Law | National

Cherokee Nation father in court as custody dispute continues

Friday, August 16, 2013

An Oklahoma state court ordered Dusten Brown, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, to show up for a hearing as a dispute over his biological daughter continues.

The hearing is underway in Cherokee County court, The Tulsa World reported. A second hearing in Cherokee Nation tribal court is expected later today, the paper said.

Brown faces the prospect of turning over his daughter, Veronica, to a non-Indian couple from South Carolina. Matt and Melanie Capobianco want to adopt the girl, who is also a Cherokee citizen.

Meanwhile, the Cherokee Nation ordered a former reality television personality off tribal land. Troy Dunn, who appeared at a press conference with the Capobiancos on Wednesday, tried to visit Brown on Thursday but was told to stay away.

Dunn said his family adopted an Indian child.

Get the Story:
Capobianco spokeswoman: Judge expected to order Dusten Brown to surrender custody of Veronica today (The Charleston Post and Courier 8/16)
Baby Veronica's biological family arrive in court this morning (The Tulsa World 8/16)
Baby Veronica adoptive parents file motion to bring her to court (The Tulsa World 8/16)
Baby Veronica's appearance demanded in Cherokee County court Friday (The Tulsa World 8/16)
Capobiancos seek resolution in custody battle (The Cherokee Phoenix 8/15)
'The Locator' Troy Dunn Asked To Leave Cherokee Nation School (News6 8/15)