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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — A Navajo Nation lawmaker has renewed legislation to oust the Tribal Council speaker, who is facing bribery and conspiracy charges.
A previous effort by Alton Joe Shepherd to remove Johnny Naize failed to get enough votes to pass.
Since then, former Navajo lawmaker Raymond Joe pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery in what prosecutors say was a scheme by tribal officials to divert money to their families. Joe named Naize as a co-conspirator.
Shepherd says he believes his new legislation will garner increased support as a result.
Naize has maintained he did nothing wrong. His attorney, Troy Eid, says he met with prosecutors Tuesday but declined to comment further.
Shepherd's legislation hasn't been posted publicly. A spokesman for Naize says the speaker hasn't had a chance to review it.
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