The Bureau of Indian Affairs confirmed to KJZZ that its Missing and Murdered Unit is investigating White Mountain Apache Chairman Kasey Velasquez, when asking for an update about the federal probe.
The unit’s special agents look into active cases, among other duties.
While this law enforcement agency — under the Office of Justice Services — usually coordinates with other federal partners, the FBI Phoenix Field Office isn’t involved nor aware, telling KJZZ: “If there is an investigation, it’s not the FBI.”
A former tribal cop, school administrator and substance abuse counselor, Velasquez was first elected chairman in 2022. He served as the tribe’s vice chairman more than a decade ago.
Velasquez also currently heads the Arizona Indian Gaming Association.
His legal counsel is Kurt Altman, a former deputy Maricopa County attorney and assistant U.S. attorney for the District of Arizona who now specializes in criminal defense matters.
Altman explained that Velasquez will not be making any statements out of respect for the ongoing investigation that his client is fully cooperating with, adding “We look forward to a rapid conclusion ... so that the chairman can continue to address important tribal matters along with his fellow council members.”
The chairman is up for reelection next year.
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