Former Mashpee Wampanoag Leader Admits to Tax Fraud amid Corruption Case

This development marks the culmination of a long-standing legal battle between Cromwell and his tribe, initially stemming from accusations of briberyImage Source: Shutterstock.com

Former Mashpee Wampanoag Tribechairman Cedric Cromwell pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court to four counts of filing false tax returns, closing another chapter in a years-long corruption drama related to the tribe’s languishing casino project in Taunton. Cromwell was previously sentenced for accepting bribes and misusing funds designated for the tribe.

Cromwell Could Face Years Behind Bars

The60-year-oldpleaded guilty to failing to report about$177,000in income to the IRS between 2014 and 2017. A significant portion of that income was the result of his position as chairman of the tribe’s Gaming Authority while it worked on the First Light Resort and Casinoproject, a venture plagued by controversy and delays.

Cromwell’s undisclosed income includedpayments and benefitshe received while allegedly protecting the interests of a private architectural companyinvolved in the project, according to court records. Cromwell’s lawyer, Daniel Cloherty, told local news outlet Cape Cod Times that the defendant was willing to end this long and arduous legal process.

“After many years of litigation, he and his family are looking forward to having the matter finally resolved.”

Daniel Cloherty, lawyer of Cedric Cromwell

Sentencing is set for November 5. Cromwell could face up to 42 months in prison, one year of supervised release, and more than $270,000 in total restitution. This sum includes $61,000to the IRS and almost $210,000 to the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. He will also pay an $800mandatory special assessment.

The Tribe’s Milestone Casino Project Suffered

Cromwell’s legal troubles date back to his first indictment in 2020, where federal prosecutors accused him of receiving bribes fromDavid DeQuattro, the leader of a Rhode Island-based architecture firm. The company had secured alucrative position as the “owner’s representative” for the casino plan. Prosecutors accused Cromwell of acceptingpersonal favorsin return for maintaining DeQuattro’s contract with the tribe.

During the legal proceedings, Cromwell apologized in court and said that he repented for his behavior. He was found guilty of bribery in 2022, although a federal judge subsequently threw out the extortion counts. That decision was overturned in September 2024by theUS Court of Appeals, which reinstated the extortion convictions.

Despite the years-long legal drama, Thursday’s guilty plea on tax charges marks a clear conclusionto the case. As for the First Light Resort and Casino, the projectremains unfinished. What was once a symbol of economic independence for the tribe instead became acautionary tale, tainted by mismanagement and suspicion.