Frank Paiz, the newly-elected leader of the Tigua Tribe of Texas, says his criminal past is just that, in the past.
"The pueblo was aware of who I am and my background," Paiz told The El Paso Times. "My people believed in me and gave me a chance to help the tribe move forward."
Paiz admitted to burglary charges when he was 17. His probation for the crime was revoked in 1988 after he was involved in another incident that led to another 10-year probatiion, which was revoked in 1992 after a second incident.
The El Paso Times said Paiz was involved in yet another incident in 2001 and a 2003 domestic violence case with his common-law wife. That charge was later dismissed.
Paiz was elected governor in January. He was elected the tribe's sheriff last year.
Get the Story:Governor of Tiguas has history of crimes (The El Paso Times 4/4)
Tigua Governor Comes Forward; Criminal Background Becomes Public (KFOX 4/3)
