Fraud charges filed against tribal fish and game officer

SEATTLE (AP) — Fraud charges have been filed against a fish and game enforcement officer with the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community accused of misusing tribal funds.

According to a complaint filed in U.S. District Court last month, Robert Scott Miller faces nine counts of wire fraud and two counts of theft of tribal funds. He was arrested on Thursday and released on bond.

The complaint alleges Miller used his position as a fish and game officer to embezzle funds and property from the Swinomish Tribe in northwest Washington. It says he used tribal money to buy items such as fuel, a chain saw and other equipment.

Miller's attorney did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

Miller has been a tribal fish and game officer since 1997.

In July, the former police chief of the Swinomish Police Department pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $34,000 from the tribe.