Kickapoo Tribe council member resigns after criminal charges

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

The secretary of the Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas resigned after being charged in a criminal case.

Westley "Sag-Tuk" Banks, 35, was charged with aggravated kidnapping, aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, criminal threat and criminal damage to property. He stepped down yesterday, The Topeka Capital-Journal reported.

"It's in the best interest of the tribe," Treasurer Russell Bradley told the paper.

The charges stem from an April 21 incident on the reservation. Few details are available but Banks was allegedly charged for a home invasion.

Banks and a second man, Andrew Darnell, 21, have been arrested and charged in connection with the incident. Authorities are still looking for a third man, Tyler "Tiger" Banks, 32,.

The resignation of Banks marks the second shakeup in leadership this year for the tribe. In January, the council removed Steve Cadue, a well-known former chairman, over financial management concerns.

Banks was elected to the council last October.

Get the Story:
Kickapoo Tribal Councilman Westley Banks resigns after being charged with four felonies (The Topeka Capital-Journal 4/29)
Kickapoo Tribal Police search for man after home invasion (The Topeka Capital-Journal 4/28)
Kickapoo Tribal Police Search For Home Invasion Suspect (WIBW 4/28)