Spirit Lake Chairman Seeks Relief Restraining Orders

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — Ousted Spirit Lake Chairman Roger Yankton has sued in federal court, seeking relief from restraining orders he says violates his rights.

Yankton and Leander "Russ" McDonald are embroiled in a dispute over who is the tribe's rightful leader. Tribal members in July voted to recall Yankton, who some accuse of corruption, intimidation and ineffective leadership.

McDonald, a vice president at the tribal college, was sworn in as chairman, and a legal battle has ensued.

A restraining order bars Yankton from the tribal offices, from having contact with the tribal council and from coming within 100 feet of McDonald. Yankton maintains he's the rightful chairman and says in his lawsuit that the restraining order makes him "a virtual prisoner on the reservation."

The tribe has not yet responded to the lawsuit.