VP, all but 11 delegates face slush-fund charges

The year 2010 was an especially rocky road for the Navajo Nation and the headline for this year's top story reflected it: "77 delegates, VP charged in slush fund probe."

On Oct. 20, following a months-long probe by Special Prosecutor Alan Balaran, criminal charges were filed against Vice President Ben Shelly and all but 11 members of the Navajo Nation Council for their alleged misuse of discretionary funds.

They were accused of using the money for the personal benefit of themselves and their family members. Discretionary funds are intended as once-a-year grants for tribal members in dire need, and specifically are prioritized for elders, student financial aid, and family emergencies such as burials.

The amounts involved in the misappropriation range from a few hundred to a few hundred thousand dollars per person. The allegations involve a total of $1,883,006.

Attorney General Louis Denetsosie stated in an Oct. 20 press release that the investigation was prompted by a series of articles in the Navajo Times detailing how six people with close ties to the legislative branch received more than $100,000 in discretionary aid.

The 11 delegates who are not facing charges are Morgan, LoRenzo Bates (Upper Fruitland), Sampson Begay (Jeddito/Low Mountain/Steamboat), Katherine Banally (Dennehotso), Edward Jim Sr. (Newcomb/Sheepsprings/Toadlena-Two Grey Hills), Raymond Maxx (Coalmine Canyon/Tóh Nanees Dizí), Johnny Naize (Cottonwood-Tselani/Nazlini), Jonathan Nez (Shonto), David Shondee (Chilchinbeto/Kayenta), Leonard Tsosie (Pueblo Pintado/Torreon/Whitehorse Lake), and Thomas Walker Jr. (Birdsprings/Leupp/Tolani Lake).

Both Shelly, now president-elect, and Vice President-elect Rex Lee Jim have requested an expedited hearing in hopes of clearing their names by the time they take office Jan. 11.

Charges were dismissed Monday in the first case to be heard, involving Delegate Young Jeff Tom (Mariano Lake/Smith Lake), based on a technicality.

Over the past five years, the Council has channeled than $35 million into the discretionary funds of the individual council delegates, Speaker Lawrence Morgan (Iyanbito/Pinedale), President Joe Shirley Jr. and Vice President Ben Shelly, along with the chapters.

The special prosecutor is also looking into discretionary fund spending by the president and vice president, but as of press time Wednesday, no additional charges have been filed in the discretionary fund probe.

START OVER: 2010 in Review, the Top 10 stories of the year: No. 10: Casino fever continues unabated

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