Passamaquoddy tribal governor guilty on all but one of 30 charges, including misapplication of tribal and federal funds and making false statements to government agencies. The jury of 11 women and one man found the tribe’s ex-finance manager guilty on 11 of 21 similar counts.
Robert L. Newell, 65, of Indian Township and James J. Parisi Jr., 45, of Portland appeared stunned by the verdict delivered about 8 p.m. after the jury deliberated for nearly 24 hours over three days. Both men bowed and shook their heads as a federal court clerk read the jury’s decision.
The jury heard testimony from witnesses for 10 days. It began its deliberations about 6 p.m. Tuesday after hearing closing arguments from both sides and instructions from U.S. District Judge George Singal.
The jury had to reach a unanimous decision on each count to find Newell and Parisi guilty. Every charge included specific dates, the amounts of money allegedly misapplied and the agencies involved.
Both men were found guilty of conspiracy to defraud and intentionally misapply tribal government funds and health care benefit funds and guilty of the misapplication of those funds between Oct. 1, 2004, and Sept. 30, 2006. Newell was found guilty on all of the charges against him of submission of false claims while Parisi was found guilty of four of 11 similar counts.
After the jury was dismissed, the men spoke quietly with their attorneys, then hugged family and friends while they waited for the clerk to prepare paperwork for their signatures.
Both men remain free on bail pending sentencing. Sentencing dates are not expected to be set until after the first of the year.
Newell said after the verdict that he would appeal the jury’s verdict.
“This is not going to stand,” Newell said. “This decision is incorrect.”
He took the stand in his own defense Monday. The former governor said that he moved money from one account to another to pay for general assistance on the reservation, but claimed he was following the mandate of his tribe to lower the unemployment rate that averaged between 30 percent and 60 percent a year on the reservation.
Newell also said after the verdict that even though there were no American Indians on the jury, many would speak on his behalf at his sentencing.
Parisi did not testify. His attorneys argued that he had no authority to act on his own and moved money only at Newell’s direction.
Parisi’s attorney, Jay McCloskey of Bangor, said that he and his client would be discussing what to do next.
“We accept the jury’s verdict, but we respectfully disagree with the results,” McCloskey said. “We will be considering our options.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney James Chapman Jr., who prosecuted the case, said he was pleased with the verdict. The federal prosecutor added that his office would issue a press release about the case today.
“The jury obviously considered the evidence very carefully,” Chapman said as he left the courtroom.
Newell, who most recently served as tribal governor at Indian Township from 2002 to 2006, and Parisi, who served as the tribe’s finance director from 2003 to 2006, were indicted on March 19, 2008, by a federal grand jury after a nearly two-year investigation.
Their trial began Monday, Nov. 3, and has focused on thousands of documents from bank records to internal tribal papers to contracts the tribe had with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and other government agencies.
Each man faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on the more serious charges of misapplication of tribal government funds and misapplication of health care funds. They also could be ordered to pay nearly $2 million in restitution to six federal agencies and-or departments.
On 11/21/08 at 1:59 AM,
bassman4447 wrote:
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good job give them the max
On 11/21/08 at 4:30 AM,
concerned1 wrote:
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Justice. YES, it's about time. And I echo what tha bassman says.
On 11/21/08 at 5:31 AM,
tewhiti wrote:
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Wasn't Alaska's Senator Ted Stevens convicted on seven out of seven felonies? He got a standing ovation from the Senate yesterday. Stevens did what he did for personal gain. I wonder if that is true about Newell.
On 11/21/08 at 5:52 AM,
concerned1 wrote:
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No need to wonder. The simple answer is of course the crook did.
On 11/21/08 at 6:05 AM,
mainer4life_69 wrote:
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WOW! A huge step for JUSTICE! When you're guilty 29 out of 30 charges...only Robert Newell would be stupid enough to embarrass himself further by appealing this accurate and appropriate decision! I think Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb better learn how to live in much smaller quarters...similar to that of an 8'X8' cell!...LOL!!!!!!! Lastly, I want to say something I've been waiting so despartely to say to this idiot..."What comes around...Goes around!" Have a pleasant life behind bars! Can you say FELONY?!
On 11/21/08 at 7:10 AM,
concerned1 wrote:
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LOL, the checks will keep piling up until he gets out. He'll be rich either way
On 11/21/08 at 7:35 AM,
mickey wrote:
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Jim I told u to stay away and be careful
On 11/21/08 at 7:36 AM,
mickey wrote:
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Poor Jim When I told you to stay away from Bobby you should of listened to me. I told you he would take you down. Bobby deserves it but you don't Jim
On 11/21/08 at 7:45 AM,
concerned1 wrote:
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LOL.They BOTH desreve it. What part of theyre crooks dont you get?
On 11/21/08 at 8:26 AM,
Cherry wrote:
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wow. didn't come out smelling like roses this time.
On 11/21/08 at 9:30 AM,
concerned1 wrote:
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LOL, I'm native and totaly agree with all of it.... I wouldnt take a check from the goverment if handed to me on a silver platter. They have every excuse in the world why we owe them. I say get off your lazy asses. No more handouts.
On 11/21/08 at 10:19 AM,
lucky1 wrote:
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to the concerned1, we have more whites living off these funds than we have indians, what do you propose we do with these lazy asses?? they are living high off the hog, trying to get on the reservation anyway they can, we have more white babies on the indian census that true natives, I have never seen so many blonde and blue eyes, more than all of Washington County
On 11/21/08 at 10:29 AM,
lucky1 wrote:
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who said there was no prejudice in Maine, just read all these comments, IGNORANCE
On 11/21/08 at 11:01 AM,
underneath wrote:
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Wow...what a place to live.....you people should be ashamed of yourselves for treating your own people like this. So true.....WHAT COMES AROUND GOES AROUND! All things happen for a reason also and the people and documents that where put infront of the jury for Newell and Perisi's case will be back in court some day for the current Tribal Govt. Administrations case when it all gets sent in to the Govt. ........ Enjoy those bear account checks now, and your big fat pay checks cause they wont be with you for long.............every Gov. treats the monies the same! You too will be having a hard time saying FELON! Your familiy, children and grandchildren will be effected just like Newells and Perisi's are. My hats off to Mr. Newell for the many years you supported your ENTIRE reservation.......your a TRUE PASSAMAQUODDY!!!!!!!!!...............to bad others aren't like you......half passamaquoddy's, 3/8 , 1/4 passamaquoddy's that just got jealous of your possition and had to put one of their own in this situation! Jim you are an innocent bystander......so sorry! Well see everyone back in court when all your garbage comes out!!!!.......It aint over yet people! :-)
On 11/21/08 at 11:15 AM,
concerned1 wrote:
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Oh it'sover allright... Off to jail he goes. lol
On 11/21/08 at 12:39 PM,
righteous_one wrote:
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Today should be turned into a Federal Holiday for the Passamaquoddy Tribe. It's time we all move forward and come to realize that we will never have to worry about SADDAM serving as Governor again!!! These two can now be called "Convicts." Jim Parasite will feel nice and comfortable in a 8x8 cell with another roommate! Last but not least, Saddam you got what you deserve. Have a good life and hopefully someday you'll come to realize that you did do wrong!!
On 11/21/08 at 1:05 PM,
fukitol wrote:
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HALLELUIAH!!!!
On 11/21/08 at 1:27 PM,
mainer2 wrote:
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I'm from Pleasant Point, of course I have relatives that reside on Indian township, It's a catch 22, the very same people who complain about Bobby were the same people who he helped out and gave to his people. Back stabbers, ungreatful, tribal members. Try living off the res and see how far you'll get . I'm not a support of Bobby and I'm not against him, it upsets me that people can be nice to your face one moment then the next if you actually say NO, watch out. I'm one of many blonde hair green eye natives who live off the res now. THANK GOD.
Woliwon
On 11/21/08 at 3:27 PM,
listenup wrote:
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Mainer2 so because your a Native do not live on a reservation that makes you better than the others????? Im sure their glad you live off as well, im sure your their collecting anything that you can.....
On 11/21/08 at 3:38 PM,
stcroixvalley wrote:
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Has there been other governors charged in the past? Just wondering. And it seems that the accountant sort of got dragged along on this one... but shouldn't he have known the law? Interesting, as I'm sure this will get played out during appeal. No mention of how many on the jury were native...
On 11/21/08 at 4:54 PM,
NochigahnehAlnabeh wrote:
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Fughum!
On 11/21/08 at 6:56 PM,
ehpicik wrote:
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To underneath....Today is a sad day for the Passamaquoddy People. Mr. Newell did this to himself. As far as the current administration goes..BRAVO. This administration has completed 3 years of audits in less than 2 years, have passed new policies and updated old ones, not to mention follow Council Approved Budgets and have also paid over 250,000 in debts created by the last administration. It is over, the jury voted a Unanimous verdict to 29 of 30 felony counts. Its time to move forward and start the healing process.
On 11/21/08 at 7:00 PM,
passamaquoddybaygirl wrote:
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...another blonde hair/green eyed native here... I have lots of relatives on both Passamaquoddy rez's. I hope this hate and discontent can diminish...
These are terrible times for everyone and it won't be getting easier in the future. I hope LNG opens up so there will be JOBS in Washington county
: )
On 11/21/08 at 8:52 PM,
inmainend1 wrote:
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It is a sad day to fall so far from the top to the bottom. I guess that means no more hand outs. You wonder why this family's kids ended up the way they did. it is to bad.
On 11/21/08 at 9:15 PM,
underneath wrote:
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ehpicik.......why a sad day? You sound like the current governor...........start the healing process............the tribe will never heal with stealers still in Administration. passamaquoddybabygirl...........the hate and discontent will NEVER diminish............Tribal people hurt tribal people today and the youth feel it just as much as the elders. And remember the youth are our future!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!EVERYONE will remember this, everyone of those back stabbers that got on the stand were ALL, but one, a close friend of SAKOM, (one day or another) or should I say a HUGE a** kisser..... they took the money just as easy as the "druggies"........actually easier!!
On 11/21/08 at 10:30 PM,
PokeyBo wrote:
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I wasn't in the courtroom/jurybox, so all I know about this specific case is what I read in the BDN. However, I believe this the third time Bobby has gotten in trouble for misappropriation of funds. The first was at Pleasant Point, the latter two at Township. While an intelligent and charismatic man, there is an unsettling pattern of behavior here, and the evidence in this case was sufficiently persuasive to lead to conviction on 29 of 30 counts.
While it is true that there are many problems associated with the lingering effects of racism against Native people, the theft of whose land enables the rest of us to literally support our economy…our lives…most of those problems reflect negative manifestations of the worst aspects of the dominant culture and oppression of a traditional culture. These problems include an increasing emphasis on acquisition of material goods, diminishment of traditional values, loss of respect for elders, substance abuse, family dissolution, a political system ripe for corruption, and good people working hard to improve that society.
Gee, it pretty much sounds like the non-Native social and political scene, doesn’t it?
It is not the People of Passamaquoddy who have created a consumptive economy that is foreclosing our grandchildren’s futures, or governments that create a state of near-permanent war, with the ability to kill everyone on the planet many times over. I would suggest that we who live in “glass cultures” not throw stones…lighten up a bit on the judgmental chatter.
On 11/22/08 at 9:30 AM,
LincolnMOM wrote:
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30 counts...Wow.... what a honorable position he was given and what a total fool he made of himself.
On 11/22/08 at 10:13 AM,
RealCherry wrote:
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Mr. Newell reminds me of Jim Jones.
On 11/22/08 at 12:55 PM,
CharlieHistoryMan wrote:
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What is the meaning of the convictions? Was he money misplaced? Misspent? Stolen? Used for personal gain? Who were the victems? The tribal teasury? People who lost out on benefits?
Now that the Indians have little power it is easy to put the blame back on them, but then we have to forget that the tribes have been the victem for generations. What action has the tribal government taken in this case?
It is interesting to me that such an article is written and none of the questions that I have posed are answered.
On 11/22/08 at 9:43 PM,
eveningrain wrote:
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CharlieHistoryMan asks some interesting questions.
However, I am not aware of all the facts of the case, but if a jury of his peers found him guilty, and there should have been natives on that jury too, then justice has been served, unless, of course, they were both set up - that happens too - we often have JUST US and not justice in this country. However, it is sad to see so many people gloating over the disgrace these actions have brought upon the tribal nation. All forms of government have some sort of corruption, because unfortunately people get greedy and power corrupts even those with the best intentions. What also disturbs me is the overtones of racism that I read again and again in comments regarding articles pertaining to Maine tribal nations. What is desperately needed for all tribal nations, is a return to traditional values, and the tribe's ability to build up an economic base of their own so they can have jobs instead of poverty all the time. Not all people can deal with a sense of hopelessness year after year. A lot of Mainers drink, beat thier spouses, etc.,. domestic violence is one of our most common crimes - and it's all based on the hard lives so many have to live - the inabilty to never get ahead, even a little in such a rotten economy. We need jobs - we need to encourage youth to get a good education and help them to achieve that. We never know what tomorrow holds for any of us or our families - so it's a dangerous thing to gloat and find satisfaction in the troubles of others, even if it's of their own self-making.
We as humans, are so quick to judge and criticize and so slow to praise and encourage. Maybe if we all made an effort to be kind to one another more often, there would be so much less hatred in our world.
On 11/24/08 at 8:39 AM,
Cherry wrote:
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Sorry, eveningrain - Domestic Violence is not caused by hard times, it's about power and control, there is no excuse for it, not drinking, not poverty, not anything. It's preventable, yet it happens in every population regardless of income, race, or substance use. A job won't change a batterer.
On 11/24/08 at 10:05 AM,
ehpicik wrote:
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Underneath...there are so many people who lack an open mind. To be mistaken for the current Gov is only a compliment. He has managed to keep our tribe from further embarrassment and has gain trust & respect from local businesses and more importantly our elders. To make negative assumptions about our current administration is only a sad way of taking the focus off the side walk accounting that Mr. Newell created in his administration. You should try to become part of a solution and not add to our problems.........Pokybo...Obviously you are well educated, you have a sophisticated way with words, unlike those who are narrowminded and ignorant (per say underneath). You have some very good points and have enlightened me. Thank you for helping me see that I am wasting my time trying to bring about good points, in a bad situation...Taho!
On 11/24/08 at 12:59 PM,
Ethics2050 wrote:
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Kudos to Cherry’s comment regarding domestic violence; it’s succinct and accurate. Regarding Bobby Newell: It sounds like he’s already playing the blame game for his addiction to white-collar crime. Interesting, “… following the mandate of his tribe to lower the unemployment rate.” Obviously, Newell just got too big for himself and via flatulence created a mandate of his own design. Or, does anyone know of any tribal mandate w/ policies and procedures that would allow for “misapplication” of federal and tribal funds, and methods to defraud the government(s)? At least, justice will be served in this case for the Passamaquoddy Tribe. Note: My former tribal governor pled “ignorance” and was acquitted on similar charges. Prior to the trial, the tribal casino paid off his family’s debts and procured a renowned million-dollar attorney to represent him. No justice in this case and for my people.
Our communities throughout Indian Country are suffering, and we all need to begin the process of building and teaching strong moral foundations for healthier living and survival. All good beginnings are hard, because anything good requires more work and personal sacrifice. Blessings and Peace to All!
On 11/28/08 at 12:38 PM,
KRenee wrote:
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Yada yada yada! Race shouldn't even be a factor in the matter, you get what you give! Stealing from the government is a no-no. Black, white, native, asian...it's against the law!
On 12/1/08 at 3:52 PM,
Dachelle wrote:
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It's great knowing that Bobby can never hurt our community as much as he already has every again because he is a felon. I like the comment that underneath wrote (My hats off to Mr. Newell for the many years you supported your ENTIRE reservation.......your a TRUE PASSAMAQUODDY!!!!!!!!!...............) How do you say BULLSHIT! I was just about to have my daughter Brooklyn (who is 1/8 Passamaquoddy and NOT on the census, another misconception) when great ol' Bobby decided to lay me off due to lack of funds. Was his family still getting paychecks for jobs they didn't even hold or should I say go to....YEAH....But yet their wasn't enought funds to keep my job afloat! Before all this, he lays my mother off....BIG mistake there! Let's lay off Denise and put someone in her position that has absolutely no training. Smart Bobby Real Smart........I voted for Billy and why wouldn't I.....I've asked Billy on occasions for assistance before he was governor and since he's been governor and he's always been honest and straight forward with me, when he wasn't able to help, he told me, he didn't pussy-foot around like Bobby used to do and string me along...I admire people who can be staright forward! I've seen first hand the improvements that Billy has made to tribal government inside and out, and for what he has done and the time in which he has done it, I applaude him and his staff....For once since I've been a young adult I am proud to say I am a member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe. I have much more I would love to express my opinion on, but will leave you with this for now, or else I may be on here for days....LOL
On 12/22/08 at 9:52 AM,
underneath wrote:
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Well Miss Dachelle........you or your mother werent supporters of Robert so he let you go! Just as Billy did so WAH! Your mother didnt do her job right and still doesnt, thats why 2 weeks ago they started an investigation on HER! Not registering vehicles right....they said there was alot of wrong registrations on Township. SMART DECHELLEPHANT>>>>>SMART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OHHHHHHHH, where to start on you...........well I bet half the reservation wished they had HALF the money you have recieved from Billy.....ya know the BEAR ACCOUNT......how would you earn $700.00-$800.00 at a time out of a made up account that should be for ALL Indian Township residents? PLUS.....you have a JOB!!!!!!!!! Once Roberts case is over, you and all the other people receiving checks out of the BEAR ACCOUNT will be brought to court on BILLYS CASE!!!!!!...........Everyone knows that Tribal Govt. is never a secure job, so you better start looking for a new one in the next 2 years! LOL! Get a real job!!!!!!!Your gonna see BULLSHIT for a while! You use the system just as well. I heard that Tribal Govt. delivered you a cord of wood and you dont even have a woodstove! Use it up case it will explode in your face. So next time you want to try and air dirty laundry remember your stinks just as much as you try and make someone elses!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On 12/26/08 at 8:54 AM,
mainer2 wrote:
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can't we just all get along? so many claws are out and sharpened.......
On 2/25/09 at 8:57 PM,
TwpRaised wrote:
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Hah, Im not saying that they should get into trouble for wat they did, but everyone isnt looking at the BIG picture, bobby helped out ALOT of ppl on our reservation! OUR ELDERS , YOUNG PEOPLE, SICK PEOPLE!! EVERYONE hes not like our governor now, we dont get no help from BILLY at all!!!!!! at least bobby spent our money helping out the ppl from the reservation! even though it wasnt supposed to be spent like that i dont think that they shoud go to prison! EVERYONE ON OUR RESERVATION NEEDED HELP and he gave it to us !! we got general assistance, some ppl were just living on that , now we dont have nothing from our present governor, all he cares about is himself and HIS family,jeez u have to have a certain last friggen name to get helped by that idiot, he looks down on most of the ppl from our reservation, BOBBY HELPED EVERYONE, GOOD OR BAD!! i think that this has gone way to far , doesnt anyone believe in 2nd chances!! WELL THEY DESERVE A SECOND CHANCE, THESE PPL HAVE FAMILYS AND FAMILIES TO SUPPORT, & YOU PPL ARE GOING TO TAKE THAT AWAY FROM THEM !! Al i have to say is that riduculous &
good luck bobby & jon!
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