A judge in New Mexico ordered the New Mexico Council of American Indians to return the Miss Indian New Mexico crown to Paulene Shebala and to pay her $2,900 in attorney and other costs.

Shebala filed suit against the council after learning she was being investigated for possible breach of contract. She was allegedly having affairs with two married men in violation of her crown.

Shebala had not been suspended but claimed the council was defaming her. In court, she was represented by a lawyer but the council was not. The judge refused to allow the council to present information without a lawyer.

Shebala is Navajo and Zuni.

Get the Story:
Miss Indian New Mexico regains her title in court (AP 8/8)

Relevant Links:
Miss Indian New Mexico & New Mexico Council of American Indians - http://www.missindiannmpageant.org