White Mountain Apache Chairman Sues to Block Tribal Council Removal Bid

White Mountain Apache Tribe Chairman Kasey Velasquez filed a lawsuit in White Mountain Apache Tribal Court on March 11, seeking a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to prevent the tribal council from terminating him as chairman while a sexual misconduct investigation remains unresolved at the federal level.

The complaint asks the court to declare invalid a resolution and "tentative determination" passed by council members, which Velasquez says violate both the tribe's constitution and his due process rights. He is also requesting the appointment of an independent judge with no ties to either side. "This action is about protecting our Tribe and the rule of law," Velasquez said in an official statement. "The Constitution of the White Mountain Apache Tribe was created to protect the voice of our people and to guide our leaders in how we make decisions. When that framework is ignored, it is my responsibility as Chairman — and as a tribal member — to stand up and defend it."

The lawsuit emerges from a months-long investigation rooted in allegations from Wendy Ruiz, the tribe's human resources director, who reported an alleged assault inside Velasquez's office in June 2025. Ruiz claims Velasquez often hugged her and gave her unwanted neck massages. The tribe's 11-member council placed Velasquez on paid administrative leave in August after the investigation began. Ruiz is also currently on administrative leave.

A tribal prosecutor has declined to file charges for sexual harassment and assault. The Bureau of Indian Affairs' Missing and Murdered Unit conducted its own investigation and referred the case to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona. As of this reporting, no charges have been filed and federal prosecutors have not confirmed whether an indictment will follow.

Velasquez's complaint contends the council is attempting to remove him "on the basis of mere allegations, and without due process," and alleges that council members violated their duty to uphold constitutional protections guaranteed to tribal members. The filing also cites repeated requests for documents, evidence, and procedural safeguards that were delayed or denied. His attorney, Kathryn Furtado, maintains her client's position plainly: "He is confident that a full and fair investigative process will reveal his innocence."

The political stakes extend beyond the courtroom. Velasquez previously chaired the Arizona Indian Gaming Association but was replaced in that role amid the investigation. He is up for reelection as White Mountain Apache chairman later this year, meaning the tribal court's ruling on the emergency motion could directly shape whether he remains on the ballot as a sitting chairman or as a removed one. No hearing date for the temporary restraining order has been publicly announced.