BANGOR -- Jurors in Bangor are poised to weigh evidence in the case of a former Maine tribal governor and ex-business manager accused of misusing $1.7 million in federal funds.

Robert Newell, former Indian Township Passamaquoddy governor, took the stand in his own defense Monday in U.S. District Court.

Newell acknowledged moving or approving moving money from one tribal account to another to meet tribal expenses. But he testified that it was not his intent to break the law. Newell also denied conspiring with the former business manager, James Parisi Jr. of Portland, in an effort to use tribal money illegally. Parisi did not take the stand.

The alleged transfers took place between Oct. 1, 2002, and Sept. 30, 2006.