FBI on North Dakota reservation for probe into energy dealings

Monday, March 10, 2014  

FBI agents are on the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation of North Dakota as part of a probe into the energy industry on the Fort Berthold Reservation.

James Henrikson, a former convict who faces federal weapons charges, owned two companies that provided energy services on the reservation. He has been linked to two murder-for-hire schemes, including one that targeted Chairman Tex Hall, and the disappearance of a young Native man.

Hall hasn't been accused of wrongdoing. But the tribal council has hired a former U.S. attorney to investigate his business dealings, including ties to Henrikson.

The Bismarck Tribune said FBI agents are looking for records and information related to Henrikson. Native-owned energy businesses say the investigation has put a chill on their activities -- they refused to have their pictures taken for the paper's story due to concerns about safety.

Get the Story:
Native companies say 'fronts' are epidemic (The Bismarck Tribune 3/9)

North Dakota tribe to investigate Tex Hall's business dealings (3/6)
Man tied to Tex Hall murder-for-hire scheme remains jailed (01/29)
Tex Hall breaks silence on alleged murder-for-hire scheme (1/23)
Tex Hall declines comment on alleged murder-for-hire plot (1/22)
Alleged gang member denies being asked to kill Tex Hall (1/15)