Non-Indian couple still in jurisdictional dispute with Rincon Band

Monday, January 10, 2011  

A non-Indian couple continues to challenge the jurisdiction of the Rincon Band of Mission Indians in California.

Steve and Suzanne Rogers-Dial live on property owned by Marvin Donius. They say the tribe is trying to force Donius off his land.

"It's a principle," Steve Rogers-Dial told The North County. "They are trying to run a man off his property."

Dorius lost a series of rulings in tribal, state and federal court and the couple is now trying to litigate the issue again. A state court judge said he lacks jurisdiction on the reservation but the couple won't leave.

Steve Rogers-Dial operates a trucking business at the property that the tribe says poses an environmental, health and safety hazard.

Get the Story:
Couple staying put in property dispute with tribe (The North County Times 1/10)

Non-Indian landowner won't submit to Rincon Band jurisdiction (10/28)