The offices of the Fort Peck Tribes of Montana were locked down on Wednesday and about 150 tribal and federal employees were sent home as part of an escalating internal dispute.

The trouble started on Monday when the tribal council voted to suspend John Morales for alleged derelict of duty. Morales faces removal from office after a review period. He was not allowed to enter his office yesterday and tribal police were called to disperse a crowd of supporters that had gathered at tribal headquarters.

Morales claims he is being punished for giving information to the FBI about alleged misspending by tribal employees. He's also refusing to sign a pipeline agreement/settlement, saying the tribe gives up too much for too little.

Get the Story:
Leadership fight swells (The Great Falls Tribune 5/27)
Fort Peck tribal office closes (AP 5/27)

Related Stories:
Chairman of Montana tribe locked out of office (5/25)