NIGA Responds to Abramoff's Guilty Plea

WASHINGTON, D.C. – (PRESS RELEASE) -- The National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) is issuing a formal statement regarding Jack Abramoff's guilty plea agreement on Federal charges of conspiracy, mail fraud and tax evasion.

"It is indeed sad and very wrong that Mr. Abramoff violated the trust of so many. He violated the trust of not only Indian tribes, but also politicians, banks and major corporations, charitable organizations, a Federal territory, his own law firm and the public. Tribal governments, like state and local governments, seek the assistance of lawyers and professionals to protect their government rights and further the legitimate goals of tribal communities. Mr. Abramoff was a member of a major national law firm, and his clients, both Indian and non-Indian, were entitled to the highest standard of professional conduct," said NIGA Chairman Ernest L. Stevens, Jr.

"The United States has a trust responsibility to protect Indian tribes. We are confident that the Justice Department will prosecute Mr. Abramoff and other offenders like Mr. Scanlon, who knowingly conspired with him, to the full extent of the law, and we fully support the Department's efforts," said Stevens.

"Abramoff's conviction makes clear that there is a legal framework in place to protect Indian tribes from fraud. As the court ordered, the tribes that were injured by his fraud deserve to be compensated."

The National Indian Gaming Association is a non-profit trade association comprised of 184 American Indian Nations and other non-voting associate members. The mission of NIGA is to advance the lives of Indian people - economically, socially and politically. NIGA operates as a clearinghouse and educational, legislative and public policy resource for tribes, policymakers and the public on Indian gaming issues, sovereignty and tribal community development.