Payouts from the $3.4 billion Cobell trust fund settlement will be delayed again as one critic files an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The settlement was ready about a year ago but a challenge from Kimberly Craven, a member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate in South Dakota, and three other beneficiaries delayed payments. The saga appeared to be over when the D.C Circuit Court of Appeals rejected all of their objections in May.

Craven, however, filed a petition with the Supreme Court on Monday. She believes the settlement is unfair to beneficiaries although she declined to opt out of it.

The Supreme Court's briefing and review process will take months, meaning payments likely won't go out until 2013.

Get the Story:
Woman who challenged Cobell case petitions Supreme Court (AP 8/22)

DC Circuit Decision:
Cobell v. Salazar (May 22, 2012)

Related Stories:
Cobell critic asks Supreme Court to review $3.4B settlement (8/20)
Native Sun News: Cobell trust fund settlement moves forward (8/15)