SASKATOON – The man accused of defrauding a Saskatchewan First Nation out of millions of dollars has fired his lawyer. Hugo Gallegos, the former accountant for the Whitecap Dakota First Nation, was expected to enter a plea in court on Thursday.
Instead, he fired his lawyer and his new lawyer asked for a two-week adjournment in order to review the case.
Gallegos was charged with fraud, theft and laundering in September 2013 after millions of dollars allegedly went missing from the First Nation located south of Saskatoon.
He fled to El Salvador prior to the charges being laid, but returned on his own accord in October 2013.
READ MORE: Former Sask. FN employee accused of stealing over $1M turns himself in
Many members of the First Nation were in court for today’s appearance.
Chief Darcy Bear believes today’s move is a stalling tactic.
“What goes on in that man’s mind is beyond me,” said Bear. “We’re extremely disappointed. As a community, we were expecting this matter to be addressed today and sentencing.”
Gallegos will be back in court on June 18 to enter a plea.
Wendy Winiewski contributed to this story
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