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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2002

A tribal court sentenced Southern Ute tribal chairman Leonard C. Burch to a day in jail and one year of probation for driving while ability impaired, a lesser charge than driving while drunk.

Burch pleaded guilty to drunk driving even though he was not observed operating his vehicle. A police officer, who has since been disciplined, found him on the roadside but failed to perform roadside sobriety tests or blood-alcohol tests.

Burch will pay a $200 fine and participate in alcohol treatment programs.

Get the Story:
Southern Ute leader sentenced on lower drinking charge (AP 9/23)
Southern Ute Tribe Chairman sentenced to jail and probation (The Durango Herald 9/21)
Conviction a reminder of alcoholism within tribe (The Durango Herald 9/21)

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Ute chairman tries to withdraw plea (8/28)
Ute leader pleads guilty to alcohol charge (8/07)