Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. apologized for hiring his wife but won't face charges for alleged nepotism under a deal with the Navajo Nation Council's ethics committee.

Shirley said it was a "mistake" to hire First Lady Vikki Shirley and give a $49,000 salary. Vikki Shirley later resigned the paid post amid criticism by council delegates, tribal members and the media.

The ethics committee said it has no authority to file charges or ask that charges be filed against Shirley. A similar case involving Vice President Frank Dayish Jr., who also hired his wife, is ongoing.

Get the Story:
Navajo Nation president apologizes for hiring wife, no charges filed (The Farmington Daily Times 7/28)
Nepotism allegation dropped vs. Navajo head (AP 7/28)

Relevant Links:
Navajo Nation - http://www.navajo.org

Related Stories:
Navajo attorney general to review nepotism case (07/11)
Navajo ethics office still reviewing nepotism charges (06/09)
Navajo Nation VP squashes rumors of resignation (06/05)
Navajo vice president recovering from broken leg (05/28)
Hearings into Navajo nepotism charges fizzle (05/23)
Navajo nepotism charges referred to ethics office (5/21)
Navajo nepotism hearings delayed by panel (5/16)
Navajo Nation leaders target of council hearings (5/13)
Navajo Nation president still finalizing team (05/01)
Navajo Nation council grills Shirley and VP (04/24)
Column: Shame, shame, shame on Navajo Nation VP (04/10)
Navajo Nation First Lady resigns paid post (03/11)