Montana Sen. Shannon Augare (D). Photo Montana Legislature

Montana Sen. Shannon Augare (D), a member of the Blackfeet Nation, has been excused from his committee work pending resolution of his drunken driving case.

Augare, who also serves on his tribe's council, has been charged with drunken driving, obstructing a peace officer and reckless driving in federal court. The incident occurred on the reservation.

Augare was seen driving erratically and was stopped by a county sheriff. He disputed the jurisdiction of the officer and drove away, according to documents in federal court.

A federal investigation sought surveillance video from a bar where Augare was allegedly served alcohol before he got into his car with his mother. When the vehicle eventually located by a tribal officer, his mother allegedly was in the driver's seat.

The tribe looked into the matter and referred the case to the U.S. Attorney in Montana. Augare was charged under the Assimilated Crimes Act, which allows federal prosecutors to charge people for violating crimes under state law.

Get the Story:
Montana lawmaker charged with DUI excused from committees (AP 7/11)
Sen. Augare agrees to step back from legislative duties during court case (NBC Montana 7/10)
Senate leadership asks Augare to step back from legislative duties (KTVQ-TV 7/10)

Related Stories:
Shannon Augare told to appear in federal court on DUI charge (06/25)
Blackfeet Nation council member charged with drunk driving (06/24)
Blackfeet Nation asked US Attorney to look into driving case (6/21)
Editorial: Tribes should share driving records with Montana (6/17)
Blackfeet Nation still weighing charge against council member (06/07)
Blackfeet Nation court bars reporting of DUI offenses to state (6/4)
Blackfeet Nation considers charges against council member (5/31)