Tribal lobbyist faces federal charges

Kevin Ring, a former lobbyist for the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe, has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of conspiracy, obstruction of justice and fraud, according to Stephanie Vosk of the Cape Cod Times.

Ring, who used to work for convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff, helped the tribe with its application for federal recognition, a key to its bid to build a giant gambling casino in Middleborough.

None other than former tribal council president Glenn Marshall, who stepped down after it was revealed he was a convicted rapist who had lied about his military record, once testified to Ring’s good name.

The charges against Ring do not may involve his dealings with the Mashpee. [Update: The charges refer to a “Massachusetts tribal client” that may well have been the Mashpee tribe.]

Cape Cod Today has more.