The Navajo Nation Council voted 48-22 on Monday to place President Joe Shirley Jr. on administrative leave with pay pending an investigation into the tribe's dealings with two companies.

At issue are contracts with OnSat Network Communications and Biochemical Decontamination Systems, or BCDS. An audit showed OnSat may have over-billed the tribe for Internet service that was later terminated while BCDS came under fire because its top executive is a convicted felon.

Shirley does not appear to be directly involved with either contract but council delegates conducted an investigation that linked him and seven elected officials and division heads to the companies. The issue was referred to the Navajo attorney general for review.

Vice President Ben Shelly will serve as president until the dispute is resolved.

Get the Story:
Navajo Council puts president on leave during investigation (The Farmington Daily Times 10/27)
Tribal Council puts leader of Navajo Nation on suspension (The Arizona Republic 10/27)
Navajo President Placed on Leave Pending Investigation (The Phoenix New-Times 10/26)

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Navajo council fails in vote to remove top officials (10/21)