Nygren served with ethics complaint as questions go unanswered
PAGE-LAKE POWELL
President Buu Nygren was formally served Friday with an ethics complaint outlining four counts of alleged violations of Navajo Nation law, marking a new stage in the case filed by Special Prosecutor Kyle T. Nayback.
The summons, stamped by the Window Rock Judicial District on Nov. 21, gives the president 30 days to file a written response with the Navajo Nation District Court in Window Rock.
The complaint accuses Nygren of misusing public resources, directing staff to conceal improper spending and placing a relative in a political job after being warned the hire violated Navajo Nation personnel rules. The filing seeks his removal from office, a five-year ban on public employment, forfeiture of up to one year of compensation and restitution for unauthorized spending.
The summons delivered Friday reiterates that failure to respond could result in a judgment against the president. It also confirms that a hearing will be scheduled once all service requirements are completed.
Minutes after the summons was issued, the Navajo Times sent questions to Nygren and senior members of his administration seeking comment on the allegations and on the steps his office plans to take. The email asked what actions the administration will take to correct the compliance issues described in the complaint and what assurances the president can give departments that reported disruption within their operations.
The message was sent to Nygren, acting attorney general Kris O. Beecher, chief of staff Heather Duncan-Etsitty, deputy chief of staff Sharen A. Sandoval, chief legal counsel Bidtah N. Becker and Vice President Richelle Montoya at 12:48 p.m. Friday. No response had been received as of 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025.
The eight-page complaint details alleged misuse of travel cards, alteration of official documents, personal use of staff time and the hiring of the president’s father-in-law to a political position after internal concerns were raised. It argues that the conduct damaged public trust and violated standards requiring elected officials to manage public property responsibly and avoid actions that create the appearance of using public office for personal benefit.
According to the filing, the case draws on an investigation that examines Nygren’s actions dating back to when he took office in January 2023. The special prosecutor states he became aware of the allegations while conducting an ongoing review of government operations.
Once Nygren files his written response, the court will set a hearing date. For now, the administration has not addressed the allegations publicly.
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