Buu Nygren
Investigation Clears Navajo Prez Nygren of Sexual Harassment Claims Against VP
![Investigation finds Navajo Prez Nygren didn’t sexually harass his VP](https://arizonanews.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Investigation-Clears-Navajo-Prez-Nygren-of-Sexual-Harassment-Claims-Against.jpg)
After an eight-month investigation, the sexual harassment allegations made by Navajo Nation Vice President Richelle Montoya against President Buu Nygren have been deemed “not warranted,” according to preliminary findings released by the tribe’s attorney general on Monday.
The investigation concluded that Montoya’s account of an incident on August 17, 2023, does not meet the criteria for sexual harassment as defined by Navajo Nation policies for elected officials and employees. Additionally, it was found that the reported facts do not violate any criminal laws within the Navajo Nation.
Starting in April, the Navajo Nation Attorney General’s Office initiated an external investigation following Montoya’s claims of harassment and bullying. She publicly addressed her concerns during the spring session of the Navajo Nation Council on April 15.
The following day, Montoya elaborated during a Facebook Live session, stating she faced harassment in an incident from August 2023, although she did not identify the alleged perpetrator. In May, Nygren confirmed he was the accused individual during a press conference, which focused on a meeting that occurred in his office.
The investigation was launched in response to pressure from the Navajo Nation Council, public calls for accountability, and a request from the Navajo Nation speaker. Attorney Ethel Branch engaged Tempe lawyer Eric Dahlstrom of the Rothstein Donatelli law firm to conduct the investigation.
According to preliminary investigation results, no further inquiry into Montoya’s claims or the appointment of a Special Prosecutor is needed. Nygren expressed relief at being cleared of wrongdoing, stating it is time for the Navajo people to move forward.
“This false allegation has divided and hurt the entire Navajo Nation,” Nygren remarked. He also stated that Montoya should be held accountable for her actions, describing the situation as a “disgraceful power grab” aimed at removing him from office.
In October, Nygren removed Montoya’s authority over certain projects and publicly called for her resignation, which she has not addressed. Attorney General Branch noted her frustration with the investigation’s duration but emphasized the necessity of conducting a thorough and complete analysis.
The investigation process involved interviews with multiple employees, the establishment of a public tip line, and a review of available public sources. Interviewed individuals included Montoya, Nygren, and two senior aides.
Branch expressed satisfaction with the diligence of the investigation, stating, “No rock was left unturned in the search for evidence.” She indicated plans to implement the recommendations from the independent investigator, although those recommendations were not made public in the initial report.
“Continuing to allocate resources to these unsubstantiated allegations is not in the best interest of the Nation,” Branch stated. She reiterated the Navajo Nation’s commitment to addressing sexual harassment seriously and confirmed that the comprehensive investigative report would be disclosed once tribal leadership has been briefed.
Following the preliminary findings, Branch also announced the termination of the contract with Rothstein Donatelli LLP, citing delays that contributed to governmental instability during the investigation. She emphasized the need for diligent and responsible legal counsel for the Navajo Nation moving forward.