Wichita ? With trial just days away, most defendants in the federal case against a Kansas group that claims to be an American Indian tribe have deserted their self-described “grand chief” to make deals with prosecutors.

The latest defection came Thursday as Chuck Flynn, one of the so-called tribal chiefs, pleaded guilty to harboring of illegal immigrants. In exchange for the plea, prosecutors agreed to a proposed sentence of a year and a day in prison.

Prosecutors contend the Kaweah Indian Nation defrauded legal and illegal immigrants across the nation by claiming tribal membership conferred U.S. citizenship and would allow immigrants to obtain other documents and benefits, including Social Security cards.

Prosecutors claim the tribe is fake. But even if it were real, tribal membership would not make someone a U.S. citizen.

Last year, federal prosecutors charged 11 people, including the grand chief and the Wichita-based tribe, in a 17-count indictment. Charges have since been dismissed against one defendant, and three have pleaded guilty to varying charges.

Another three defendants are expected to plead guilty before trial, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson said outside the courtroom Thursday.