“Karis Begaye, daughter of Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye and probably the second most powerful person in the president’s office, is now on administrative leave after being charged with extreme DWI on April 29. The announcement of her placement on administrative leave occurred on Tuesday, five days after the story of her collision with a semi-trailer near Flagstaff was first reported by a local television station. During those five days, the president’s office only issued a short statement after the accident, saying that Karis Begaye had reported the accident and that it ‘may have’ involved alcohol.” B. Donovan, Navajo Times
Coconino County Sheriff’s Office booking photo of Karis Begay on April 22, 2018.
Excerpt: Karisgate heats up By Bill Donovan, Navajo Times
“The statement did not mention that she was driving a SUV owned by the Navajo Nation at the time of the accident and that the vehicle was severely damaged.
Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye (R.) and Vice President Jonathan Nez (L.)
After reports began circulating that she had received no disciplinary action and had even been allowed to use another tribal vehicle, many tribal members went on social media to protest, accusing the president of favoritism and failure to follow tribal law.”
