Bootlegging suspects nabbed

By Kathy Helms
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — Twelve people were arrested this past weekend in the Window Rock and Chinle areas following a 4-month investigation into bootlegging operations on the Navajo Reservation.

The arrests were made by officers of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety with the assistance of the FBI.
Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. joined U.S. Attorney Diane J. Humetewa in Flagstaff Tuesday morning to announce the results.

“The use of alcohol or drugs is present in the vast majority of the violent crimes committed in Indian Country and prosecuted by my office,” Humetewa said. “I am grateful that President Shirley has made a demonstrable commitment to what we jointly believe is a preventive measure to these crimes.”

Humetewa commended Public Safety’s Drug and Gang Enforcement Unit and the FBI. “Acting together we are committed to removing the roots of what later contribute to property and violent crime on the Navajo Nation.”

Shirley said he is grateful to Humetewa’s office, federal prosecutors, the FBI, and Navajo Public Safety for working together and diligently going after those who bring harm to Navajo communities.

“Our Navajo teachings tell us that monsters still live among the five-fingered, intelligent Earth dwellers called homo sapiens. Today, a monster among us is alcohol abuse which harms children, the elderly and so many of our families. It has heaped misery upon our Navajo and Native American people,” Shirley said.

John E. Lewis, special agent in charge of the Phoenix Division of the FBI, said the illegal sale of bootlegged alcohol feeds much of the underlying violent crime that exists on Indian reservations.

The following individuals face charges for dispensing intoxicants in Indian Country, or bootlegging, a Class A misdemeanor:

Elton J. Arthur, 47, and Raymond Davis, 69, of Many Farms; Marian Curley, 56, and Roger Tso, 49, of Burnside; Albert Lewis, 57, Clinton Yazzie, 41, and Winnie Yazzie, 67 of Chinle; Johnny Grandson, 63, Piñon; Lena Hot, 49, and Lilly Hot, 51 of Sweetwater; Margaret Watchman, 69, and Michelle J. Watchman, 32, of Fort Defiance.

A conviction for bootlegging carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and/or up to a $100,000 fine. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the FBI and the Navajo Department of Public Safety. The prosecution is being handled by Joe Lodge, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Flagstaff.