Police Blotter: Ex-Dilkon VP guilty of forgery

WINDOW ROCK

Former Dilkon Chapter Vice President Daryl Joe was found guilty of five charges of forgery by the Dilkon District Court of the Navajo Nation, according to a news release from the attorney general’s office. The Navajo Nation filed criminal complaints against Joe on Oct. 17, 2017.

He was arraigned on Feb. 21 and pleaded not guilty. A bench trial was held Aug. 17. The court found Joe guilty of the charges on Sept. 10 and 11. Joe submitted five forged hotel receipts to justify and keep Dilkon Chapter funds provided to him by an approved chapter travel authorization/advance.

Defendant submitted the forged documents to defraud the chapter of $640.90. “Considering the White Collar Crime Unit has only two staff members, the unit is doing tremendous work ensuring accountability for this type of white-collar crime,” said Chief Prosecutor Gertrude Lee. “The Nation, local communities, and all Navajo people are the victims when these types of crimes occur.”

The investigation was conducted by the Navajo Nation Office of the Prosecutor’s White Collar Crime Unit with assistance from the Office of the Auditor General.

The prosecution was handled by the White Collar Crime Unit’s Prosecuting Attorney, Brandon Bitsuie. “I hope the next administration will continue to support the tremendous efforts of Chief Prosecutor Lee and the White Collar Crime Unit in demanding integrity from our public officials,” said Ethel Branch, attorney general. “With such limited funds to operate our government and provide direct services to our people, it is essential that public dollars be used for public benefit.”

To report tips and complaints about waste, fraud, and abuse in the Navajo Nation government, contact the Navajo Nation Fraud Hotline at 1-844-747-2767 or fraudline@nnooc.org.

Remains may be those of missing man

FLAGSTAFF – Human remains were found in an area west of Highway 89 north just south of the Navajo Nation boundary, according to the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office. On Oct. 7, around 9 a.m., hunters reported finding human remains near Cedar Wash and the Navajo Nation boundary.

After deputies confirmed the remains as human, sheriff’s detectives and the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to conduct a further investigation.

Although the investigation is ongoing, the location and condition of the remains leads investigators to believe they may be those of Jackie McClellan Jr., who was reported as missing in December 2007. The family had reported that McClellan had last been seen walking from the family’s sheep camp.

The remains were found in the same general area as the sheep camp. Positive identification of the remains is pending. As the investigation continues, more information will be provided when it becomes available.

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