Mass. tribe to elect new leaders

MASHPEE, Mass. — A Cape Cod Indian tribe that’s reeling from financial scandal is scheduled to elect new leaders this weekend.

It’s the first election for the Mashpee Wampanoag since former chairman Glenn Marshall resigned following revelations in 2007 by the Cape Cod Times that he had been convicted of rape and lied about his military record.

Marshall has also admitted funneling $4 million to an account to pay illegal campaign contributions and personal expenses. He has agreed to plead guilty to federal fraud and corruption charges.

In Sunday’s election, three candidates are vying for the chairmanship of the 1,500 member tribe: tribal council member Cedric Cromwell, Mashpee Selectman George Green and tribe elder Putnam Peters.

Whoever wins will play a key role in negotiations with Gov. Deval Patrick to build a proposed $1 billion casino in Middleborough.