Jury awards $1.3M to non-Indian couple

Friday, May 9, 2008  

A federal jury has awarded $1.3 million to a non-Indian couple that said they were the victims of discrimination at Santa Ana Pueblo in New Mexico.

Bob and Sue Burrell sued the tribe and several tribal officials after they were barred by baling hay at night. The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, in an unreported July 24, 2006, decision, said the tribe was protected by sovereign immunity.

The court, however, left open the claims of discrimination against the tribal officials, who are no longer in office. As a result, the jury said former Gov. Leonard Armijo and former Lt. Gov. Lawrence Montoya violated the Burrells civil rights based on "race, national origin, color and religion" and ordered the former tribal officials to pay damages.

Get the Story:
Couple Awarded $1.3M in Lawsuit (The Albuquerque Journal 5/9)

Case Information:
Docket No. 06-721 | Briefs & Pleadings | 10th Circuit Decision