The convicted chief of Poundmaker Cree First Nation is headed back to office.
Duane Antoine was re-elected May 18, despite being one of the eight individuals and officials who pled guilty in the a land entitlement fraud case involving the reserve. Antoine had entered a guilty plea in April to theft under $5,000.
Despite that, he was re-elected Friday over three challengers. The other candidates were Bretner Baptiste, Deanne Kasokeo, and Daric Weenie.
Also winning a seat on band council again was Colin Favel, who entered guilty pleas to theft under $5000 and over $5000.
Both Favel and Antoine are to be sentenced in September.
The election had been held under a cloud of controversy in light of the treaty land entitlement charges, which included charges of theft, fraud and breach of trust. The charges are connected to funds set aside in trust for the purchase of land for the reserve.
Five accused individuals pled guilty to theft under $5,000 while three more also pled guilty to theft over $5,000. Among those entering a guilty plea for theft under $5,000 was the former chief Ted Antoine.
A ninth individual, Victoria McMillan, still faces theft and fraud charges and has elected to go to trial.
