Navajo Nation pressure cited in hate crimes case

Thursday, March 22, 2007  

The former attorney for an 18-year-old white male accused of beating a Navajo man accused the Navajo Nation of putting political pressure on the case.

Attorney Ron Adamson said he was negotiating a plea deal with his former client, John Winer. But he says the district attorney's office backed out due to pressure from the Navajo Nation.

"You were trying to put an 18-year-old kid in prison to satisfy the Navajo Nation" Adamson testified in court, The Farmington Daily Times reported.

Deputy District Attorney Eric Morrow denied communicating with the Navajo Nation. "It's a serious case, it's a hate crime and we're treating it appropriately," he said.

Winer is one of three white males accused of beating William Blackie last July in Farmington, a border community. Winer's deal would have required him to testify against the other defendants.

Get the Story:
Hate Crimes Act taken off the table for upcoming Winer trial (The Farmington Daily Times 3/22)

Relevant Links:
Navajo Nation - http://www.navajo.org
Navajo Nation Council - http://www.navajonationcouncil.org

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