Law & Justice (2026)

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Law & Justice

Department

Nez Perce Tribe

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Fall Report 2026

LAW & JUSTICE ORGANIZATION CHART

Samuel N. Penney

CHAIRMAN

EVA J. WHITE

EXECUTIVE

OFFICER

Pegyy

VanWoerkom

EXECUTIVE

ASSISTANT

Leiloni Ellenwood

OFFICE

SPECIALIST

Kenneth

Bourgeau

PROBATION

SUPERVISOR

Keith Kipp Sr.

PROBATION

OFFICER

Ricky Hernandez

COURT

NAVIGATOR

Leotis

McMcormack

GAMING

COMMISSION

Melvin Wheeler

Carmel McCurdy

Lilly James

Michael Humiston

TERO

PUBLIC DEFENDER

CHILD SUPPORT

CHIEF JUDGE

Mark Benson

CHIEF NEZ PERCE

TRIBAL POLICE

Liz Minkey

Laatis Lawrence

TERO CLIENT

ADVOCATE

Leslie Rickman

Lana Rickman

Sara Moffett

Wayde Whiteeagle

Vacant

OFFICE SPECIALIST

CASE MANAGER

COURT ADMIN

CAPTAIN

DEPT. PROS.

Vacant

TOSHA SAFETY

OFFICER

Conflict

Public

Defender

Vacant

Jeffery

Kaltenbaugh

INVESTIGATION LT.

LEGAL ASSISTANT

LICENSING AGENT

Alene Powaukee

INTERNAL AUDITOR

Ken Kipp

GAMING AGENT

Mark Souza

CH. COMPLIANCE

OFFICER

Charlotte Watters

CASE MANAGER

ASSOCIATE JUDGE

Calvin Allen

COMPLIANCE

OFFICER

Verna Taylor

ADMIN. FIN. SPCL.

Sonia

Vanwoerkom

COURT CLERK

Janice Ellenwood

Brenda Axtell

Vacant

Ashley Oatman

ADMIN. INTAKE

SPCL

Michelle Cutfinger

sgt. Stegner, sgt.

Svancarra,

cpl.Davis

Andre Picard

Shanelle Freouf

OUTREACH SPCL

COURT CLERK

OFFICE

SPECIALIST

COURT CLERK

Kim Bryant

FRONT DESK

ADMIN STAFF

Vacant

PROSECUTOR

DelRae Kipp

Ronald Calhoun

ATTORNEY

Det. White

INVESTIGATIONS

Speas

OFFICERS

Hendren, Gabbi Jr.

Bourgeau NeuGriffin

Antoni, Perez

Langmack,

Wilkinson

JAIL DIV.

Williamson,

Baumbaugh

Aubertin, Domebo,

Lonebear, Bisbee,

McKinsey, Sisto

Law & Order Executive Office 6

Judicial Services 10

Probation 12

Law Enforcement 13

Prosecutor 18

Public Defender 19

Child Support Program 22

TERO 24

Gaming Commission 31

Law & Order Executive Office

210 Bever Road,

Lapwai, ID 83540

Office: 208.621.4753

LAW & ORDER SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERS:

Aaron Gould, Chairman

Shirley J. Allman, Vice-Chairman

Marsan Lawyer-member

Jesse Leighton-member

Ryan Oatman-member

STAFF:

Eva J. White, Law & Order Executive Officer

Peggy Van Woerkom, Law & Order Executive Assistant

Leiloni Ellenwood, Temporary Law & Order Executive Office Specialist

EMPLOYEES:

Current Law & Justice staff: 53

Advertised Law & Justice Department positions: 7

Nez Perce Tribal members: 31

Other Tribal members: 2

Descendant employees: 2

Non-native employees: 18

OVERVIEW/PURPOSE:

The primary objective of the Law and Justice Department is to enhance the

operations and coordination among the various programs within the

Department. This will be achieved through ongoing and regular communication

both among the programs and between the Law and Order Executive Officer

(LOEO) and the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee (NPTEC), facilitated by

the NPTEC Chairman and the Law and Order Subcommittee. The programs

and LOEO will identify challenges and devise strategies to address them, with

the LOEO providing regular updates to the NPTEC Chairman and the Law and

Order Subcommittee, seeking NPTEC’s assistance when necessary.

Activity report from April through August 2026

Our office appointed a Chief Judge and Court Administrator in July, 2026.

The Nez Perce Tribal Court’s recording system has been updated to “For the Record

(FTR) Cloud. This a cloud-based platform designed to modernize how courts manage,

store, and access official court record. It integrates advanced recording, storage,

playback, and transcription capabilities to improve efficiency, security, and transparency

in the justice system. With its implementation, court officials can now access case files

quickly and securely, facilitating smoother court proceedings. This system not only

benefits the court staff but also attorneys and the public, who can request records or

transcripts with greater ease and reliability. Moreover, the enhanced security features

of FTR Cloud ensure that sensitive information is protected from unauthorized access.

The adoption of such technology underscores the Nez Perce Tribal Court’s commitment

to embracing innovation to better serve their community while upholding the integrity of

the judicial process.

Our office has been working on closing out the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and

Substance Abuse Site-based Program (COSSAP) grant. We received official approval

of budget and scope on August 24th, 2026. Since then COSSASP has finalized over 20

Community "Culturally Engaged Youth and Families Create Resilient Communities"

activities in Kamiah, Orofino, and Lapwai. This is possible with over 15

different partners that share a commitment to serving youth and seeking healing

opportunities to prevent youth recidivism. Support for supplies that go directly to engage

and support youth has been provided to Nez Perce Tribe Boys and Girls Clubs (Kamiah

& Lapwai), NPT Community Centers in Kamiah, Orofino, and Lapwai, and supplies for

the Init and Children's Home. The grant was approved to hire consultants (due to the

short period of time in the grant) to help close out and meet grant goals. These

individuals include Sydel Samuels and Brooklyn Baptiste, both enrolled Nez Perce

Tribal members.

We are holding regular meetings regarding the planning of the Court Expansion project

with Shawn, Dorthy, and the grant oversight team. The request for Qualifications (RFQ)

for project design has been disseminated, and we received a total of seven RFQ’s from

potential design-build contractors. The next step involves a thorough evaluation of

these submissions to identify the most suitable candidates for this project. The team

will be reviewing each proposal based on criteria such as experience, innovation, and

alignment with our project goals.

In June, 250 brochures for the Peacemakers Court were distributed during the Elders

Day activity at the Clearwater River Casino. With the addition of the Chief Judge we

are actively working on the reimplementation of the Peacemakers Court.

LAW & ORDER EXECUTIVE STAFF HIRE:

May of 2026, hired a part-time temporary Office Specialist, Leiloni Ellenwood.

July of 2026, filled the vacant Chief Judge position. Hired Michael Humiston from Priest lake,

Washington.

July of 2026, filled the Court Administrator position with Sara Moffett, who been the Interim

Court Administrator.

July of 2026, hired a full-time temporary Court Navigator, Ricky Hernandez.

MEETINGS ATTENDED:

monthly Multidisciplinary Team collaboration with Prosecutor's office, Social

Services, NMPH, Executive Director, and Law Enforcement

monthly meetings with the Restorative Justice Center team

monthly Executive Director’s meetings

Meet individually with managers on a needed basis and/or when an issue arises within the

programs

Attended Law & Order Subcommittee and Budget & Finance Subcommittee

Attended monthly court expansion project meeting

JUDICIAL SERVICES

STAFF:

Michael Humiston, Chief Judge

Sara L Moffett, Court Administrator

Michelle Cutfinger, Court Clerk

Shanelle Freouf, Court Clerk

Sonia Van Woerkom, Court Clerk

Kim Bryant, Temporary PT front desk clerk

PRO-TEM JUDGES:

Todd Richardson

Cynthia Jordan

COURT SUPPORT STAFF:

Ricky Hernandez, Court Navigator/Healing to Wellness Facilitator

Latoya Sisto, Court Bailiff

OVERVIEW:

The Court continues to serve as an impartial forum for the resolution of tribal

issues encompassing a range of matters including, but not limited to, criminal

cases, child protection child support child custody, divorce, domestic violence,

and debt collection. The staff is dedicated to treating all court system users with

fairness, respect, and composure.

April 1, 2026 – August 31, 2026

The Court is actively reorganizing its offices to ensure more efficient use of

space. A storeroom that houses numerous court records has been reorganized,

allowing court clerks easier access to old records for scanning and archiving.

The Court administrator continues to collaborate with the court clerks on crosstraining initiatives to enhance the Court’s efficiency and operational

effectiveness.

Court Administrator, Sara L Moffett participated in Tri-Sec: The Tribal

Administrative Professional Conference from April 21-23, 2026 in Las Vegas, NV.

This training focused on essential skills for Administrative Professionals with

hands-on workshops, interactive exercises, group discussions and networking

opportunities.

The Healing to Wellness team continues to support its participants

in identifying barriers to sobriety and finding effective strategies to overcome

these obstacles.

The court staff are actively revising and updating the court clerk’s handbook.

Once finalized, it will be presented to the Law & Order Subcommittee for

consideration of amendments to the resolution regarding these changes.

In July Michael Humiston was hired in the Chief Judge position. His prior

experience with the numerous tribal court systems and in other jurisdictions made

his transition into the court seamless. As the court continues to evolve there

remains a strong commitment to upholding justice and

improving procedural efficiencies.

STATS FROM APRIL, 2026-AUGUST, 2026

Hearing Held: 78

Criminal Cases Initiated: 15

Total Offenses: 21

Healing to Wellness Court

Active Participants: 5

Pending New: 1

Suspension: 0

Graduates: 1

Appeals

Open Cases: 3

Minor in Need of Care (MINOC)

Open Cases: 11

Total # of Children: 16

Civil Cases Initiated: 16

Probate: 3

Adult Guardianship: 0

Name Change: 1

Juvenile Offender: 0

MINOC: 0

ICWA: 0

Custody: 6

Child Support: 7

Minor Guardianship: 1

TPR/Adoption: 0

Marriage: 0

Divorce: 3

Protection Order: 9

Eviction: 5

Small Claims: 0

Non-DV Protection Orders: 6

Extradition cases initiated: 4

PROBATION

123 Agency Road

Lapwai, ID 83540

Office: 208.621.3618

STAFF:

Kenneth W. Bourgeau, Jr, Probation Supervisor

Keith Kipp Sr, Probation Officer/Community Service Coordinator

Activity report from April through August 2026

The Nez Perce Tribe (NPT) Probation Dept has supported numerous community functions,

including the Nimiipuu Behavioral Health Sobriety event, Pride Parade, and the Healing

Lodge of the Seven Nations. We maintain positive contacts and encourage our clients to

abstain from substance abuse--not only to comply with Court requirements but to support

their health and well-being within the community.

NPT Probation has also worked cooperatively with NPT Police Department, Nez Perce

County Sheriff’s Office, and Idaho State Felony Probation, and US Federal Probation.

Some clients have demonstrated improvement by completing NPT court order requirements

early. Adults successful discharge from Probation 8, Juveniles successful discharge from

Probation 3. Requirements such as VIPs (victim impact panel) provide education and help

clients understand the potential consequences of their harmful actions. Discussions often

address the reality of drunk driving and what could have happened. After these events,

clients take a more serious approach, demonstrate changes in character, and respond to

the requirements of the court order and Probation. We hold our clients accountable, offer

assistance, and encourage them to walk on a good road for themselves and their families.

Progress toward achieving and utilizing Peacemakers as part of the programs offered and

available through our NPT Court system remains hopeful. One case was deferred to the

Peacemakers, but the program was not fully functioning at the time of the incident.

We presently have five active clients in our Healing to Wellness Program, with one client

graduating on September 10th, 2026.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

210 Bever Grade, Lapwai, ID 83540

Office: 208.843.7141

ADMINISTRATION:

CHIEF OF POLICE: Mark Bensen

CAPTAIN OF POLICE: Wayde White Eagle

PATROL LIEUTENANT: John Svancara

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS LIEUTENANT: Jeff Kaltenbaugh

JAIL COMMANDER: John Williamson

ADMINISTRATIVE SUPERVISOR: Janice Jack-Ellenwood (Temporary)

TECHNOLOGY ADMINISTRATOR: Open

RECORDS: Brenda Axtel

FRONT DESK: Open

PATROL:

PATROL SGT: Vacant

PATROL SGT: Michael Stegner

PATROL CPL: Tyson Davis

OFFICER: Walt Wilikson

OFFICER: Vacant (advertising)

OFFICER: Chase Langmack

OFFICER: Vacant (advertising)

OFFICER: Meghan Antoni

OFFICER: Ruben Perez

OFFICER: Matthew Neu-Griffin

OFFICER: Davis Gobbi Jr.

OFFICER: Patrick Hendren

OFFICER: Vacant (advertising)

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER: Kamelle Bourgeau

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION:

DETECTIVE: Cassidy White

DETECTIVE: Vacant

SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION AND NOTIFICATION ACT (SORNA):

OFFICER: Breanne Speas

JAIL DIVISION:

DETENTION CPL: Austin Domebo

DETENTION OFFICER: Jacob Aubertin

DETENTION OFFICER: Armani Bisbee

DETENTION OFFICER: McKenna Baumbaugh

DETNTION OFFICER: Sage Lone Bear

DETENTION OFFICER: (multiple open positions)

NPTPD Statistics

May 6th, 2026 to August 27th 2026

Calls for service

Total arrests adult and juvenile

803

25 Adults/ 0 Juveniles

Community Engagement

At NPTPD, we have a clear expectation that all who work here are present and engaged with the

community. We have worked diligently meeting many people all over the reservation. Developing

relationships with my staff, our community, Tribal employees, and all our neighboring local, state,

and federal law enforcement agencies. We have attended several community events to include

school activities, graduation events and sports. We have continued to provide safe escorts for

many memorial services for Tribal members.

Equipment

Grant funding for fiscal year 2027 was several months late. Some grants are due in October of

this year. Our department has requested grant funding for new patrol vehicles to replace our

ageing fleet, drones, equipment and training. We have been able to obtain an officer wellness

program for our officers.

Training

Training in law enforcement is an investment for the future of our department and the Tribe. Since

May, different commissioned officers and civilian staff have attended the following training, Inservice firearms training. Defensive Tactics, EVOC (emergency vehicle operations course),

Firearms Instructor course, Drone Ground Pilot School, FBI-LEEDA, Ethics Training, Less Lethal

Munitions Instructor, Taser Instructor Training.

Criminal Investigations Division

CID has a renewed focus on cooperative work with our regional partners in law enforcement. Nez

Perce Tribal Police Detectives have teamed up with the FBI, the Idaho State Police, the Coeur

d'Alene Tribe, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the City of Lewiston Police Department to

proactively target drug use and sales on and adjacent to the reservation. CID is actively working

several cases involving child abuse and sexual assault in close cooperation with the Nez Perce

Tribe Prosecutor's Office, the FBI and the United States Attorney's Office. CID has partnered with

the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children task force and is attending training and developing

protocol with the goal of the Nez Perce Tribal Police Department becoming a full time ICAC

affiliate agency to work child abuse and exploitation cases in partnership with the Idaho

Department of Justice. We have assisted our regional partners in the investigation and

apprehension of child predators and have received their assistance in investigating Cybertips that

originates on the reservation. CID, the Nez Perce Tribe Prosecutor's Office, and Spokane County

Medical Examiner's Office obtained specialized training as a regional team in the investigation of

domestic violence strangulation and homicide. CID has partnered with OURescue to combat

human trafficking and child exploitation. The Criminal Investigations Division actively investigates

every report of child abuse/exploitation, sexual assault, suspicious death and felony drug

possession. We are grateful for tribal members’ support of our investigations and ask for their

maintained vigilance in reporting these crimes through the appropriate channels.

Hiring

We are working diligently to be fully staffed. Since the last General Council, one lateral

officer was hired and completed the field training program. We are also actively trying to

recruit a Nez Perce Tribal member who works for another police department. We continue to

advertise our open positions.

Promotions

On August 27th, Chief Bensen promoted Interim Captain Wayde White Eagle to Captain,

Sgt. John Svancara to Patrol Lt. and Detective Jeff Kaltenbaugh to Criminal Investigations

Lt.

Nez Perce Tribe Restorative Justice Center GC Fall 2026:

The Facility had added many amenities and features during this past year. The inmate

communication system (tablet system, inmate telephonic visitation system and computer

aided commissary) was added to our building. The system will allow inmates to

communicate with staff, attorneys and other parties they wish to connect with during their

stay at our facility. The tablet system can be uploaded with books, applications and

programs (like a certified forklift operator course) that will be geared towards their

continued growth and development.

The Department also purchased and installed a Smiths Detection B-Scan, body scanner.

The purchase will help restrict the introduction of drugs and/or contraband into our facility.

We want to ensure that all people who would be housed at our facility are safe and are

able to address the issues that brought them to this point in their life. An air quality system

was purchased and installed so we could monitor the air quality of our facility.

Licensing and certifying the Nez Perce Tribe Restorative Justice Center: Per Nez

Perce Tribal Resolution 26-170; the Nez Perce Tribe Department of Corrections has begun

the process to license and certify our facility. The Nez Perce Tribe in an expression of our

sovereignty, has developed and formulized standards that meet the needs of our Public

Safety programs. It should be noted that during the drafting process, the NPTRJC

retained the services of Daren Ward (Ward) to assist with the review process to ensure

that all policies and procedures met the standards set forth by the Idaho Jail Administrators

Association (IJAA). Ward served as both a Vice President and a President to the IJAA

during his tenure as the Jail Commander for Idaho’s second largest County jail facility (at

the time) in Canyon County. Ward has been instrumental in assisting NPTRJC staff in

developing policies that meet and/or exceed industry standards.

This has been the largest obstacle or barrier in our efforts to opening the facility. Since the

licensing process to become a certified Bureau of Indian Affairs facility typically takes four

or five years, the decision has been made for the Tribe to express its sovereignty and

license and certify the facility on its own. NPTRJC staff has had many detailed

conversations with both the highest rated facility in all the BIA Corrections Programs

(Nisqually) and the most recent certified facility (Puyallup) to ensure that we are taking

every precaution necessary to open our facility. Currently we are working with several

internal entities to develop and implement a process that will allow the Nez Perce Tribe to

certify the NPTRJC facility and policies.

Nez Perce Tribe Restorative Justice Center Policies: Policies that will dictate the actions

and responsibilities within the Nez Perce Tribe Restorative Justice Center have been

completed and given to the LOEO for review. Once this process is complete, they will be

forwarded to the Office of Legal Counsel for review. Once the process is completed, the

Policies will be submitted to the NPTEC Law and Order Sub-committee for review where they

will eventually be approved by resolution.

Nez Perce Tribal Corrections staff working in local jail facilities: Working with the

leadership at the Clearwater County Sheriff’s office, Department of Corrections staff have

been working shifts at the CCSO facility. While the initial discussions included CCSO staff

training our staff, using an industry method commonly referred to as a “Field Training

Program” or FTO, CCSO could not provide such training oversight, due to a staffing shortage

at their facility. In summary, CCSO was short staffed, and our DOC staff needed training. To

address the needs of both entities, each DOC staff has worked an eighty-hour shift at the

CCSO facility. To date, over four hundred and fifty hours of on-site staff training has occurred,

facilitated by the CCSO Jail Staff. Kudos to Clearwater County Sheriff Chris Goetz and Lt.

Rikki Spencer for their above and beyond collaboration efforts!!

Restorative Justice: DOC staff have facilitated several trips to assist incarcerated

individuals to go from doing time in a jail, to an appropriate, holistic treatment facility. Working

with our partners from the Nisqually nation, our staff have made numerous trips over the

mountain to transport our inmates to from their facility to the Sea-Tac Airport so they can enter

a treatment facility and begin working on their issues. Our staff is proud to be a part of these

types of collaborations, as we support our people in finding the best version of themselves.

UPDATE: BIA Division of Safety Inspection: In November of 2025, Ryan Binford BIA,

Northwest Region Safety Manager did an inspection of our facility. During the inspection,

Binford made several recommendations noted in a report that was issued to the Department

and with the BIA Corrections Program Specialist, Justin Garner. In response to the report, the

NPTRJC staff is in the process of taking the following action:

1. Changed out the porcelain sink and toilet in the booking waiting area. Binder stated that since

this was going to be primary restroom used by inmates during the booking process and for

those housed temporarily in our safe cell, those amenities needed to be replaced with

stainless steel.

2. Shower heads throughout the facility were replaced with heads that did not “represent a

strangulation point”.

3. Several doors throughout the facility did not have the appropriate assembly tags visible. Per

BIA Standards, doors need to be rated for “one hour fire protection,” and the tag needs to be

visible.

4. The kitchen needed several upgrades to meet industry standards and was listed as “still under

construction”. It should be noted that a range has been purchased that will allow NPTJC staff

to heat up and serve up to thirty meals in under seven minutes at a time!!

5. The south emergency exit egress needs to be cleared. Weeds and gravel will make it difficult

for inmates (who will typically be in belly chains and leg irons) to exit the facility in the event of

a fire. In addition, the emergency exit needs to be clearly marked, and fire escape route

signage needs to be posted throughout the building for all to see.

6. The generator outside of our building needs to be protected by fencing as it presently could be

subjected to damage and/or vandalism.

7. Signage that indicates “Authorized Staff Only” for our gated compound area, as that parking

area is shared with our Patrol/Investigations Divisions.

Binford personally noted that he liked the layout of our facility and looked forward to working with

our staff to see it open. Binford also stated that he would be providing yearly inspections.

Stats 2023-2026

Refusals 136

Arrests 56

Prisoner Transports 130 total inmate transports. There were several :”long distance”

transports to our partenering facility in Nisqually Washington. These trips alone have

accounted for 7,371 miles for the seven and a half hour, one way. trip

PROSECUTOR

PROGRAM DIRECTOR:Vacant

DEPARTMENT MANAGER:Eva J White LOEO

Staffing:

2 vacant positions

1 full-time Administrative Legal Assistant

Contact Information

Nez Perce Tribe Prosecutor’s Office

P.O. Box 365, 123 Agency Road

Lapwai, Idaho 83540

Phone: 208-843-7361 Fax: 208-843-5083

Delrae Kipp, Administrative Legal Assistant

delraek@nezperce.org

Overview

The Prosecutor’s Office has four components: Prosecution of Adult & Juvenile Crimes;

Prosecution of Civil Infractions; Presentation of Minor In Need of Care cases; Healing to Wellness

Court.

The Prosecutor’s Office has gone through some big changes and to date does not have a

Prosecutor or a Deputy Prosecutor on staff. The child support Prosecutor has been interim for

court cases since May 2026.

The Prosecutor’s Office has filed 14 criminal cases, since April 2026.

PUBLIC DEFENDER

Program Mission: The mission of the Office of the Public Defender is to provide quality

representation and zealous advocacy to adults and juveniles accused of criminal offenses

filed in the Nez Perce Tribal Court.

Attorney/Department Manager: Carmel McCurdy

Office Specialist II: Leslie Gilley

Staffing: 1 full-time attorney; one full-time office specialist II

Contact Information:

Nez Perce Tribe Office of the Public Defender

222 Wildcat Avenue

P.O. Box 365

Lapwai, ID 83540

208-621-3866

Email: carmelm@nezperce.org

leslieg@nezperce.org

Overview for April, 2026 – August, 2026

The Public Defender appears in tribal court to represent adults and juveniles accused of

committing criminal offenses. The purpose of the Office of the Public Defender is to

safeguard individual rights in all criminal and related matters, from arrest or threat of

confinement through all stages of the criminal proceedings including appeal and probation

matters, if any, consistent with applicable laws, court rules, and rules of professional

responsibility. This Office also represents clients engaged in the Nez Perce Tribe Healing to

Wellness Court. The Public Defender participates in various working groups for the Tribe,

such as the Code Revision team and the Family Treatment Court Team.

The Office Specialist II handles tasks such as creating and organizing case files, keeping

digital files, and adding documents to individual files. She tracks the number of cases filed

and the categories of charges for each. She fields phone calls, calendars court hearings

and meetings, coordinates with the conflict public defenders, and works with Nimiipuu

Behavioral Health on receipt of treatment recommendations. She assists clients with

identifying additional tribal resources available to them.

Restorative justice is a key component of our representation, pursued by exploring

opportunities such as deferred prosecution, diversion, withheld judgments, and Healing to

Wellness Court participation. It is always the decision of the client to either take a case to

trial or to accept a plea bargain. Our process includes researching, drafting, and filing

suppression motions, requests for additional discovery, and advocating for clients with

sentencing and probation issues. We also repeatedly seek the reduction of bail both at initial

arraignment hearings and in formal bail-reduction proceedings.

The Public Defender is a member of the Healing to Wellness Court Team and works closely

with Healing to Wellness Court participants to ensure that their needs are met. We also help

our clients coordinate scheduling of appropriate assessments with Nimiipuu Behavioral

Health.

The Public Defender continues to be available as schedule permits to provide guidance to

individual tribal members on questions concerning civil matters before the Court, so long as

the opposing parties in a civil matter are not Nez Perce tribal members.

Accomplishments

Current active caseload: 125 charges are open and pending (including three Juvenile

matters) in the Public Defender’s office. Several of these matters are active or pending for

active bench warrants. Bench warrant cases remain pending until these defendants are

arrested by police and brought before the Court.

The Public Defender meets with persons charged in the tribal criminal court regarding the

charges, their rights and the maximum penalties faced; and represents these clients in court

hearings and pursues motion practice to protect the individual defendants’ rights under the

Nez Perce Tribal Revised Code and the Indian Civil Rights Act.

In a five month period, April, 2026 through August, 2026, the Office received criminal

complaints for a total of thirty-two (32) new charges in adult criminal court. Nine (9) counts

were charged at the felony level, and twenty-three (23) counts were misdemeanor level.

Of the 32 criminal charges, fourteen (14) involved alcohol and/or drugs, and one (1) was a

domestic violence/family violence charge.

During this time period, the Public Defender represented eleven (11) defendants in twenty

20 charges, six (6) felony charges and thirteen (14) misdemeanor charges. Three conflict

attorneys were assigned a total of five (5) defendants brought up on 12 total charges (3

felony charges and 9 misdemeanor charges).

Additionally, one (1) juvenile petition was filed, one (1) misdemeanor level charge involving

alcohol.

Of the 18 total adult defendants charged, 13 were male and 5 were female.

A total of 12 new bench warrants were issued during this time period.

The Public Defender advises clients that are brought before the Nez Perce Tribal Court on

Extradition Warrants. This quarter five (5) tribal members were brought before this Court

facing extradition warrants from other states/counties.

Conflict public defenders provide a necessary service because of conflicts involving codefendants or other conflict concerns, to allow for continuity of representation where a

conflict attorney had represented a particular client in a prior court case, or for time

constraints arising from caseloads. Every attorney handling cases in the Nez Perce Tribal

Court is subject to the ethical duties of professional responsibility for maintaining his or her

Bar license.

The Public Defender collaborates with the University of Idaho Legal Aid Clinic to provide legal

interns an opportunity to practice in the Tribal criminal court under the supervision of their bar

licensed supervising attorney. This collaboration benefits not only the legal interns but serves to

introduce law students to tribal court practice to encourage new attorneys to seek positions in tribal

courts after graduation. The Public Defender is in contact with the supervising attorney and will

offer misdemeanor cases once the fall semester has begun.

Following a Bench Trial, this office filed an appeal in a special tribal criminal jurisdiction case. An

Appellate panel has not yet been assigned to schedule briefing and arguments.

The Public Defender takes an active role in grant programs, including the Healing to Wellness

Court Team, VAWA implementation team, the Sex Offender Registry grant and the Special

Domestic Violence Jurisdiction program.

The Public Defender works in conjunction with the Center for Children and Family Futures to draft

policy manuals and participant handbooks for implementation of the Family Treatment Court

(Family Wellness Court) grant program.

The Public Defender is a member of the LC Valley Domestic Violence Community Response Team,

and a member of the Nez Perce County Justice/ Behavioral Health stakeholders.

The Public Defender maintains professional associations in the Idaho Criminal Defense Lawyers

Association and served as an At-Large Council Member for the Idaho State Bar Indian Law

Section. The Public Defender attends trainings on relevant topics for Continuing Legal Education

credits to maintain licensure in both the Idaho and Washington state Bar Associations, as well as

other trainings targeting drug court and cultural information to enhance service to the Tribal

members being served.

CHILD SUPPORT PROGRAM

CONTACT:

208.843.7362, childsupport@nezperce.org, or visit 453 Agency Road, Lapwai,

Idaho 83540.

STAFF:

Lilly James, CSP Director

Lana Rickman, Case Manager

Charlotte Watters, Case Manager

Verna Taylor, Finance Specialist

Andre Picard, Outreach Specialist

Ron Caulhoun, CSP Attorney

Ashley, Office Specialist

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT

Child Support Awareness Month

August was recognized as Child Support Awareness Month. The Program

connected with families through PBS Be My Neighbor Day, the office Punch-aCup giveaway, parenting and adult-preparation classes, the Lapwai Back-toSchool Bash, and sponsorship of the 50th Annual Lookingglass Powwow. These

activities promoted responsible parenting, family connections, and awareness of

available child support services.

PROGRAM IMPACT

$78,112.13

357CONTINUING

COLLECT

CASES

13NEW

CASES

3CASES

CLOSED

14COURT

HEARINGS

Statistics cover April 1 through August 31, 2026. The 357 continuing cases

represent the Program's caseload as of August 31. No new cases were opened and

no cases were closed during August, and two hearings were held during the month.

PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS

Additional Sponsorship for Family Services

After the Idaho Children's Trust Fund grant application was not funded, the Director

pursued other funding opportunities. Healthy Blue approved a $10,000 sponsorship

proposal to support culturally responsive parenting education, fatherhood

engagement, youth outreach, family wellness activities, and assistance with barriers

affecting parents and children. Tribal approval is being pursued before the funding

is accepted.

National Leadership and Advocacy for Tribal Families

The Director represented the Nez Perce Tribe at national child support meetings in

Louisville, Kentucky, and Traverse City, Michigan. Through speaking engagements,

board service, and policy discussions, the Director shared Tribal perspectives and

advocated for Tribal sovereignty, meaningful consultation, fatherhood and

employment services, and federal policies that recognize the unique needs of Tribal

child support programs.

Expanding Fatherhood and Parent Engagement

The Program advanced a culturally grounded fatherhood initiative focused on

responsible parenting, healthy co-parenting, overcoming employment and other

barriers, and strengthening relationships between fathers and their children.

Funding for this initiative was included in the Program's approved FY 2027 budget.

Planned services include community activities, individualized support, and outreach

to fathers in local correctional facilities.

WHAT WE DO CSP provides fee-free parentage, child support establishment,

modification, enforcement, payment, genetic-testing, and intergovernmental

services.

TERO

Nez Perce Tribal Employment Rights Office

(TERO) TERO Youth Apprenticeship Program

(TYAP)

102 Agency Road

Lapwai, ID 83540

Office: 208.843.7363

NPT TERO Commission Members:

Mary Tallbull, Chairman

Larry Greene

Sherri Greene

Lana Rickman

Bruce Lawrence

Staff:

Melvin Wheeler, Director

Vacant, TOSHA Officer

Calvin Allen, Compliance Officer

Lattis Lawrence, TERO/TYAP Sponser

Vacant, Office Specialist

TERO/TYAP Activities April 1,2026-September 31, 2026

The TERO/TYAP Program entered into a MOU April 2026 with the United Steelworkers to train

the staff to become safety trainers. NPT TERO/TYAP Program hosted the first 40 hours

HAZWOPER Training on April 27, 2026 at the Clearwater River Casino. The class filled up

with twenty-five particpants and they took the forty hours class and earned their certificate on

Friday May 1, 2026.

The NPT TERO/TYAP Program held a flagging class Friday May 8, 2026 and had 15 clients

earn their flagging cards so they could start work on the upcoming projects.

NPT TERO/TYAP Program held an “Open House Employment Opportunity” on Tuesday May

12, 2026 at the Pi-Nee-Waus Gym in Lapwai, ID. TERO/TYAP had our partners come down

from Spokane, WA LIUNA Laborers Local #238. At this event we had clients come apply for

work, update their skills bank applications and even sign up for with the LIUNA Laborers.

May 27, 2026 NPT TERO/TYAP staff Laatis Lawrence, Julia Gould and Christina Feliciano,

IBE attended the Lapwai High School Senior Day at the school gym to announce the TYAP

graduates. The TYAP clients listed below were given a TYAP certificate, TYAP pin and soft

blanket. Congratulations to our 11 TYAP clients: Darwin Littlefish, Vincent Kipp, Anton

Arthur, MariJayne Gomez, Cleveland Broncheau, Taya Yearout, Marcus Guzman,

Carmelo Lawrence, Triston Konen, Joseph Whitefoot, Keanen Henry. Congrats to LHS

Class of 2026!

NPT TERO/TYAP Laatis Lawrence took 8 clients over to Ellensburgh, WA Saturday June 20,

2026 from 10am-4pm to tour and talk with other clients who are in the apprenticeship program.

From this visit six of the clients signed up with the Operating Engineer’s Local 302/612 they

are going into the Heavy Equitment Operating apprenticeship program that is a four year

program.

Nez Perce TERO/TYAP Current Projects

Fiber 1 / Nez Perce to Orofino

TERO Dispatches: 4 Flaggers, 4 Laborers

Fiber 2 Grangeville to Nez Perce

TERO Dispatches: 5 Flaggers, 4 Laborers, 1 HEO

Nez Perce to Homes Fiber 3

TERO Dispatches: 3 Laborers

Cherry Lane Fish Hatchery Chiller

TERO Dispatches: 1 Laborer, 1 HEO

Lapwai Creek Bridge/ U.S 95

TERO Dispatches: 2 Flaggers

Design Build Services – Judicial Building/Lapwai

TERO Dispatches: 1 Carpenter

TERO/TYAP Service to Participants Activities April 1-September 31, 2026

NPT TERO/TYAP Program hosted the first 40 hours HAZWOPER Training on April 27,

2026 at the Clearwater River Casino.

Feeding the clients Monday-Friday at CRC= $8,000 (Service to Participants)

The NPT TERO/TYAP Program held a flagging class for 15 clients Friday May 8, 2026.

Instructor pay= $180.00

(15) Flagging cards/test=$1,500.00

Snacks for clients=$150.00

Total=$ 1,830.00 (Service to Participants)

The NPT TERO/TYAP Program hosted “Open House Employment Opportunity”

Snacks for clients= $ 150.00 (Service to Participants)

May 27, 2026 Lapwai High School Senior Day (11 grads)

Blankets for 11 TYAP clients=$300.00

TYAP Pins (11) TYAP clients=$150.00

11 TYAP certs=$150.00

Total: $600.00 (Service to Participants)

Operating Engineer’s Local 302/612 Trip (8) clients

Bought Lunch onsite=$160.00

Total: $160.00 (Service to Participants)

Total spent from Service to Participants Budget= $10,290.00

TERO/TYAP Current Grants April 1-September 31, 2026

IGNITE Grant $300,000-applied for to help with training stipends for our Summer Youth

Work Group 2027 & help buy safety gear if needed.

Native American Assistance Fund $ 200,000- July 2025- August 2026 (20 clients); funds

go straight to the clients to help remove barriers so they can go to work or training in a WA

Union Program.

Native American Assistance Fund $200,000-September 2026: This grant will help fund 20

clients to remove barriers for them to finish up their WA Union Apprenticeship program or

to help a new client enter a program. New clients can receive up to $10,000, and returning

clients can receive up to $5,000.

TERO/TYAP Staff Trainings

Pacific Northwest Region 2026 Spring TERO Conference was held on April 13-14, 2026 at

the Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel at Snoqualmie, WA.

Council for Tribal Employment Rights (CTER) 2026 National TERO Conference was held

on August 12-14, 2026 at River Spirit Casino Resort & Hotel at Tulsa, OK.

Preference Law & TERO Certification Training was held on September 1, 2026-September

3, 2026 at Embassy Suites Bloomington, MN with Mr. Richard McGee.

2026 United Steelworkers MOU Train the Trainers conference was held on September 1318, 2026 at Pittsburgh, PA.

GAMING COMMISSION

35069 US Hwy 95

Lewiston, ID 83501

Office: 208.621.4744

NPT Gaming Commission Members:

Gabe Bohnee, Chairman

Eva Higheagle , Secretary

Robert Kipp, Vice Chairman

Staff:

Leotis McCormack, Director

Mark Souza, Chief Compliance Officer

Alene Powaukee, Internal Auditor

Ken Kipp, Gaming Agent

Liz Minkey, Licensing Agent

Office Specialist: VACANT

Overview and Purpose

The Nez Perce Tribal Gaming Commission was created under the provisions established in the

passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), which was enacted to support and

promote tribal economic development, self-sufficiency, and strong tribal governments through the

operation of gaming on Indian lands. The Act provides a statutory basis for the federal regulation

of Indian gaming and the authorities for Tribes to regulate Tribal Gaming.

The Nez Perce Tribe established the Commission to regulate and support tribal gaming as a

means of generating revenue for tribal communities.

The Commission consists of three part time members appointed by the Nez Perce Tribal

Executive Committee and full time supporting staff to carryout the day to day responsibilities of

the Commission. The President, Vice President and the Treasurer/secretary are all selected by

the commissioners and affirmed by NPTEC action.

The Nez Perce Tribal Gaming Commission responsibilities:

regulating and monitoring certain aspects of Nez Perce gaming;

coordinating its regulatory responsibilities with appropriate jurisdictions;

providing training and technical assistance to tribal entities;

reviewing and approving tribal gaming ordinances and management agreements in

conjunction with the NPTEC;

reviewing the backgrounds of individuals and entities to ensure the suitability for gaming

licenses of those seeking to work or conduct business with Nez Perce Tribal gaming;

overseeing and reviewing the conduct and regulation of Nez Perce gaming operations;

enforcing violations against the Nez Perce Tribal Code and IGRA and its regulations; and

referring law enforcement matters to appropriate tribal, Federal, and state entities.

REPORT:

Attended and completed NTTM Monthly NIGC trainings

Participated in OMNIGO weekly Zoom trainings

Review and record Gaming Incidents - 234

Follow up on all Gaming cash handler Variances - 67

Participated in CMX Gaming Meetings

Reviewed and approved and distributed Internal Audits for FY

Completed Major Policy Investigations and reported to Director - 5

Develop and utilize Sorter/Counter Verification Audit for both CRC & IYY completed

Update maintain, and distribute tracking spreadsheets – (Drop,

Expulsions, ICR, Variance, Promotions winners)

Observation of WAP Hit KK-01 CRC $108K Aristocrat

Created and approved Facial Recognition Legal Framework for NPTGC

Preparation/Training for Gaming Regulation State of Washington: Red Wolf

Secured REDW for External Audit for FY 26, 27, 28

Purchased and implemented Omnigo Report Exec Data System for Regulatory Case

Management

Staff Attended:

-NIGC training between July-Aug. for the following.

-EPHS Panel Discussion: Fires, Floods and Evacuations

-NIGC NGI/NCJITS Audit(s): FY25 Top Findings, NIGC CJIS Resource Materials-NTC

Live Stream: Compliance Meets Innovation: Using AI to Develop TICS and SICS

-Licensing Process: 25CFR Part 556 & Part 558

-Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) and Compliance with 25 CFR Part

558.3(f)

-Licensing Process

-Gaming Ordinance

-Minimum Internal Controls for Surveillance

-Attended/familiarized with annual training with Acranet

AUDITS:

Audits completed:

1. Bingo

2. Gaming Promotions and Player Tracking

3. Complimentary Servies or Items (COMPS)

4. Cage/Vault/Kiosk/Cash

5. Surveillance

6. Audit and Accounting

7. Revenue Audit

8. Management Information Systems (MIS)

9. Drop and Soft Count for CRC

Upcoming Audits:

1. IYY Drop and Soft Count

2. VGM - for both CRC and IYY

Total # Permanent Gaming License Issued

Total # Temporary Gaming License Issued

Total # of Renewal of Gaming License Issued

Total # of Vendor temporary license issued

Total # of Vendor permanent/renewal license issued

NOTES

Nez Perce Tribe

‌ ‌Y

‌

Fall Report 2026

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.