IT Director Charged With Stealing $233k From GT Band

Nov. 25, 2015

The former Information Technology (IT) Director of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians is facing felony charges for allegedly embezzling over $233,000 from the Tribe.

Michael Buchanan is accused of purchasing computer equipment from 2008 to 2012 and reselling it to third parties, pocketing the profits. The charges are the result of "extensive investigatory work" between the Tribe and the FBI, according to a written release from the Tribe Tuesday.

Buchanan is expected to be arraigned Monday in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids. Tribe officials anticipate "that Mr. Buchanan will not contest the charges," according to the release.