Charges Brought Against White Earth Tribal Chairman and Secretary-Treasurer

Charges are being brought against two elected officials on the White Earth Reservation. According to documents, six charges are being sought against Tribal Chairman Michael Fairbanks and three charges are being sought against Secretary-Treasurer Mike LaRoque.

Fairbanks is charged with mismanagement, abuse of power, theft and multiple violations of tribal law.  Those charges were brought forward by Eugene Sommers, a duly elected District II Representative of the White Earth Reservation Business Committee (RBC).

It’s alleged that Fairbanks took advantage of staff for personal gain by directing staff members to do his college homework during working hours and stealing drum split money during White Earth Powwows. The charges also indicate he has been involved in improper actions regarding the hiring process by posting positions without following procedure; had the Enrollment Department switch offices with the Education Department without approval; and restricted the ability of elected representatives to carry out their duties. Sommers gave as an example that he learned the DMV had made multiple fraudulent Tribal IDs, but was denied access to the DMV list.

Meanwhile, charges of malfeasance, neglect of duty and abuse of power are being considered for Mike LaRoque.

The White Earth Reservation Business Committee met this morning and went into executive session to discuss further steps against Fairbanks and LaRoque.

A hearing may be scheduled to allow both men the opportunity to respond, present evidence and call witnesses in their defense. If the RBC finds the charges substantiated, the committee was asked to take action including removal from office, censure or other corrective measures.