Mashpee Tribe claims harm from Cromwell indictment, files lawsuit for compensation

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and two affiliates have brought a civil lawsuit against Cedric Cromwell, former chairman of the tribe. Two other defendants in the lawsuit, filed Nov. 13, are Louis Catarina of Greenville, Rhode Island, and Constantinos Mitrokostas, of Mashpee.

The lawsuit alleges that the tribe and its affiliates have suffered financial harm due to Cromwell's 2020 federal indictment, which was related to the tribe's plans to build a resort and casino in Taunton.

In May 2022, Cromwell was found guilty of bribery, conspiracy, extortion, and was sentenced to 36 months in prison. Cromwell was ordered to pay a $25,000 fine; a $200 special assessment; and restitution. As of Jan. 9, the restitution amount was $250,000.

Following Cromwell's indictment on those charges, the plaintiffs incurred costs as a result of business interruptions caused by the indictment; they have struggled to acquire new sources of financing due to harm caused by the indictment; and their reputations have been damaged, according to the complaint.

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe declined to comment on advice of their attorney, according to Steven Peters, a tribe spokesperson. Jeffrey B. Loeb and Jonathan R. Loeb, attorneys for the tribe, did not return calls and emails seeking comment.

The names of attorneys for the defendants have not been filed in court records. The defendants did not immediately return calls for comment. The plaintiffs — including the tribe, the Mashpee Wampanoag Village Limited Partnership or General Partner; and the Mashpee Wampanoag Gaming Authority — are requesting financial compensation in an amount to be determined, together with interest and costs.

Cedric Cromwell's appeal of his conviction is pending in federal court

Tribal members elected Cromwell as their chairman in 2009. He was reelected in 2013 and 2017.

Cromwell appealed his 2022 sentence in January, and the case is before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office and court documents. Cromwell was granted bail pending appeal of his conviction.

Plaintiffs allege that defendants funneled payments and laundered money

The tribe voted to build a $500 million resort and casino complex in Taunton in 2012. At that time, Cromwell was chairman. During that time, at Cromwell's direction, Mitrokostas and Catarina funneled payments from third parties, who wanted to do business with the plaintiffs, into bank accounts controlled by Cromwell, according to the lawsuit. The plaintiffs allege that Cromwell used his position as tribal chairperson and president of the Gaming Authority as a way to make money from others by selling access to the highest ranks of the tribe’s governmental body.

Mitrokostas assisted in Cromwell’s selling of access by helping to launder funds through CM International and other entities, according to court documents. In court documents, Mitrokostas is named as the sole member of CM International, and had total control over CM International Consulting, LLC. Catarina assisted Cromwell by acting as Cromwell’s agent in soliciting those that might want access and by directing them on how to pay for and gain that access, according to the complaint.

Rachael Devaney writes about community and culture. Reach her at rdevaney@capecodonline.com. Follow her on Twitter: @RachaelDevaney.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Lawsuit: Tribe claims financial losses from Cromwell's 2020 indictment