A Florida man who is in a conflict with officials in Charlotte County is part of a Chippewa group that has had a series of run-ins with the law.

Robert Sumner is part of the Little Shell Pembina Band of North America. The group is not recognized and is not related to the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe, whose legitimacy has been embraced by other tribes and the state of Montana.

Nevertheless, Sumner once claimed his property as sovereign land and said county officials had no jurisdiction over it. He has since said his comments were misunderstood.

The Pembina band has been threatened with contempt of court and has been called an "extremist" group by Anti-Defamation League.

Get the Story:
Man who made alleged threat claims misunderstanding (The Charlotte Sun-Herald 11/8)

Relevant Links:
Little Shell Pembina Band - http://www.littleshellpembinaband.com

Related Stories:
Man claims Indian heritage blocks county action (11/3)
Judge threatens Chippewa group with contempt (05/20)