Law
Judge rejects probe into BIA informant claim
A federal judge won't force federal prosecutors to release information about an alleged "improper relationship" between a former Bureau of Indian Affairs official and a female informant.

Bob Ecoffey, a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, was a key investigator in the murder of American Indian Movement activist Anna Mae Pictou Aquash. His work led to charges against three men, one of whom is serving a life sentence.

Another defendant, Richard Marshall, sought information about Ecoffey's alleged relationship with an informant named "Maverick." Federal prosecutors said they didn't have evidence of a complaint or investigation against Ecoffey but a federal magistrate said the issue could be raised during the upcoming trial.

Marshall and co-defendant John Graham are set to go to trial on May 12.

Get the Story:
Judge denies motions in Annie Mae Aquash murder case (The Rapid City Journal 4/30)

Related Stories:
Trial for Aquash murder defendants set to begin (4/27)
8th Circuit hears Indian status appeal in Aquash case (8/16)
Aquash murder defendant seeks release until trial (4/10)
BIA official's link to informant raised in Aquash case (4/1)
8th Circuit to hear appeal in Aquash murder case (3/23)
Trial for Aquash murder suspects delayed again (3/3)
U.S. Attorney opposes separate Aquash trials (12/16)
Aquash murder defendant seeks separate trial (12/1)
Prosecutors seek to bolster Aquash murder case (11/11)
Prosecutors defend charges in Aquash murder case (11/3)
Aquash murder defendant raises 'Indian' issue (10/27)
Trial for Aquash murder delayed to February 2009 (10/20