The Bear River Band of Rohnerville Rancheria says its donations to the Humboldt County, California, district attorney have nothing to do with a criminal case involving the chairman's son.

The tribe, chairman Leonard Bowman and a tribal attorney donated a total of $11,100 to DA Paul Gallegos. Within weeks of Gallegos' re-election, his office dismissed or suspended nine felonies and a handful of misdemeanors against Bowman's son.

The tribe said it regularly makes contributions to political candidates. Vice chairman Dakota McGinnis criticized The Eureka Reporter for running a story about the donations and the criminal cases involving Bowman's son.

Get the Story:
Donations not improper, says Bear River Band (The Eureka Times-Standard 9/28)

Native Jury Pool Court Decision:
Kessert v. Cambra (September 11, 2006)

Relevant Links:
Worth Dikeman - http://worthdikeman.org

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County DA questioned for tribal contributions (9/26)
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Prosecutor denies using race to keep Natives off jury (9/13)
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Native women oppose district attorney candidate (05/23)