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MARCH 6, 2001

The Department of Interior will present evidence top Bureau of Indian Affairs management did not retaliate against an employee who criticized its trust reform project, a spokesperson said.

"We regret the recommendation of the special master," Stephanie Hanna told Knight Ridder News. "But we will be prepared to offer evidence at a hearing that would support the department's position that no retaliatory actions have been taken against Mona Infield."

Infield is the subject of a number of claims made by the plaintiffs in the billion dollar class-action lawsuit against the government. They allege BIA officials retaliated against Infield, stripped her of her duties, and "exiled" her to home after she contradicted the government's attempts at fixing the historically mismanaged system.

Infield hasn't reported to work for a year since being assigned to home duty in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She continues to collect an $80,000 a year paycheck.

Get the Story:
Government Violated Trust Duties, Court Says (Knight Ridder News 3/6)

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