Accused Standing Rock Chairman Gets Council Hearing

FORT YATES, N.D. (AP) — Standing Rock Sioux Chairman Charles Murphy is getting an opportunity before the Tribal Council to respond to allegations that he acted improperly in making personnel and departmental changes.

Murphy faces allegations of misconduct and neglect of office brought by Councilwoman Avis Little Eagle. The Bismarck Tribune reports the chairman has released his executive director, Cheryl Kary, because of pressure from the council.

Kary says she was targeted for working toward accountability in personnel and programs and for trying to divide programs into departments that are headed by managers, not council members.

At a Wednesday's hearing, Murphy will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations and present witnesses. He has the support of a group that calls itself Active Citizens for Tribal Truth, which plans a march on Wednesday.

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Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

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