Official faces sex allegations
SASI executive placed on paid leave after being accused of harrassment

By Brian Hassler
Staff Writer

SHIPROCK — A top official from Shiprock Alternative Schools, Inc., has been placed on administrative leave as charges of sexual harassment have surfaced.

Phil Belone, Executive Director of SASI, was informed by the SASI school board that he was being placed on paid administrative leave while charges were being investigated between April 10-21.

Sources close to the board confirmed the suspension, adding that the board chose to place Belone on administrative leave after three SASI employees filed complaints to the board concerning alleged sexual harassment that had been taking place between Belone and others.

A letter that was delivered to the board on March 27 shed further light on those charges.

The letter, which was written by attorney Samuel Pete, explained to the board that Pete had been retained to represent a man and two women who were demanding an investigation into the actions of Belone.

"I have been retained to represent the following clients who have expressed concern over Mr. Belone's ongoing sexual harassment," stated Pete's letter.

The letter goes on to describe accusations of touching, "dirty jokes" and even an experience where the accuser claimed that Belone said that a student that was walking by "had a nice ass." Accusations that Pete contends can be corroborated by other employees.

The two women that retained Pete claimed that they were subjected to "unwanted touching," heard "unwanted sexual words" and were allegedly asked to join Belone in variety of sexual acts. A letter was attached to Pete's from the employees that Pete warned board members contained "vulgar and descriptive language."

"If the allegations are substantiated, actions for Mr. Belone's removal should be taken," stated Pete's letter. "It would be in the best interests of the students and faculty to take action."

Pete added that if the allegations aren't investigated and action is taken, that his clients would pursue other avenues including lodging complaints with the Navajo Nation and the federal government.

An inter-office memo was circulated by the school board on April 11 that made staff members aware that Belone was on administrative leave and that while he is on leave, Melissa Culler, the SASI elementary school principal, will temporarily handle his responsibilities.

An investigation of the allegations concerning Belone will be pursued, said sources at the school and that investigation will be handled by an attorney that has no connection to the school and isn't on retainer by the school or school board at the present time.

Belone was not available for comment and calls to SASI were referred to Human Resources. Pete could not be reached at press time for comment.

— Brian Hassler is The Independent's Four Corners reporter based in Shiprock. Contact him at (505) 360-7862 or via email at brianhassler@hotmail.com