Rita Glyptis, third from left, joined the board of directors for the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians in July 2014. Photo by Rick Smith / Win Awenen Nisitotung

A leader of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Michigan has been removed from office after being convicted on a marijuana charge.

Rita Glyptis was convicted in tribal court last May but refused to step down from her position as the Unit V representative on the tribe's board of directors. So a tribal member circulated a position and collected enough signatures to force a hearing on the issue.

The tribe's hearing board issued an opinion and order on Thursday substantiating the petition. The board found that a criminal conviction in any court -- tribal, federal or state -- was grounds for removal.

The case stems from an incident in January 2015 in which Glyptis was found with marijuana in a hotel room at one of the tribe's gaming facilities. She was sentenced to 30 days probation and ordered to pay fines.

Get the Story:
Glyptis removed from office (The Sault Ste. Marie Evening News 1/14)
Soo Tribe Board member removed for marijuana possession (WNMU 1/15)

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Leader of Sault Ste. Marie Tribe convicted of drug possession (5/12)