A former accounts payable manager for the Muscogee Nation’s gaming operations has been sentenced to federal prison for orchestrating one of the largest embezzlement schemes ever reported within the tribe’s financial structure. Michael Anthony Houser, 36, formerly of Broken Arrow, received a 70-month prison sentence for Theft Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds and a 36-month sentence for Tax Fraud. The sentences will run concurrently.

Houser was also ordered to pay more than $25.5 million in restitution, including:

• $17,337,949.50 to the Muscogee Nation

• $8,205,834.00 to the Internal Revenue Service Federal investigators determined that between July 2016 and February 2024, Houser embezzled $24,907,436.07 while serving in a financial management role for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Gaming Operations Authority Board, later known as Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises, LLC.

According to the release, Houser not only stole from the tribe but also failed to report the stolen money as income on his federal tax returns, resulting in more than $8.2 million in unpaid taxes. In one tax year alone (2022), Houser failed to report $7.85 million in income.

Federal officials emphasized the seriousness of the crimes:

• U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Kyle Smith stated the case demonstrates the agency’s commitment to protecting communities from fraud.

• IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Christopher J. Altemus Jr. said Houser’s actions “harmed the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and undermined trust in public and tribal institutions.”

• U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson reaffirmed the office’s commitment to prosecuting individuals who defraud tribal nations.

Houser, who pleaded guilty on Feb. 20, was scheduled to report to a federal Bureau of Prisons facility on Nov. 10.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kara Traster, T. Cameron McEwen, and Clay Compton prosecuted the case.