WELLPINIT, Wash. – The Spokane Tribe of Indians responded to the indictment of a former employee on Monday.
According to the US Department of Justice, Tawhnee Willow Colvin served as the Assistant Director of the tribes’ Department of Health and Human Services from 2019 to 2023.
She allegedly embezzled over $100,000 in funds meant for the foster care system during that time period.
The tribe responded by acknowledging the indictments and saying that it is not the policy of the Spokane government to discuss the specifics of ongoing proceedings.
“The tribe considers these to be very serious charges, however, as a matter of policy, we do not discuss the specifics of ongoing judicial proceedings. As always, the Tribe will continue to cooperate with our federal law enforcement partners,” a tribal press release said.
Indictments are allegations by prosecutors, not proof of guilt. Colvin will have the opportunity to defend herself in court.
