Push Comes to Shove
Speaker Morgan accused of battery against council delegate Maryboy

By Natasha Kaye Johnson
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — Mark Maryboy, council delegate for Montezuma Creek, Utah, filed a criminal police report Thursday against Speaker of the House Lawrence T. Morgan, stating that Morgan committed battery against him.

Because of the incident, there is a possibility that a bench warrant can be issued for Morgan's arrest.

According to a police report filed with Navajo Nation Public Safety, Maryboy notified law enforcement of the incident at 5:31 p.m. shortly after it occurred. At 5:32 p.m., the Navajo police arrived at the Council Chambers, where the confrontation took place. The police report stated that the incident occurred around 4:45 p.m., after the council finished the day.

According to the report, Maryboy said he went to the men's room at the council chambers and started talking to Morgan about legislation that was on the council agenda concerning an action honoring the late Curley John, former Aneth Chapter delegate.

During the session, Morgan called Maryboy several times over the speaker to present the legislation; however, because Maryboy wasn't there, Morgan moved onto other business on the agenda. If a council delegate is not at the chambers at the time when legislation is called upon, the proposed legislation is tabled.

Later, after arriving and realizing that legislation had been skipped, Maryboy asked that the legislation be put back on the agenda although it is against code to do so.

After a brief discussion between the two, Morgan said that he would attempt to bring the legislation back onto the table. Yet, when he attempted to, several council delegates, primarily Ervin Keeswood, objected saying it was against code.

Morgan tabled the legislation. However, during a bathroom break, Morgan and Maryboy had a confrontation about the issue. According to information provided by the police department, Maryboy asked Morgan why he didn't intervene (when some delegates objected), and said that he needed his support.

The confrontation then turned into a scuffle, where Maryboy reported that Morgan struck him in the chest with enough force to push him back into a stall. According to the report, Maryboy said Morgan wanted to have a full-out fight, but that Maryboy backed off.

The police report stated that there was another council delegate in the bathroom who witnessed the incident, but because he has yet to be interviewed, his name is not being released.

Investigators did attempt to contact Morgan on Thursday, as well as Friday morning. Public safety officials said that they believe Morgan is staying off the reservation to avoid possible arrest.

According to the report, Ray Etcitty, Morgan's attorney, told Morgan not to talk to anyone. Public Safety has yet to hear Morgan's side of the story.

The case was turned over to the prosecutor on Friday afternoon. As of at 5 p.m. Friday, prosecutors had not reviewed the report. Public safety said that it is up to the prosecutor to decidewhether a bench warrant will be issued for Morgan's arrest. Because Monday is Sovereignty Day, the issue will not be addressed until Tuesday.

As far as the Office of the Speaker is concerned, the incident is over.

A statement released Friday evening by Karen Francis, public information officer for Morgan's office, said "there were rumors that a misunderstanding had occurred between the Speaker and one of the delegates after Council convened on Thursday. The misunderstanding has now come to pass. Disagreements often happen between people that work in such high-pressure jobs. While misunderstandings may occur, it takes great leaders to come to a better understanding and that is what has happened. The situation has been resolved and the Navajo Nation Council and the Office of the Speaker continue to serve the interests of the Navajo Nation."