"In a case that has done little to clarify the muddled laws that define Indian tribes' sovereignty, the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians in San Diego County is nevertheless to be commended for voluntarily enforcing a state court order against one of its own members ---- even though it was not required by law or treaty to do so.

A Wildomar woman has been engaged in a four-year battle to get her husband, whom she divorced in 2007, to contribute to the care of their three children. Although she won a judgment in state courts, Christina Brown had no legal way to enforce the judgment, since Sonnie Brown is a member of the Alpine-based tribe and lives on the reservation.

Even though the Viejas band operates one of the most successful casinos in the nation ---- so successful that tribal leaders pay each adult member of their tribe a $20,000-per-month stipend from the casino profits ---- Sonnie Brown was apparently content to see his three children, ranging in age from 7 to 17, living in virtual poverty, provided for by welfare and food stamps while living in their grandmother's house."

Get the Story:
EDITORIAL: Clarity needed (The North County Times 10/10)

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Viejas Band garnishes per capita payout in child support case (10/6)
California Watch: Viejas Band garnishes wages in child support (9/20)
Turtle Talk: Badmouthing Indian Country on child support orders (8/15)
KQED: Getting child support from Indian men almost 'impossible' (8/15)
California Watch: Tribes protecting members from child support (8/5)