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Former Dilkon Chapter vice president convicted of forgery

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WINDOW ROCK, NAVAJO NATION — Attorney General Ethel Branch announced Oct. 11 that former Dilkon Chapter Vice-President Daryl Joe was found guilty of five charges of forgery by the Dilkon District Court of the Navajo Nation.

The Navajo Nation filed criminal complaints against Joe on Oct. 17, 2017. He was arraigned on Feb.21 and pleaded Not Guilty. The Court held a bench trial on Aug. 17, 2018. The Court issued its judgment, findingJoe guilty of five charges of Forgery on Sept. 10 and 11.

Joe submitted five forged hotel receipts to justify and keep Dilkon Chapter funds provided to the Defendant by the approved Dilkon Chapter Travel Authorization/Advance. Defendant submitted documents that were forged in an effort to defraud the Dilkon Chapter of $640.90 that was paid to Joe for lodging.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Navajo Nation Office of the prosecutor’s White Collar Crime Unit with assistance from the Office of the Auditor General. The prosecution was handled by the White Collar Crime Unit’s Prosecuting Attorney Brandon Bitsuie.

“Considering the White Collar Crime Unit has only two staff members, the Unit is doing tremendous work ensuring accountability for this type of white collar crime. The Nation, local communities and all Navajo People are the victims when these types of crimes occur,” said Chief Prosecutor Gertrude Lee.

“I hope the next administration will continue to support the tremendous efforts of Chief Prosecutor Lee and the White Collar Crime Unit in demanding integrity from our public officials.  With such limited funds to operate our government and provide direct services to our people, it is essential that public dollars be used for public benefit,” Attorney General Ethel Branch said.

To report tips and complaints about waste, fraud, and abuse in the Navajo Nation government, contact the Navajo Nation Fraud Hotline at 1-844-747-2767 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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