George Wickliffe. Photo from United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians / Facebook
The ousted chief of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians lost his bid for reinstatement but was cleared to run for office again, The Tahlequah Daily Press reports. George Wickliffe was removed by a two-thirds vote of council members who who showed up for his impeachment hearing in May. That's enough to satisfy the tribal constitution, a tribal judge ruled. But the vote to ban Wickliffe from public office did not meet the same threshold, the judge determined. So he can for office in the future. Wickliffe was accused of misappropriating tribal funds, violating the constitution and approving payments without approval. He maintains he did nothing wrong. Separately, Wickliffe is suing his successor, Chief Joe Bunch, in small claims court in Cherokee County for back pay for 24 days in May prior to his impeachment. A hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, The Daily Press reported. Get the Story:
Wickliffe's removal upheld, but ban lifted (The Tahlequah Daily Press 7/30)
UKB attorney wants Wickliffe suit dismissed (The Tahlequah Daily Press 8/2)
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