(KNZA)--Three former Kickapoo tribal leaders are facing criminal charges, accused of misusing money belonging to the Tribe.

Former tribal chairman Steve Cadue, former tribal treasurer Bobbie Darnell and former tribal secretary Adolph Cadue Jr. are each charged with fraudulent handling of recordable instruments, tampering with records and misuse of tribal funds.

The complaints alleged that tribal council officials took action to draw down money from the tribe’s federal burial fund and then falsified resolutions showing the tribal council action was for a much greater amount.  Based on those resolutions, those amounts were then transferred from the tribe’s burial fund held by the federal government on behalf of the Tribe to the Tribe’s bank account where the money was used to subsidize payroll and other tribal expenses.

Both Steve Cadue and Adolph Cadue Jr. were removed from their tribal council positions pursuant to the tribal constitution after the tribal council determined they allegedly committed misconduct in office.

Each of the three charges are punishable by six months imprisonment and up to banishment from the Kickapoo Reservation.

They are scheduled to make their first appearance in court April 8th.

According to a news release, the Kickapoo Tribe is being represented by Special Prosecutor Tom Lemon of the Topeka law firm Cavanaugh, Biggs and Lemon.  Court documents do not yet list any attorneys for the three charged former tribal officials.