July 24–NEW HAVEN — A federal jury has found Michael Thomas, the former Mashantucket Pequot tribal chairman, guilty of charges he embezzled from the tribe that owns Foxwoods Resort Casino.
The federal government had alleged that Thomas embezzled about $100,000 from the tribe through the misuse of a tribe-issued American Express card that was to be used strictly for business purposes.
Thomas, 44, declined comment as he left the court room.
“We’re very disappointed,” Thomas’ federal public defender, Paul Thomas, who is not related to his client, said.
U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton set sentencing for Oct. 22. Thomas will remain free on $100,000 bond until then.
Following two days of testimony, attorneys delivered closing arguments this morning, and the jury began deliberating at about 11:45 a.m. They were to break for lunch at 12:30 p.m.
Shortly before 2 p.m., word circulated in the court room that a verdict had been reached.
At about 2:15, the jury foreman, a woman, stood and pronounced verdicts of guilty on each of three counts. On each count, the jury found Thomas guilty of embezzlement and misapplication of funds.
Arterton then asked the jurors individually if this was their verdict. All said it was.
