The political landscape of the Navajo Nation is often characterized by intricate complexities, a deep sense of tradition, and a commitment to the welfare of its people. In this intricate tapestry of governance, accusations of impropriety can cast long shadows, impacting not only the individuals involved but also the trust between the leaders and the citizens they serve. Such was the case with former Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr., whose tenure was marked by both progressive initiatives and intense scrutiny. This article delves into the details of the allegations against Former Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. has been cleared of allegations that he acted unethically and illegally, the subsequent investigation, and the ultimate resolution that has exonerated him.
In 2009, a storm of controversy engulfed the executive branch of the Navajo Nation, centering on then-President Joe Shirley Jr. At the heart of the matter were allegations of unethical and illegal conduct in connection with two businesses operating within the Navajo Nation’s jurisdiction. These businesses, OnSat Network Communications Inc. and Biochemical Decontamination Systems (BCDS), would become focal points of an investigation that would span years and involve numerous individuals and entities within the tribal government.
The accusations surfaced during a period of significant political tension within the Navajo Nation. President Shirley was actively engaged in an ambitious effort to downsize the Tribal Council, seeking to reduce its membership from 88 to a more manageable 24. This proposal, while aimed at streamlining governance and improving efficiency, met with considerable resistance from some members of the Tribal Council, creating a charged atmosphere ripe for political maneuvering.
Amidst this backdrop of political upheaval, reports began to circulate within the Tribal Council alleging serious improprieties and violations within the executive branch, specifically implicating President Shirley. These reports, which were never publicly released, painted a picture of potential misconduct in connection with the aforementioned businesses.
The Tribal Council, seizing upon these reports, initiated an investigation into President Shirley’s conduct. As a consequence of this action, Shirley was placed on administrative leave, effectively suspending him from his presidential duties pending the outcome of the investigation. This move was a significant blow to Shirley’s administration and further exacerbated the already strained relationship between the executive and legislative branches of the Navajo Nation government.
The investigation into the allegations against Former Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. has been cleared of allegations that he acted unethically and illegally was conducted by tribal prosecutors, who meticulously examined the evidence and interviewed relevant individuals. The scope of the investigation extended beyond the initial allegations to encompass the Tribal Council’s use of a discretionary fund and the management thereof.
After a thorough examination of the evidence, the prosecutors announced their findings: they found no evidence of misconduct on the part of President Shirley. This announcement marked a significant turning point in the saga, offering a glimmer of hope for Shirley’s exoneration.
Further solidifying Shirley’s position, a tribal judge signed off on a request by prosecutors to dismiss claims that he had breached his fiduciary duty in connection with tribal discretionary funds. This legal affirmation provided further validation of Shirley’s assertion of innocence.
In the wake of these developments, Shirley expressed his gratitude and relief. He affirmed that he had fully cooperated with the investigation and invoked a biblical verse, stating that "the truth will set you free." His words reflected a sense of vindication and a desire to move forward from the cloud of suspicion that had hung over him for so long.
The Navajo courts played a crucial role in resolving the initial dispute. They ultimately ruled that the Tribal Council had acted outside its authority in placing Shirley on administrative leave. This ruling led to his reinstatement as president on the eve of the election in which Navajos voted to significantly downsize the Tribal Council, a testament to the complex interplay of legal and political forces within the Navajo Nation.
The investigation into Shirley’s dealings with OnSat Network Communications Inc. and Biochemical Decontamination Systems (BCDS) was expanded to include the Tribal Council’s use of a discretionary fund and the management thereof. This expansion revealed a broader pattern of alleged misconduct within the tribal government.
Prosecutors alleged that current and former tribal lawmakers had diverted tribal money intended for Navajos in need to their own families. These allegations cast a shadow over the Tribal Council and raised serious questions about the integrity of the tribal government.
Some of the defendants in the discretionary fund case, including then-President Ben Shelly and Vice President Rex Lee Jim, settled their cases. Approximately 20 others were charged criminally in the investigation, while roughly the same number were cleared of wrongdoing. This outcome underscored the complexity of the situation and the varying degrees of culpability among those involved.
The exoneration of Former Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. has been cleared of allegations that he acted unethically and illegally occurred during an election year for both the Tribal Council and the presidency, adding another layer of intrigue to the political landscape.
While Shirley declined to comment on whether he planned to seek the top leadership post again, his exoneration undoubtedly altered the dynamics of the upcoming election. He had previously served two consecutive terms as president but was barred from running for a third consecutive term in 2010 due to term limits.
Despite the challenges he faced, Shirley maintained that the investigation into his business dealings had inadvertently brought to light the alleged scheme involving discretionary funds. He believed that this exposure was ultimately beneficial to the Navajo people.
Shirley emphasized the need for continued government reform to prevent future abuses of discretionary funds. He advocated for the implementation of laws and regulations to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of tribal resources.
Delegate Joshua Lavar Butler, a former council spokesman during Shirley’s second term, acknowledged that it was positive that Shirley could move past the investigation. However, he stressed the importance of understanding the reasons behind the failures of OnSat Network Communications Inc. and Biochemical Decontamination Systems (BCDS).
The Navajo Nation had invested significant sums of money in these businesses, and their subsequent failures resulted in substantial financial losses for the tribe. The Navajo Nation entered into a $1.9 million contract with OnSat in 2001 to provide Internet services to all 110 chapters that ballooned to $32 million by January 2006. The tribe invested $300,000 in BCDS in 2003 and held a 51 percent ownership stake. Tribal officials have said the failed business ultimately cost the tribe $2 million.
Butler emphasized that the money invested in these businesses belonged to the Navajo people and that accountability was essential. He called for closure on the matter and for those responsible for the failures to be held accountable.
The case of Former Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. has been cleared of allegations that he acted unethically and illegally serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and due process in governance. It also highlights the complexities of navigating political tensions within a tribal nation and the potential for allegations of impropriety to have far-reaching consequences. The ultimate exoneration of Shirley brings closure to a tumultuous chapter in Navajo Nation history, while the ongoing focus on government reform and accountability signals a commitment to strengthening the integrity of the tribal government.