The Oglala Sioux Tribal Council held an impeachment hearing of President Julian Bear Runner.
A teenager accuses Bear Runner of sexual abuse and told his story in a public meeting earlier this week.
In an emotional testimony to the Tribal Council Richard Weston says he first met Julian Bear Runner in his office on a school field trip. Weston says he and Bear Runner kept in touch afterwards over the popular messaging app Snap Chat. On February 10th of last year, Weston rode with Bear Runner from Porcupine to Pine Ridge when the first incident allegedly occurred, he was 17 at the time.
“So on that early morning, Julian picked me up and I was in the truck with him we got by the Wounded Knee Lookout Point and he pulled over and he looked at me and smiled.,” said Weston. “He started rubbing my thigh...right then and there I froze because I didn’t know what to do because I was scared. I was scared. He unzipped my pants and proceeded to do oral sex on me and I was 17 at the time.”
Weston says the second incident happened June 17. Weston called for help after a fight with his sister. Bear Runner picked him up as he was walking. He eventually drove Weston to Rapid City where allegedly the two shared a hotel room bed. Weston says he was coerced into having intercourse.
Bear Runner denies both allegations and opposes the process that the council held a hearing without any formal charges from law enforcement.
“Which is why the complaint should have first come through the judicial branch of the Oglala Sioux Tribe for the finding of fact,” said Bear Runner. “The Tribal Council cannot and has not ever heard criminal cases that have not yet be adjudicated under the due process of law. I feel like I can’t properly defend myself in this case because unlike judicial proceedings where proper investigations can happen and law enforcement officials can investigate said accusations to effectively enforce the law. Without the findings of facts under due process of law where one is deemed guilty and not guilty and has a right to be judged by a jury of his peers. This hearing is unjust and a violation of the constitution of the United States of America and the Oglala Sioux Tribe.”
Bear Runner has since filed a petition for a cease-and-desist order in the Oglala Sioux Tribal Court for defamation of character. President Bear Runner has not been charged for these allegations and it’s unclear if there are any criminal investigations.
Weston told council members it’s their jobs to protect the people and children on the reservation.
“It’s about conduct, you guys can’t let this happen to anyone now. You guys failed to protect the youth, you guys failed to protect me .”
The motion to impeach President Julian Bear Runner failed as Tribal Council did not reach a 2/3rds majority. 11 voted for, 5 voted against and 5 not voting.