Fred Dakota was arraigned today in a packed federal court in Marquette, MI.
With over 70 people in attendance most of whom were members of fight for
justice. Dakota's wife and daughters were there along with only a handful of
supporters, absent were his two sons, Chief Judge Bradley Dakota and Tribal
Police Dale Dakota.
Dakota plead not guilty to the 29 counts of conspiracy and tax fraud against
him, and told the judge he had sovereign immunity. The judge replied that
Dakota will abide by this court.
When asked if Dakota understood the charges against him and what his
education was, Dakota replied he finished 7th grade and had started the 8th
grade. The Judge than asked Dakota if he could read and write. Dakota
replied yes he could.
The Judge offered a bond of $150,000.00 along with the stipulation that
Fred step down from being tribal chairman/CEO and have no further business
dealings with tribal enterprises, also no consumption of alcohol or drugs,
turn in his passport, and not to leave Michigan's upper peninsula western
district.
Fred told the judge the bond was unacceptable and he would not accept it.
Then the Judge ordered the federal marshals to take Fred to jail.
As Fred was handcuffed and lead away, Fight For Justice members stood and
silently raised both arms high in jubilation.
A half-hour after Fred was taken away he was back in court and agreed to a
modified bond agreement of a PR bond of $150,000.00 and would be allowed to
act as chairman while he was on trial but would not be allowed to handle the
tribe's financial affairs. The other stipulation were still in effect.
The trial was set for Oct 28, 1996. And could be earlier if anything opened
up sooner.