The lawyer for a non-Indian woman who started part of Arizona's largest fire in history will challenge a ruling affirming the White Mountain Apache Tribe's jurisdiction.

A tribal judge refused to throw out civil charges against Valinda Jo Elliott. Her attorney said the decision will give the tribe jurisdiction "over anybody," the Associated Press reported.

Elliott started part of the Rodeo-Chediski Fire, which burned more than 275,000 acres of the Apache reservation. A tribal member who started another part of the fire pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing in federal court.

Get the Story:
Case against woman who started part of mammoth fire to stay in tribal court (AP 1/20)

Relevant Links:
White Mountain Apache Tribe - http://www.wmat.nsn.us

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