By BOB GIBBINS
MUSKOGEE – A Tahlequah man pleaded guilty Tuesday to taking $5,000 from the United Keetoowah Band while working for the tribal housing office.
Earb Mitchell Kimble, 44, was charged with theft concerning programs receiving federal funds. The FBI and Department of Housing and Urban Development and office of the inspector general worked the investigation leading to the charges in federal court. Kimble was represented by local attorney Donn Baker.
Authorities say Kimble embezzled, obtained by fraud or misapplied and knowingly converted more than $5,000 to his own use between April 19, 2002, and June 29, 2004. He was indicted in April 2009.
U.S. Attorney Sheldon Sperling said Kimble was an agent of the UKB Housing Authority, which received $972,542 in 2002, $968,727 in 2003, and $888,429 in 2004 under a federal program known as the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination, an Indian housing block grant.
U.S. Magistrate Kimberly West accepted the plea and ordered a pre-sentence investigation. Sentencing will be set on its completion, and Kimble will remain free on bond until then. The range of punishment is up to 10 years and $250,000 in fines. A preliminary calculation of the sentencing guidelines projects an advisory sentencing range of 18-24 months.
