Ojibwe Tribal Authorities Want Their Share

The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe has taken legal action against the city of Brainerd over a firefighter who pleaded guilty to embezzling $600,000 from the tribe.

Tribal officials say their losses actually exceeded $1.4-million.  They're seeking an injunction against the city if the city decides to settle a separate claim with Erick Makowski-Budrow.

According to reports Makowsi-Budrow remains a paid on-call Brainerd firefighter.  After he pleaded guilty to the embezzlement, he offered to release the city from legal claims he had filed against it in return for $50,000.

In court documents filed Friday, tribal officials say any money the city might plan to pay him should go to them instead.

The City Council has not voted on taking any action in the case.