Cherokee Nation father Dusten Brown and his family in Oklahoma. Photo Courtesy National Indian Child Welfare Association.
Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin (R) signed an extradition order for Cherokee Nation citizen Dusten Brown on Wednesday, paving the way for him to face custody charges in South Carolina. Fallin said Brown wasn't cooperating with a non-Indian couple that wants to adopt his daughter. She had urged the parties to come to a solution regarding custody of the girl. “Unfortunately, it has become clear that Dusten Brown is not acting in good faith," Fallin said in a press release. "He has disobeyed an Oklahoma court order to allow the Capobianco’s to visit their adopted daughter and continues to deny visitation. He is acting in open violation of both Oklahoma and South Carolina courts, which have granted custody of Veronica to the Capobianco’s. Finally, he has cut off negotiations with the Capobianco’s and shown no interest in pursuing any other course than yet another lengthy legal battle." Fallin's spokesperson warned that Brown could be arrested "on or off tribal land" if he doesn't turn himself in. Brown and his family are currently living on Cherokee trust land in a tribal owned property so the assertion could strain state-tribal relations. Get the Story:
Okla. gov. signs order to send dad of Cherokee girl in custody dispute to SC to face charge (AP 9/5)
Oklahoma governor orders extradition of Veronica’s birth father (The Charleston Post and Courier 9/5)
Fallin: Brown must return to S.C. (The Tulsa World 9/5) Related Stories:
Court puts hold on transfer of Cherokee girl to non-Indian couple (9/4)
Cherokee Nation father files appeal in Oklahoma's highest court (9/3)
Court hearing in custody dispute over Cherokee Nation girl (8/30)
South Carolina officers in Oklahoma for Indian custody case (8/29)
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