Ousted Hopi judge fires back at tribal council

Thursday, May 10, 2007  

The Hopi Tribe of Arizona is being sued by its former chief judge.

Gary LaRance said the tribal council violated the Indian Civil Rights Act when it removed him. He said he wasn't given proper notice or give him an opportunity to defend himself.

The council voted May 1 to fire LaRance because he had been arrested for assault and battery. He failed to show up for his arraignment in tribal court, so an arrest warrant was issued.

Get the Story:
LaRance files complaint (The Gallup Independent 5/9)
Judge claims he did not sign for LaRance's release (The Gallup Independent 5/9)

Relevant Links:
Hopi Tribe - http://www.hopi.nsn.us

Related Stories:
Hopi Tribe removes chief judge following assault (5/3)
Hopi court issues arrest warrant for chief judge (4/18)