Special Prosecutor Files Ethics Complaint Against Former Navajo Chief of Staff

Special Prosecutor Kyle T. Nayback filed a formal ethics complaint in the Navajo Nation District Court on December 10, alleging that Patrick Sandoval, the former chief of staff to Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, violated the Navajo Nation Ethics in Government Law while serving in the Office of the President and Vice President. The complaint says Sandoval requested and accepted more than $10,000 in gifts or loans from Innovative Electric, a business that was actively seeking payment exceeding $500,000 from OPVP during the period Sandoval served as chief of staff from January 2023 through March.

The filing alleges that Sandoval accepted personal financial benefits while determining or influencing whether the Navajo Nation would satisfy the claimed debt owed to Innovative Electric. Prosecutors contend those benefits were not obtained from a regular lending institution were not insignificant in value and were not motivated by a family or social relationship. Nayback cites alleged violations of 2 N.N.C. section 3756 which bars officials from accepting financial benefits when a lender has or is seeking a business or financial relationship with the Navajo Nation and 2 N.N.C. section 3744 which requires public officials to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects credit upon the Navajo people and government.

Nayback asked the District Court to schedule a hearing and is seeking multiple remedies including disqualification from appointment or employment in any Navajo Nation public office for five years forfeiture of compensation and benefits for a period of 30 days to one year a public reprimand entered into Sandoval’s permanent record and a requirement to pay restitution. The complaint also states the Office of Hearings and Appeals is conflicted from hearing matters related to OPVP because it is housed under the executive branch under the ultimate authority of President Nygren.

For McKinley County residents the case touches on how tribal leadership handles contracting disputes and stewardship of public funds. Allegations of conflict of interest can erode trust in government complicate relations with contractors and affect the timely delivery of services funded through tribal budgets. The outcome of the requested hearing will determine whether the alleged conduct results in formal penalties and could set a precedent for enforcement of ethical standards across tribal and intergovernmental partnerships.