The Mescalero Apache Tribe of New Mexico placed its top two leaders on paid leave.

President Frederick Chino Sr. and Vice President Sandra Platero will be on leave while the tribal council reviews its operations. Neither Chino nor Platero were accused of wrongdoing.

"While the vote to place the president and vice president on leave was not unanimous, the tribal council will be working unanimously over the next month to ensure the smooth operation of tribal government," Acting President Alfred LaPaz said in a press release. "It is my understanding that a number of council members had concerns about the level of communication that existed between the president and the council."

Some tribal members say Chino has not been responsive to their concerns.

Get the Story:
Ruidoso News: Mescalero tribal president, vice president placed on administrative leave (The Ruidoso News 5/23)
Apache council wants transparency (The Albuquerque Journal 5/23)