New president of Navajo Nation agrees to repay tribe in funding flap

Thursday, February 3, 2011  

Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly has agreed to pay back nearly all of the $8,850 that he was accused of taking from the tribe.

Shelly reached a settlement with special prosecutor Alan Balaran and all charges against him were dismissed. "President Shelly felt that was the right thing and honorable thing to do," attorney Samuel Pete told the Associated Press.

Vice President Rex Lee Jim was also accused of taking discretionary money from the tribe. He reached a settlement to repay $3,200.

Dozens of current and former Navajo Nation Council delegates were charged in the case. Shelly and Jim served on the council.

Balaran used to serve as special master in the Indian trust fund lawsuit.

Get the Story:
Judge dismisses charges against Navajo president (AP 2/3)

New president of Navajo Nation reaches settlement in fraud case (1/11)