AG had report Shirley sought before suspension

Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. has repeatedly claimed that the council violated his due process by withholding investigative reports that it used to put him on leave Oct. 26.

But one of his top appointees, Attorney General Louis Denetsosie, has had a copy of at least one of the reports, involving OnSat, since Oct. 14, the Navajo Times has learned.

The executive summary for "Legal Violations of Navajo Nation Officials and Employees Arising from the Nation's Contractual History with OnSat," produced by Sacks Tierney, a Scottsdale, Ariz., law firm, states as much on page 1.

Sacks Tierney, which was retained by the council in January to look into overcharges and other problems with OnSat, stated that the full report was presented to Denetsosie and Speaker Lawrence T. Morgan (Iyanbito/Pinedale) on Oct. 14, as the contract required.

Sacks Tierney also stated that the executive summary was presented to the council Oct. 19.

Denetsosie did not share the OnSat report with Shirley, according to George Hardeen, public information officer for Shirley.

Denetsosie also has not issued a legal opinion about Shirley's right to see the alleged charges against him.

In the past, Denetsosie has issued written statements alleging violation of due process when the council tried twice - unsuccessfully - to remove him as attorney general.

The Times left a detailed telephone message Friday for Denetsosie, whose stated policy is to not respond to press inquiries, but as of Monday (Nov. 1) he had not responded.

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