San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe in leadership feud

Three factions are claiming control of a small tribe in northern Arizona.

Two factions of the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe held separate elections over the weekend. But a third faction is ignoring the results and is claiming to be in control of the tribe.

The move comes amid an FBI investigation of the tribe, The Arizona Republic reported. The FBI is looking into allegations of corruption and misappropriation of funds.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has taken control of the tribe's self-determination contracts. The tribe reportedly wasn't conducting audits.

The tribe has fewer than 300 members who live within the borders of the Navajo Nation. The tribe gained recognition in the 1990s.

Get the Story:
Paiute tribal elections lead to further infighting (The Arizona Republic 10/11)
Disputed vote latest in Paiute tribal turmoil (The Arizona Republic 10/6)