CROW AGENCY- The Crow Tribe’s Legislative Branch announced Friday that two judges have been removed from the Crow Tribal Court, including the chief judge for Crow Nation, Leroy Not Afraid.
Not Afraid was ousted from Crow Tribal Court in a 12-3 vote for mismanagement of the Crow Tribal Court’s financial systems, according to a news release from Jared Stewart, a tribal spokesman. The Crow Judicial Ethics Board found clear and convincing evidence existed to justify recommending the Crow Legislature remove the Chief Judge.
Not Afraid acknowledged using tribal court funds to be used as loans for staff members. Tribal Court Administrator Ginger Goes Ahead confirmed these practices in a hearing held Monday.
It was also announced Friday that Associate Judge Kari Covers Up has also been removed from her position after pleading guilty to partner or family member assault in district court in Big Horn County on June 19.
The Crow Judicial Ethics Board found that Covers Up had violated Crow law. Under Crow tribal law, a Crow tribal judge may be removed for cause if convicted of any federal or state offense.
