GREAT FALLS - Timothy Davis has been removed from his position as the chairman of the Blackfeet Business Tribal Council.
The council voted unanimously on Thursday to remove him from the position. The vote was 9-0, with Davis voting for his own removal.
The vote comes just days after several people were taken into custody after Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and the FBI executed a search at his residence.
The nine people were charged this week in Blackfeet Tribal Court, primarily on drug and child endangerment charges.
The following people have been charged:
- Billie Jo Blackman: possession of drug paraphernalia, child endangerment.
- Murlaina Thomas: possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of dangerous drugs, child endangerment
- Rylee HeavyRunner: possession of dangerous drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of dangerous drugs, child endangerment, outstanding warrant
- Timothy Davis, Jr.: sale of dangerous drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, child endangerment
- Shawn Davis: sale of dangerous drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia.
- Brendan Davis: sale of dangerous drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, child endangerment.
- Josiah Davis: sale of dangerous drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, child endangerment.
- Westin L. Davis: possession of drug paraphernalia, child endangerment.
- Odell Davis: possession of drug paraphernalia, child endangerment
All of the suspects pleaded not guilty.
Josh Lamson, the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Blackfeet Tribe, noted in a news release, "in order to correct any misinformation that may be in circulation, let me confirm that Chairman Davis was not charged or arrested yesterday morning, and was not in the home at the time of the search."
After voting to remove Davis as the chair, the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council selected Iliff "Scott" Kipp, Jr., as the new chairman; Kipp had been serving as the vice-chair.
Although Davis is no longer the chairman, he will continue to serve on the council until his term ends in 2024.
"The Blackfeet Nation will continue to move forward in a positive way for all the Blackfeet People. The Blackfeet Tribal Business Council stands united to work in the best interest of the Blackfeet Tribe," Kipp said in a news release.
