FRED PAQUIN

With the recent announcement of a guilty plea by Fred Paquin to ripping off the federal government and the Sault Tribe members as well as the release of details of his plea agreement, some are concerned that Paquin will get a slap on the hands, a free ride past 'Go', a 'Stay Out of Jail' card and the option of having his criminal record expunged in the future.

It's a federal crime...he pled guilty to a felony...expunged isn't going to happen. No judge (with the exception of a judge appointed by crooks) would expunge the record of a former police chief for federal crimes. A lot of good 'expunged' would do when Paquin's crimes have been all over the news. Fast Freddie will do some prison time, fines and restitution will need to be paid. His reputation isn't worth a pound of dirt. He won't be able to show his face ever again since he will be tossing out the names of his former friends and associates as perpetrators of crimes like trick or treat candy in order to keep his daughter out of prison and himself serving less than he would otherwise. Prison...a year or more...doesn't matter because he is done, ruined, as he should be and just as he has done to others.

The feds were listening, they built their case and thanks to that slime ball Fred, there will be more arrests to come. Knowing that the tribal embezzlers, who have stolen money that belonged to all of us-that was meant for education, healthcare and jobs for tribal members, might be lining up for their day in court and will be ruined just as Fred is now, makes me pretty darned happy. Justice, regardless of jail time, has been done-will be done. They will be ruined just as they have done to many innocent tribal members and former employees.

The feds have their eyes on those in this tribe who stole federal funds so if anyone has anything to say, the time is now. Do something great for your fellow tribal citizens and point the feds in the right direction. Several, past and present, who serve on the committee of the Mackinac Bands have knowledge of and access to numerous documents that support past allegations of misuse of federal funds...approximately $800,000 in ANA grants not to mention those under the Department of Health and Human Services has a familiar ring to it...a reminder to the feds may be in order.