THE ALASKA STORY
Oct. 5, 2026 – A former Curyung Tribal Council employee who stole his co-workers’ identities and embezzled more than $98,000 from the federally recognized tribe has been ordered to pay $125,834.58 in restitution.
The Sept. 28 restitution order follows the April 17 sentencing of William Corbett, 37, of Dillingham, to two years and a day in federal prison. Corbett also received three years of supervised release and a $10,000 fine.
The council hired Corbett in February 2023 as an accountant and information technology specialist, according to court documents described by the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska. Corbett moved quickly to commit his crimes.
From October 2023 through February 2024, Corbett diverted tribal money into his personal accounts through several methods. He wrote unauthorized checks from the tribe’s accounts to his own accounts, falsified co-workers’ payroll documents and deposited their paychecks into his accounts. He also charged unauthorized personal purchases to the tribe.
Corbett pleaded guilty on June 10, 2025, to one count of embezzlement and theft from an Indian tribal organization, two counts of wire fraud, and two counts of aggravated identity theft.
“The sentence and restitution order imposed in this case demonstrates the consequences of choosing to steal from Alaska’s Tribal organizations,” said US Attorney Michael J. Heyman. “My office is committed to prosecuting those who seek personal profit at the expense of our rural communities.”
The restitution is payable to Curyung Tribal Council and is separate from the $10,000 fine imposed at sentencing.
