A dispute over a non-Indian doctor on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation has led to charges in federal court against a tribal member.

Steven Christopher Brady Sr., 49, pleaded not guilty to simple assault and unlawful restraint, both misdemeanors. He is accused of trying to remove Indian Health Services doctor Steven Bradley Sonntag from the reservation by putting Sonntag in a van and dropping him off outside the reservation.

The dispute stems from Sonntag's alleged abuse of Northern Cheyenne ceremonies. Sonntag, who lives on the reservation, was accused by Brady and others of organizing a "prayer circle" in the hills by Lame Deer. Sonntag appeared at a tribal council meeting to answer questions about his actions when the alleged removal took place.

In separate federal court news, a Northern Cheyenne reservation woman pleaded guilty to concealing information about a fatal shooting that involved her brother. Pearl Sue Morrison, 30, faces up to three years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Get the Story:
Assault alleged in tribal case (The Billings Gazette 1/20)
Woman admits hiding info about shooting death (The Billings Gazette 1/20)