Man gets two years after embezzling $100k from tribes

A federal judge sentenced an Omak man last week to two years in prison for embezzling funds from the Colville Tribes.

Chad Jeremy Monaghan, 42, an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, was sentenced after having pleaded guilty on June 3 to one count of embezzling over $1,000 from a tribal organization, and one count of being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

Chief United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Monaghan Thursday to a 24-month prison term on each count to run concurrently. A three-year term of court supervision will follow his release. Rice also ordered him to pay $107,980 in restitution.

Monaghan stole the money over three years while working at the Tribal Trails Omak gas station.

Colville Tribal Police Department officers obtained a warrant to search Monaghan’s residence, finding $3,000 in U.S. currency and four firearms. Monaghan is a previously convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.