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OCTOBER 10, 2000

Richard Velky, chief of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation, denies he assaulted the wife of a rival leader.

Velky was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and third-degree criminal mischief last weekend. He says he was provoked by Karen Russell, the wife of rival leader Alan Russell.

Velky and Russell have been battling one another over control of the tribe. Velky has represented the tribe before the media and in other issues such as land claims and federal recognition in recent months, while Russell says he is the true leader of the state-recognized tribe.

Get the Story:
Schaghticoke chief responds to criminal allegations (AP 10/10)

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Schaghticoke chief arrested in dispute (The Talking Circle 10/9)