Eds: APNewsNow.

HAVRE, Mont. (AP) A Box Elder man who has pleaded guilty to stealing from the Chippewa Cree Tribe remains employed by the tribe.

Emery P. Nault pleaded guilty to theft from an Indian tribal organization receiving federal funding during a U.S. District Court hearing in Great Falls on Oct. 22.

Prosecutors say Nault used credit cards issued to him to conduct official business in his job as the tribe's fire management officer to make $10,850 in personal charges at restaurants, hotels, bars and casinos in Havre and Great Falls between January 2003 and June 2006.

Federal officials say he has repaid nearly $7,000 through payroll deduction, while losses to the tribe total $6,350 including bank fees.

U.S. Magistrate Keith Strong scheduled sentencing for Jan. 14.

Robert Belcourt, head of the Natural Resources Department at Rocky Boy, confirmed to the Havre Daily News Wednesday that Nault was employed in that department.

Information from: Havre Daily News, http://www.havredailynews.com (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-30-09 1259CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list