Forensic audit launched into San Carlos Apache Tribe's missing $470,000 funeral fund
SAN CARLOS, Ariz. - A forensic accounting firm will take a closer look at the San Carlos Apache Tribe's funeral assistance program.
The backstory:
An active internal investigation was underway within the tribe regarding hundreds of thousands of dollars missing from a fund designated to help families pay for the funerals of deceased loved ones between October 2025 and April 2026.
FOX 10 Investigator Justin Lum uncovered that the program was missing $470,000.
Four program employees with the program are on paid administrative leave and work directly under Tribal Chairman Terry Rambler. One of the employees includes the tribal secretary.
San Carlos Apache funeral fund probe: 4 employees on leave amid investigation, sources say
The San Carlos Apache Tribe is investigating $470,000 missing from its funeral fund. Four staff members are suspended as investigators track the missing funds.
What they're saying:
"The Tribe remains committed to ensuring that all funds are accurately accounted for," Chairman Terry Rambler said in part in a press release on May 29. "Employees f the Program will remain paid administrative leave while the accounts are reviewed by the auditing firm, in accordance with established policies."
What's next:
So far, no one has been accused of wrongdoing at this time. The review could take several weeks.
The Source: San Carlos Apache Tribe and previous FOX 10 reports.