Charges Sought Against Two White Earth Elected Officials

Charges are being sought against two elected officials on the White Earth Reservation, including Chairman Michael Fairbanks and Secretary-Treasurer Mike LaRoque.
According to documents, six charges have been filed against Fairbanks, while three charges have been brought against LaRoque. The allegations come from Eugene Sommers, a District II Representative of the White Earth Reservation Business Committee (RBC).
The charges against Chairman Fairbanks include mismanagement, abuse of power, theft, and multiple violations of tribal law. Among the allegations, Sommers claims Fairbanks:
• Had staff complete his college homework during work hours.
• Stole “drum split” money during White Earth Powwows.
• Violated hiring procedures and improperly reassigned departments.
• Restricted elected officials from performing their duties, including blocking access to tribal ID records amid fraud concerns.
Meanwhile, Secretary-Treasurer LaRoque faces allegations of malfeasance, neglect of duty, and abuse of power.
The RBC convened a meeting Friday morning at Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen, where the issue was discussed in executive session. According to the documentation, a hearing may be scheduled, giving Fairbanks and LaRoque the opportunity to respond, present evidence, and call witnesses in their defense. If the RBC substantiates the charges, they could face removal from office, censure, or other corrective measures.
The White Earth Reservation is the largest of the 11 tribal reservations in Minnesota.
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