Julian Bear Runner, the president of the
Oglala Sioux Tribe, has been suspended following allegations of sexual misconduct.
A young resident of the Pine Ridge Reservation has accused the Bear Runner of engaging in inappropriate contacts. The individual said the contacts began when he was 17 years old and continued recently after he turned 18.
According to a post circulating on social media, Bear Runner took the teen to a hotel in Rapid City, off the reservation, in June and engaged in unwanted physical contact in the room. The teen and his family members and supporters have shared the post, which led to a written complaint against the president.
At a
meeting on August 24, the council voted to accept a complaint against Bear Runner and suspended him without pay. An impeachment hearing has been scheduled for September 14.
Bear Runner was suspended for 30 days in July in connection with
COVID-19 directives he issued on the reservation. He
returned to work in early August.
Immediately following his suspension, Bear Runner shared some personal information. In a post on social media, he said he had "recently come to terms" with his bisexuality.
In early May, Bear Runner acknowledged he had been
arrested by tribal police. He was charged in tribal court with
driving while intoxicated and verbal assault.
Read More on the Story
Oglala Sioux Tribe President suspended
(KOTA August 29, 2020)
Oglala Sioux president suspended on improper contact charge
(KFGO September 1, 2020)
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