Duane Martin Sr. of the Strong Heart Warrior Society is being held without bond in connection with a protest against the elderly meals program of the Oglala Sioux Tribe of South Dakota.

Martin's first bond hearing was March 18 but he wasn't present. The tribe's detention facility apparently failed to release him for the hearing and he was denied bond after tribal prosecutors said he posed a threat to the community.

Martin's supporters are asking a tribal judge to reconsider the bond request. He is facing charges of criminal trespass, breaking and entering, rioting, failure to disperse, disorderly conduct and elder abuse.

Martin was the only person arrested for the ongoing occupation of the building that houses the elder meals program. Activists are accusing the staff of elder abuse, denying meals, keeping unsanitary conditions and serving undercooked food.

Get the Story:
Judge to reconsider bond request for tribal activist (The Rapid City Journal 3/25)

Related Stories:
Oglala Sioux Tribe charges activist for protest against program (3/22)
Activists protest Oglala Sioux Tribe handling of elderly program (3/8)