WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Navajo Nation’s fiscal year 2022 Comprehensive Budget was signed into law on Sept. 27. It included full funding for the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations totaling over $10 million from general funds and external funds combined. In addition, the approval of the Comprehensive Budget included carryover funding from FY2021 that is estimated to be more $1 million as of Sept. 28.

“We fully support the Department of Criminal Investigations and we understand the importance of their work for our people. We are open to working together with the Council to address any additional funding needs whether it be through a supplemental funding request or...

EMPLOYED, BUT UNEMPLOYED?
Gallup, July 28

A man received a letter from Workforce Solutions on July 28, which contained a debit card and instructions to activate it.

He thought the card was from his bank, so he activated the card, but soon realized it was a card for unemployment benefits and it displayed his name and the last four digits of his social security number.

He called the unemployment office, where his information and benefits were verified.

He explained that he was employed and that an unknown person had used his name to try to obtain unemployment benefits. A block was placed on the card and he was told to file a report with Gallup Police.

No further information is...

Navajo man sentenced to 12 years in prison

Staff Reports

ALBUQUERQUE — A conviction for abusive sexual contact of a minor in Indian Country has led to a 12-year prison sentence for Nathan Thomas, 45 of Pueblo Pintado, N.M.

Thomas pleaded guilty on Nov. 4, 2020. At that time he admitted that he knowingly engaged in and caused sexual contact with Jane Doe, who at the time of both incidents was under the age of 12. on Aug. 1, 2007, and July 21, 2010. Thomas committed the offenses at his family home in San Juan County, N.M., which is on the Navajo Nation.

Upon his release from prison, Thomas will be subject to three years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.

The...

Derrick Thompson
Aug. 6, 3:00 am
DWI

A white Ford F-150 swerved across Interstate 40 and got off at exit 26, where a witness called into Metro Dispatch and Gallup Officer Vincent Thompson was dispatched to the scene.

Thompson found the vehicle near 2600 E. Hwy. 66 and made a traffic stop. He met the driver, Derrick Thompson, 27, of Houck, Ariz., whom he said had bloodshot eyes and slurred speech. Derrick Thompson admitted to having had a couple drinks several hours prior to driving as he handed over his license. He agreed to take the standard field sobriety tests, but performed poorly and was placed under arrest.

Derrick Thompson agreed to give a breath sample and was transported...