MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (AP) The tribe behind the Foxwoods Resort Casino has rehired a former leader who last May completed a federal prison sentence for stealing from his Mashantucket Pequots.

A tribal spokeswoman says Michael Thomas was hired this month as an executive assistant to the tribe's chief of staff.

Spokeswoman Lori Potter says the former tribal chairman is a gifted, intelligent leader who has paid his dues to society and the tribe welcomes him back with open arms.

In 2013 Thomas was found guilty of using a tribe-issued credit card to embezzle about $100,000 to pay for limousine service trips for his mother's medical appointments and his own personal expenses between 2007 and 2009.